Why not default? The US sugar daddy government stands ready to hyperinflate us out of everything.
Quote from bgp:
smart money why do you think there is 1.5 trillion in sub-prime loans ? everyone wants to live the american dream.
bgp
Quote from traderdragon2:
So true. The culture is rotten to the core. Its become so superficial, there is no work ethic, there is no patience, were really f-ed in the long run. The next generation is going to retire with nothing because they will be spending their entire paychecks on cars,clothes, big screen TVs, and homes they cant afford just so they can keep up their image of having it "made" or having everything now. Its a whole generation of grasshoppers with no ants.
I cant complain. Competing against morons like this is really damn easy![]()
I live so far below my means its pathetic because I never bought into that garbage. I could buy a ferrari tomorrow but drive a toyota and im perfectly happy with that. I still have a lot of fun without having to prove crap to my neighbors. I also will have an early and easy retirement waiting for me in the end.

Debt free means stress free.
Quote from Smart Money:
I agree with you. Everyone wants alot of things, a boat, a big car, etc., but they shouldn't buy it if they can't afford it or they don't understand the potential pitfalls of their purchase contract. And if they lose their ass, they shouldn't expect a bail out.
The way to live the *BIG* American Dream is to start small and work your way up. Jumping into a $170K house on a $500 a week salary is just nuts in my opinion, but buying a smaller place, building up equity, and then purchasing one makes sense.
I sound like an old guy by saying this (and I'm not), but the new generation wants everything now, and if they don't get it, they are quick to walk away. Job Advancement, Bankruptcy, Divorce, all of that. Everyone seems to be looking for a shortcut and they are quick to blame others if it fails. Sad, really.
SM