My DH & I became debt-free in June 2009! We own everything outright...home, cars, etc. No bank will ever come a callin' and repossessing at this address!
We use only cash and if we can't afford it, we don't buy it. Life is much less stressful this way. I would say it is "easier", but I'm not sure it is. We have to practice discipline to save up for the big purchases instead of running out and charging them. That isn't always "easy".
But the lack of money stress is soooooooo worth it!
There's a lot of things I'd "like" to have, but if we can't afford it, I just find a way to get by without it! Makes you be creative! :D