You said a lot. And I agree with everything. The only problem is that no matter how much we try to curb our excessive spending habits, there will always be a solid excuse for us to go back to them. It's like a spirit. Money must be spent.
One mistake people mostly make is going into the wrong relationships. Your partner should be able to help instill discipline in terms of unnecessary spending. Unfortunately, a lot of partners would even encourage you to spend even more than you normally would have. And you'd have no choice, all in a bid to please and not to offend them.
That's why it's it very important to chose someone within range of your financial status, so that you people can grow together cos you only take one step at a time. But some youth will not hear base on the fact that the relationship is based on fake Life.