I don't think you are being materialistic because i too have been there. I was married to an abusive violent man who hit me and our baby. The day he smashed my baby's head against the wall was the day i realised we had to get out before it was too late. We were left with nothing, he saw to that and its not easy being a single mum with no confidence and constant fear of what he will do next. But i found strength i neve knew i had, i had to for the sake of my child and i dragged myself up got a better job, raised my child with no support from his father or anyone else and now 10 years on i am re-married to the most wonderful man in the world, we live in a fantastic house (with the mortgage to match however) and I drive an audi TT, my husband has a BMW. The car and the house do make you feel like you have achieved something, even though they come at a cost, because when you have been down there, in the gutter, at rock bottom they seem as achievable as reaching the stars. So no I don't think you are being materialistic but unless they can empathise with the situation fully people on the outside always will. And on top of all of that i don't regret any of what has happened to me because i wholly believe its made me a better, stronger person and without those dreadful experiences i wouldn't appreciate what i have now the way i do and I am sure thats the way you feel too so good for you