CA renter, its not about propping up banks and prices. It’s about keeping economic activity from falling off. By economic activity I mean the number of cars sold, the number of meals served at restaurants, etc…

What’s wrong with lower prices and less activity? Why should the average American family need to work two 45+ hr/week shifts just to make ends meet? Things slowing down would actually be a GOOD thing — let prices drop to the point that an average family can survive on 1 to 1.5 incomes, so parents would actually have vacation time/time with kids and be able to SAVE some money.

This is actually my goal before I get married. Have enough passive income to guarantee an annual cash flow that pays for housing, insurance, and some needs regardless of employment status, so we can basically live on a single income if we so desire. Or just travel a f**k of a lot and work the other 9 months. And have fun doing so.

I guess having low expectations of material things also helps. My car is 30 years old, my laptop is 4, and I keep my mobile devices basically till they fall apart and die. Do like good clothes, good food, and good music though.