Why do you say this? My kids are self sufficient, one is going to be a doctor next year, and the other does stuff I can't talk about. Neither needs anything. We do everything that we want to do, and have planned well. Made good decisions and investments. I have more than I will even need, and what's left I will make sure they get it. Not leaving anything to be taken. I could buy a new Ferrari today and still be ok. I just don't water money on stupid crap. Frugal, cheap, whatever. Make no mistake, I am working because I want to.
Even though there are recurring bills, electric, phone, groceries, there is enough to pay for that for my kids lives, let alone what time I may have left. So you can indeed be debt free. Or at least I can. Slacker!