Just adding my data point. My grandfather gave me a college fund and I went to public college, leaving me with the difference between that and private college.

Just adding my data point. My grandfather gave me a college fund and I went to public college, leaving me with the difference between that and private college. The little nest egg that remained in that account was a weight around my neck. I had many enjoyable experiences in my 20's (eg traveling the world earning a living playing online poker for 3 years), but I felt no urgency to pursue a career. In my late 20's I spent most of the money attempting to write a novel (living expenses) and gave the rest away. Within months of approaching zero in my bank account, I rediscovered programming, found a career I love and was able to afford children. My recollections may be colored by history, and I may have just been someone that took a long time to mature, but that's how I feel about it today.