DH grew up with nothing, taught himself a trade, and has built a business over 40 years (with my help for last 20) that finally does well for us.  (I also have always had a steady, corporate job that provides a respectable salary and benefits.  When my SS's were young, DH couldn't afford a lot for them, but always did his best.  Kids were frankly quite privileged. SS's had ski passes & equipment every year, played club soccer and club ice hockey and related summer camps and travel teams.  They had dirt bikes and road trip/camping vacations.