Debt and quality of life.

[minute_man]

More of a philosophical question but curious about your views:

Provided you had a decent income and owned some property to begin with, which route would you prefer:

Owning a modest / ordinary place, driving a used car, buying only what you can afford to pay for outright and upgrading / improving things over time, while saving and keeping debt-free?

Or

Enjoy an arguably better living standard, up front, in a fancy home, a new car, new everything but being in debt with a mortgage, monthly installments etc. and whatever long term obligations, commitments and compromises these entail?