Each person is different. I think it's more important to find your balance. Living paycheck to paycheck is silly, and so is saving every penny.
I strive to be happy. You don't need lots of money to be happy. I am self-employed, and my income is still less than I'd make working for a company. However, I am happier now than I've ever been in my life.
A couple phrases I use to maintain focus:
Live your life so you have no regrets.
Find something you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life.
Perseverence: There is no substitute for hard work.
The quotes are to motivate action, pirmarily work action. It's easier to motivate play than work, ya know.
Personally, I expect no pension or retirement from the government, and my financial goals are plannned accordingly. I hope to be semi-retired by age 35.
Good luck,
Jürgen