conversation: User (CopainCevalier): "I've been reading around here lately and I see a lot of worrying post about people making three+ times what I do, but also sounding like they're so very close to losing a lot of what they own. I'm currently 24, making about 24K a year... but I feel financially sound? I have a good car in a good condition, the only bills I'm not paying on my own are Insurance and Phone (because family plans from parents), my savings account has been slowly growing since I became independent, and even without working overtime at work I'm still seeing it increase a couple hundred a month (not great, but given where I am)...\n\n\nNow, obviously, I'm fairly young; but I just cannot understand the post I read and how dire some peoples' situations seem to be even though they're making so much more money then me. I'm not calling these people stupid so much as I am worried about the fact that I cannot see how this is happening to them and it makes me worry I'll fall into similar situations as them and be ruined.\n\nI apologize if this is against any of the rules here as it is not exactly a full on "hey what should I do about my current situation" post, but I read the rules and looked around your FAQ on the side bar in hopes of getting an answer and did not find one. I really like how informative this place is in general and how helpful the users who frequent here are, I'm hoping for the best here for my request too.\n\n\nEDIT: HOLY CRAP! You guys are awesome here! I knew you guys replied a lot, but I didn't expect to wake up to so many replies! Thanks a ton for all the advice!"
  Self: "Basically never buy a car or home, and don't go to college. Otherwise, you will accrue more debt than most could pay back in the calculated time frame built around the loan. This is due to the application of interest. "
  