Virginia Bob had it right. Fifteen years ago, our credit card debt was $48000.
I opened wife's credit card statement by mistake, and called the credit card company, not knowing that debt was being run up. When I saw the statement, I thought it was identity theft. EZ credit and using 6 months of zero interest, then rolling it over to the next credit card company for zero interest was how it built up. (That financed college for my daughter and my wife). We had some interesting discussions about finances, step parent responsibility (me), our goals and values.
The day we reached zero was magnificent. It took sacrifice, hard work, and long work hours to get to that point. Then, finally we made it. It was tempting to kick back and coast at that point, but we kept going saving aggressively and investing, all while living a modest lifestyle. The day we reached 1 M was another milestone. Now, number 2 M is getting closer. (It does get much easier, the farther you go).
A recession knocking down stock prices, and our continuing, doubling down on investments combined to results that amaze me still. Sooner or later, there will be another recession. How tough you are to stay on a steady investing course will help you along, as it did for us. This isn't just a "Yeah, us" comment. The real reason is to say that financial frugality works. Hang in there if you are starting out. It can be done.