I feel exactly the same way as you. I'm 37 and financially "stable" (i.e. I would be "okay" for a while if I lost my job today), but I wish I had gotten started earlier. I constantly am trying to get my girlfriend, who is just 21, started in saving and investing. She's recently became interested in "credit" (building a credit history, etc.) and so I still have my fingers crossed I can get her starting to save.

Part of the problem, I think, is instant gratification -- the younger generation, especially, wants everything NOW. I'm guilty of this as well, running out to order the newest tech gadgets. She sees me doing this and wants to do it as well, not really realizing that I can do that a little easier because I make multiple times what she does.

There was a time not long ago when I would have been screwed if I had suddenly lost my job. Fortunately, if that happened today I could enjoy a few months off before even starting to look for new employment, let alone stressing about how to pay my bills. The difference in anxiety / stress levels is astounding.