Debt free with a limited income only buys you a certain amount of freedom.
Having a manageble amount of debt with a huge pile O'disposable income will buy you all kinds of freedom.
With wealth comes freedom, but also responsibily and commitment.
Some folks prefer less wealth and less commitment, some folks prefer the opposite.
Whatever you are comfortable with is what you should do. It all boils down to priortities. Are you willing to accept the extra risk, responsibility, and commitment it takes to obtain wealth?
Are you more comfortable with less of the above? it's a personal choice.
My priority was set in my early 20's.
I didn't mind my job that much but absolutely shuddered at the thought of doing it for 40 years. I wanted to amass enough wealth that I could retire early and live comfortably and I was willing to do what it would take to get there. I now work only because I want to. If it stops being fun I walk.
Real freedom is knowing that you can walk away from your job at any time without a financial burden, and your boss knows it too.
