Yes, if you're poor you will definately —"need to be less materialistic because you won't be able to afford much.."

But the whole society screams buy buy buy - the latest, the newest - even things you don't need because it is Xmas.

I'm not sure where "overly materialistic" starts or ends in this deliver-it-to-my-door-NOW world.

Buying a house. That begins with the privilege of being able to come up with the downpayment. With the quickly rising prices of homes that is getting harder.

And even if a housing bubble like in 2008 doesn't get you — there's always the roof that needs replacement, the plumber or electrician that needs to be hired, the two-car garage door that won't open.

And homeowners insurance, which might get even trickier with climate change.

For all of this you have to maintain a certain income - again, not as reliable in the current conomy. The bank owns the house—and with luck you'll be able to pay it off and live long enough to jusat worry about the property taxes and that basement that keeps flooding.

Fun fact about the financial reality of the USofA. "49% of Americans depend on credit cards to cover essential living expenses. This is more common among younger generations: 61% of Gen Zers and 53% of millennials use credit cards for living expenses." (Inside 1031 Study)