[man of Yosemite]

In California it's an expensive car parked on rental property. The lifestyle of living to appear wealthy and successful with little to back up that position is precarious. It's fine as long as the economy is growing, but when the crap hits the fan then you discover what you're really made of. I think it's better for a person to pass through tests like this early in life. Those of us who came to know the value of a buck aren't unprepared for a time like this.

[Prodigal Son]

The lifestyle of living to appear wealthy and successful with little to back up that position is precarious.

Aye, but it's deeply ingrained into our culture. You would have to totally change the way people are brought up and how advertising affects their wants.

Something to think about too- this type of lifestyle is intrinsic to the way our society works at the moment. People live on credit. They live beyond their means. Our government doesn't offer the same extensive safety nets that the Marxist leaning European governments do. This means people are even more motivated to work- they've got to pay for those credit card bills. They've got the bills because they bought the stuff. They bought the stuff because they're currently getting paid to make the stuff. It's a loop- not quite a perpetual motion engine but almost. It's what drives our economy. The downside comes when there is an economic slowdown.

[garbanzo]

I think it's better for a person to pass through tests like this early in life.

Believe me this is good for you - you may not like it at the time, but you do learn how to put money away and stay out of debt as much as possible.