As many of you have mentioned, I’d have to say that, at this point in time, every dream our family has ever had has pretty much come true, and that has also been true for our children, who are now in their 20’s, so, of course, we are “happy.”
However, there are elements, as outlined in the OP that may, and most likely will, negatively change the lives of present and future generations, in ways we never imagined.
I also agree the decline will come as a slow erosion, with more and more people experiencing increasing levels of poverty, and a standard of living far below that of previous generations.
Look no further than the shock you create, when you mention to someone how much it’s going to cost them to retire. When you look at the stats, 95% of the population is living in denial about this one issue alone.
In addition, the decline is, even now, becoming more and more evident, and is also clearly illustrated via statistics, that reveal at least 50% of college grads are finding it extremely difficult to find jobs of the financial magnitude that will enable them to create lives of their own, apart from their parents. I have also seen this firsthand with my kid’s peers.
IMHO, and in light of all of this, I honestly believe all each of us can do is live life to the max each day, and come up with a plan to allow ourselves and our heirs to continue our lives at the highest level possible for as long as possible. At least, that’s what we are doing.
