Today’s Impoverished Yuppies

I would like to make a comparison between my life style, growing up as a post-Depression child of European parents in Chicago, with the current life style of the baby boomer.

First of all, my brother and I never owned a BMW or any other auto. We walked, took buses or the El to work and school. Dad owned a Chevy, no power steering, and his one joy, an AM radio. Many of our clothes were hand-me-downs. Mother did all the cooking, and very economically as well. There was no TV or VCR. They never heard of credit cards. We didn’t have enough money to eat out once a week. In fact, we almost never ate out.

How did we manage to save money, our generation? By denying ourselves all the luxuries the baby boomers take for granted. Both my husband and I were raised similarly and taught to put every cent in the bank. After years, the bank accounts did build up, and we were able to afford a down payment on a home. Yes, our payments are low, because of a large down payment.

Yet, looking back, I would say my life was pleasant, not luxurious, but contentful, and I do not feel a lack for not having had the luxuries the baby boomers take for granted.

CONNIE GENTILI

Glendale