You realize that the median individual income in Canada is $27 k, don't you? Let's say we have a couple with typical incomes, so $55 k household income. And let's assume this couple takes your advice and lives within their means - so they decide to buy a dilapidated duplex in a sketchy part of a medium-size city for $180 k. Assuming this couple gets together at 25 (which is very young for this day and age), how long until they can save that $180 k and buy a house?
And what if they want kids at some point there? How does that affect your model? It costs $245 k to raise a child in Canada, and that's before factoring in university. So $500 k for two kids, and more like $600 k if you set aside the recommended amount in RESPs.
There's that word again. I have a feeling your social circle is fairly homogeneous (and small).
You forgot "they earn a much higher than average salary and never suffer a sustained period of unemployment or underemployment."
So is living on a strict diet of lentils, whole grains, and legumes, while competing in triathalons. Presumably, that doesn't describe you. So you must be lacking in discipline and self-control.
But what you're presenting is, in fact, impossible for most Canadians. It
is possible for those who have well-paying jobs, extraordinarily strong self-discipline, and a spouse with the same traits.
