My best friend did this. Tons of student loans, 2 young kids, and 2 leased vehicles (including a new cross over because the paid off sedan wasn't 'big enough'). We have a lot in common, so I try to support her with listening to her financial issues, but it's harder every year. When we met, we were in a similar financial position, but my husband and I have paid debts off, drove old paid off cars (right now we don't own one at all - or lease one), and kept our child's expenses down - 1 year of preschool vs. 3 years, free classes/parks vs. paid classes, etc. So now we're pulling ahead financially, even though they make about 30-40K more per year.