There's no need to try to defend yourself against the modern logic of being in debt. There's no need for you to be made to feel "small" for being debt free. If it came to that, you can brag to the big spender: "Hey, I don't owe a dime to anybody, and I'm sure not paying for some bankster's new yacht!" We are in the same boat as you, not having any debt. Small income, small outgo. Lots of do-it-ourself. Freedom.