Goodbye to the idea that each generation lives more comfortably than the last, and hello to Americans ages 18 to 24. According to a new poll, they believe they're going to have a much harder life than their parents.

"I just don't really see myself being able to obtain the kind of money my parents could when they were my age," said Mark McNally, 23, who earned a history degree from the University of Minnesota a year ago and now works part time in a liquor store.

And yet! Most of those polled said they're quite happy.