Not sure about your numbers here. A million dollar mortage today represents just under $5k per month or $60k per year. that's well under the recommended 30% for a $500k income. I have a hard time believing "They can barely save for college after paying for childcare costs and the mortgage" - I have no idea what childcare costs are, but I would be shocked if they were in excess of $300K-$400k per year.