You also have to consider the fiscal benefits you may get while paying the mortgage. When we bought our house 25 years ago, with interest rates so low and counting fiscal benefits, it was more profitable to have a longer mortgage than spending amortization. But I also agree the impact of consumism the young generations suffers is way more stronger than back then
Yep. There are many things to consider, but at a general level in the last few years, many people have overpaid and overextended on their debt.