The United States and all its people really work the hardest they work more hours than any other country. Yet they save next to nothing they rarely invest and the rarely start their own businesses. I truly believe capitalism Is the only way to really see your full potential and economic prosperity.
In some respects you may be right , especially the younger generations . Advertising , has convinced them they deserve a lot of things on a daily basis , that the older generations , grew up viewing as luxuries . I remember , what little my folks had when I was small , and how gradually , over time , with careful planning , we eventually moved towards , what today's young adults feel they should have , when they start out on their own .
Although they may not look at it that way , most are saving though , through Social Security or some other forced retirement plan . I think , from a solid point of view , the younger generation does invest in transportation . In this culture , people no longer live in slums , within walking distance of factory jobs . Transportation , is a requirement for most jobs . They also invest in homes . Along with these , they are also starting their families and all the expenses these involve . So yes , in the early stages , they do set up investments , but for the most part , they aren't in the stock market . There are some instances though , where employees can invest in the companies they work for . For instance , if they work for a manufacturing company , they may receive a part of their salary in the form of shares in the company .
There was a great explosion of new companies , often referred to as the dot.com companies . New enterprises have moved from manufacturing to intellectual enterprises . And , hopefully , some of the less beneficial companies , have moved on to better things . But when I look closely , there are small businesses forming . It takes time to grow new companies , but I do see it happening . A former neighbor , who left high school at 15 , has started several , that I am aware of . Early in their marriage they owned a sandwich shop , eventually they sold that . He and another friend invested in a gym . Once their gym got off the ground, he sold his portion to his partner . He opened a company that goes to health insurance companies ,that are reluctant to pay for medical procedures , and helps his clients , receive the payments they are due . He's invested in the crypto currencies and rents warehouses , to hold the ,"fishing ," machines ." He and some other investors , are buying warehouses to hold their crypto currency fishing machines . We sometimes discussed our stock market investments .
Most certainly , you recognize companies like Amazon ( Jeff Beezos ) ,Microsoft ( Bill Gates ) and facebook , huge companies , with extremely wealthy men and women . But they didn't start out well known . It does take time to reach these heights . Not all companies are successful , and you don't always hear about those that are . But I do believe people are starting new businesses on a regular basis .
Wow!
Those with full time jobs , typically work a 40 hour work week , here , but business have learned , it costs them less , to only hire part time workers , so they don't have to contribute to health care costs , and retirement benefits . Americans have tasted entertainment , and spend a great deal more on things like Renn Fest , Disney , sports events , and concerts , than entire families used to spend half a century ago . During the Depression , folks repaired things , and didn't need to buy everything they were shown . Today , they feel they deserve a new vehicle every few years , instead of keeping them for ten or twelve years , they ,"need," the latest phone update , instead of having the same phone hanging on the wall for 25 years , they feel they need to replace their entire wardrobe , in order to be fashionable , every season .
I completely understand the world the holidays the seasons the fashions Extravagant clothes and lifestyles cars and big houses they are all created to empty out your wallet.
@PinkyandtheBrain Exactly , then they complain that they don't have enough money to live on , can't meet their monthly rent/ mortgage and utilities . And yet , I've had people working in my home , who turn on multiple lights , then leave the rooms with the lights still on , and even leave for the weekends with lights left on . It's an assumption on my part , I know , but it implies that they waste their resources at their own homes as well . Waste not , want not .
@Cast1es while I do agree with you mostly. The unfortunate thing is that even if you have a college degree you may start working 10-13 dollars an hour to start. 40 hrs a week will not help support all the items that are necessary in today's time. Everyone fixed everything back then because having a trade would be able to support your family with an high school degree. Couple that with everyone having friends and there are no limits as to what can be fixed in the home. Trades today can possibly get you a job but the market is extremely saturated. Also, like many in the manufacturing age, when robots/computers take over a job what next? It's happening to the service industry as well. People have started losing hope on saving money because what is the point? Work hard for 40 years and possibly be able to retire? Americans are not taking care of themselves and rather party their life away because that is the culture. Getting to that point. I agree society has completely lost their fucking mind. Spending tons of money on birthday parties easily forgotten. Buying a house without proper education on upkeep and value. Drinking and smoking is a product of freedom. Lack of discipline. But it has always been that way. We are in an information age to where we know about more people. Society has not changed on cultures producing the same result from history. Its embarrasing.
@MrChange True , today's culture grew up believing they ,"deserve ," the biggest , the best , and the most of everything , and they want it now , with total disregard for how they go about earning and caring , for any on it . They simply throw out anything that isn't perfect or totally up to date ! I would have kept driving my 14 year old van , if it weren't for the fact that I needed something that could transport my scooter , since I am no longer as mobile as I need to be . So I bought a 5 year old grand caravan with a ramp , for the scooter . It works just fine , looks good , and it was paid for in full , on delivery , because I don't waste my money , then demand that other people give me more .
@Cast1es when it comes to cars it's the pretty much the same as manufacturing. I personally have lost so much money buying used cars in my life. It also depends on what kind of vehicle you have. I personally will no longer buy a used car. I also know nothing about cars or have friends that do. Besides everything is almost computerized. I tried changing the oil for my SUV but I couldnt because of the way it was built. So now i have an efficient car. I have a Camry. I take care of its maintenance and i know i can make it to work. I ran into an older guy when I was a kid. My car broke down so he gave me a ride in his Corvette. He asked if I wanted to be dropped off at a car dealership. I said no I can't afford it. He said you also can't afford to walk to work. Ride a bus or bike. He said at least if you have a dependable car you can go anywhere to find the job you need. I have never forgotten that advice and to this day I always buy a new car and keep it for about 5-10 years. It's more efficient for me and my lifestyle but everyone is different. It also depends on where you live and what kind of transportation system you have. People who buy V8 cars for speed and design I just don't get. But that is their life. When you have money it is best to use it efficiently.
@Cast1es I see. Yeah that happens for two reasons.
@MrChange I agree with keeping and maintain a good car for a longer period of time . My Ex., felt he needed to replace his car every three years . It's much less expensive to maintain a car you've already paid for than it is to create new car payments the moment you get your transportation paid off .
Posted by Cast1esReal estate can be a good way to invest , even if it's only the home you live in , but sometimes , there are unexpected costs .
Posted by Cast1esReal estate can be a good way to invest , even if it's only the home you live in , but sometimes , there are unexpected costs .
Posted by Cast1esReal estate can be a good way to invest , even if it's only the home you live in , but sometimes , there are unexpected costs .
Posted by Cast1esReal estate can be a good way to invest , even if it's only the home you live in , but sometimes , there are unexpected costs .
Posted by PinkyandtheBrainGood correction. I actually consulted with a lot of people.