"You don’t own a house because you spend all your money on avocado toast and a Starbucks latte every morning." – It’s a phrase I hear often from people my age. And while I can’t help but smile at it, I have to admit, it oversimplifies things a little. Is a sandwich and a cup of coffee really the reason why young people today struggle to buy a home? Or has the economic landscape changed so drastically that what was once a natural milestone—owning property—is now an unattainable dream for many?
As the saying goes: "Necessity became luxury while luxury became more affordable." The things that were once essential—buying a home, securing a stable job, building long-term wealth—have become increasingly out of reach, while former luxuries—traveling, dining out, having access to the latest technology—are now more accessible than ever. And this shift is something my generation often struggles to understand.
When Saving Was a Way of Life
Back in my day, managing money responsibly wasn’t just encouraged—it was common sense. There was no debate about whether to save; it was simply what you did. Extra cash wasn’t spent on experiences or daily indulgences—it was set aside for something meaningful: a house, a car, a secure investment. A "good job" meant stability, and a single salary was often enough to support an entire family.
Durability was a given. A refrigerator lasted 20 years, a TV was used until it completely stopped working. Eating out was reserved for special occasions, and coffee? That was brewed at home. If you did go to a café, you ordered a simple black coffee, not a latte with almond milk and caramel drizzle.
Our spending was intentional, always with the future in mind. We believed that the sacrifices we made today would pay off tomorrow. And because the system worked, we trusted it.
Today’s Young Adults Think Differently
For today’s twenty- and thirty-somethings, the world looks very different. For many of them, homeownership isn’t an achievable goal—it’s an almost impossible challenge. Property prices have skyrocketed to the point where what used to take just a few years of saving now takes decades—if it’s even possible at all. As a result, many young people no longer see the point in striving for something that feels out of reach. Instead, they focus on living in the present and spending on things that bring them joy.
They don’t necessarily want to own a home, because renting offers flexibility and freedom. They don’t accumulate material possessions, because they value experiences—travel, food, culture—more than long-term ownership. And yes, they care more about health and well-being, which means that avocado toast isn’t just an extravagant splurge, but, in their eyes, a reasonable choice.
From my perspective, this can be difficult to grasp. “Why aren’t they saving? Why aren’t they thinking ahead?” But if I step back and see things from their side, I realize that to them, we are the strange ones—clinging to expectations that simply don’t align with today’s economic reality.
The Great Generational Misunderstanding
The disconnect comes from how we view money. My generation sees young people spending on things that seem unnecessary, while they feel that no matter how much they save, it still won’t be enough to buy long-term security—so why not enjoy life now?
For us, buying a home was one of the most important milestones of adulthood. If someone was still renting at 30, it meant they hadn't quite "figured things out" yet. But for many young people today, renting isn’t a failure—it’s a deliberate choice. They prefer the freedom to move, the flexibility to adapt, and they don’t want to tie themselves down with a mortgage that would define their entire future.
So, Who’s Right?
I suppose both sides have a point. Yes, financial discipline and long-term thinking are important. But the world young people live in today is fundamentally different from the one we grew up in. If homeownership really came down to skipping a daily coffee or an occasional brunch, Starbucks would have gone out of business years ago.
Maybe it’s time we try to understand each other a little better. We, the older generation, can accept that young people are making choices based on a reality that looks nothing like the one we knew. And perhaps they, in turn, could recognize that sometimes, a little planning for the future isn’t such a bad thing.
And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll even try that avocado toast. Who’s to say it’s not as good as they claim?