I can attest to what you say about folks who waste money on junk rather than saving and investing. For me, my car is paid off and I have been saving last few years for a home. I have a budget that I stick to and rarely eat out or buy expensive things. My one major expense this year is dental expenses but that is tax deductible and for my health so thats important. I do buy a new laptop computer every 2-3 years but its for work so its more of a necessity than a want.

I plan to buy in 2-3 years once work is all good and more down payment. Looking at 2-3 bedroom condo or small home (1100-2000 sq feet) with garage and small yard. Since I am single I don’t need a huge place. And I dont have a lot of junk to store just a few basics. Lots of books since I work in the I.T. field always have to keep up with new database technology.

As for stock options- not many places hand these out anymore.