Welcome to the boards Vicki. You're right, of course. We all have our own path and our own tale to tell. I too was a single parent for many years, so I know what that's like. I never got ahead at that time (also my ex is a total deadbeat who doesn't even visit our daughter, let alone want to support her).
Now, I'm 37, married almost 2 years ago, and finally things are looking up. I'm also back in college to earn my accounting degree, while working full time days and trying to deal with raising a teenager (15 year old DD). It's very busy for me, but at least I know things are getting better and I'll have a great paying career when it's over.
My net worth is positive, but not on the level of the "average" on that website. In a few years it will be looking much better.
I think people on this site can sometimes forget that most of them are not the "norm". The fact that they are even on this site is probably testament to that. I too sometimes feel "behind" the people who post here about their high net worths.
Another thing that makes things difficult where I live is that housing is out of reach for any sane person that's not a millionaire. Average prices are over $600K now. The same place would have been $240K five or six years ago. Average household income here is only in the 60s. People must be crazy to be buying at these prices. I cannot afford a home, and sometimes that weighs on me. I don't leave this city because it's my home town and all my family is here. My daughter is so close to my parents and her cousins it would break my heart to separate them, so I'll stay at least for now (and hopefully this damned housing bubble finally pops up here).
You are not alone in your situation. I would dare to say you probably represent a huge portion of the population. Congratulations to you on going to college - I am right there with you!
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