Replies

I'm an X-er. My parents are in the generation immediately before the Boomers. I can see the GIGANTIC difference between the way each were raised and how each operate in society. While my sister's family is buying 60" TVs and taking luxurious vacations and purchasing brand new SUVs, I look at my parents. My dad, despite being poor, fatherless, and donating four years to the United States Army, was eventually able to keep the whole family afloat on his salary (and sometimes night jobs). How? Our vacations consisted of car trips. We didn't eat out. We didn't buy calvin klein for a four year old, we bought good, used cars but nothing fancy.

I think there are two things going on broadly with Gen-X's economic security. The middle class is getting screwed and is shrinking. But, we'd be better to emulate the expectations and habits of those who preceded the Boomers.