<<I think people can still control their spending and their fates; they just aren't. (I don't mean all or even most, I just mean a higher percentage than a hundred or more years ago.)

I think we have just morally normalized our behavior. There's nobody around to tell us we're being dumb.>>


I think you are right, except that there ARE people explaining that the consumerist model is wastefully expensive. But people are usually choosing to follow the fashions of the day.

Personally, I think it's EASIER to follow a good financial plan today than in the day of the predatory company store with easy credit or the sharecropper in debt to his landlord.

In those days is was tough to avoid debt peonage. These days, there are ever so many financial vehicles to encourage savings and investment. And there are quite a number of people using those methods and opportunities wisely. Unfortunately, a lot of people choose the granite counter tops and new cars instead of financial independence.

You make your choices and live with the results.


Seattle Pioneer