I think about 25 was when was on the cusp of a series of job moves/promotions in the next 5 years. I would imagine a lot of 25yo might be in the same spot (or

I think about 25 was when was on the cusp of a series of job moves/promotions in the next 5 years. I would imagine a lot of 25yo might be in the same spot (or not - whatever this is my anecdote). Keep your cost of living the same when you see large pay bumps or raises. This means the big things like car, house/rental, etc. Don't just go get a new car and increase your spending or move to a "nicer" apartment or buy a house because you have the money available. Keep the car, stay in the apartment and save the extra money. People will stay that owning a home is an investment - maybe in some areas it is - but not all. If home values are relatively flat in that area or grow very slowly then it is a losing proposition. You will be paying property taxes, school taxes and all the other "taxes" of owning a home: maintenance, repairs, accumulating "stuff" to fill it, etc. If the growth in that area is slow then that is all money down the drain - you won't get it back when you sell.