Let's do the actual math nobody wants to show you.
$85,000 salary. $54,000 after taxes depending on your state.
$4,500/month take home.
Rent: $1,900. Car: $520. Insurance: $180. Utilities: $160. phone: $85. Groceries: $380. Student loans: $340.
You have $935 left.
and then your boomer parents tells you to be more disciplined.
10 years ago:
A McChicken was $1
A dozen eggs were $1.50
A Chipotle burrito was $6.50
Netflix was $9
A full tank of gas was $35
Rent was $1,400
A used Honda was $10,000