Just set up a thought experiment where those things aren't in play; it's not that hard. I dunno, uh..: Two parents with three kids, both parents have bad genetic luck (not the brightest bulbs in the box) and a sordid past leaving them very poorly educated and starting off (at the moment they would receive your advice) with a combined debt of $150,000, no assets and no savings. they both work full time at low-paying jobs, one of them has a part time evening job, and this all just barely pays the interest on their debt - some months it doesn't even do that. Hell, make the mother pregnant again, too, why not? They both have no family and any distant friends of theirs have equal or worse problems. - schooling in off hours: "what off hours?!" - cheaper COL region: we're already in a dirt-poor area; besides, moving costs are non-zero and the budget is already negative - cheaper home: see above; with another kid on the way, if anything we need a _larger_ home! two of the kids already share a bedroom - sell cars: we have one car (one parent takes the bus) and it's an old money pit, not an expensive car if you think these are outlandish premises, you're not in touch with other peoples' reality. I think the best you could do for the above scenario is to say, "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, my advice actually won't work out for you. BUT if you try to follow it anyway - even knowing it's infeasible - you'll feel fulfilled and proud just to be trying, fruitlessly. at least you can always believe you'll go to heaven when this disappointing life is over!" I'm just trying to make you see that some people will always be left behind in the world as it is today, and it's more respectful to them and honest to yourself to admit this and allow that unfortunate fact to live in your heart as motivation to help make a better world with eyes open.