I’m 35, I saved aggressively throughout my 20s and I feel like I missed out. How do I find a better balance?

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial journey of an individual named Laura, highlighting the tension between saving for the future and enjoying life in the present [1][2]. Financial Planning and Sacrifices - Laura has been a planner since her youth, prioritizing financial stability due to her upbringing in a low-income environment [3][4]. - She worked part-time during high school and college to minimize future student loan debt, demonstrating a proactive approach to financial management [3][4]. Current Financial Status - Laura currently earns over $90,000 annually as a human resources specialist and has successfully paid off her student loans [5]. - She has accumulated $150,000 in retirement savings by maximizing her 401(k) contributions, indicating she is on track for her age group in retirement savings [5]. - Laura's early saving and investing have allowed her to benefit from compound interest, potentially doubling her retirement savings compared to starting in her mid-30s [5]. Emergency and Housing Strategy - She maintains an emergency fund sufficient to cover six months of expenses, stored in a high-yield savings account [6]. - Laura owns a two-bedroom condo, strategically choosing to have a roommate to help with mortgage payments [6].