Here is something else to consider. America has turned into a MORE materialistic culture. Consumer driven, stuff, stuff, stuff. All you have to do is look at construction to see the truth.
What did the typical everyday suburban home look like in 1940? Look at Homewood or West End for prime examples:
Small, 3 br/1 bath typical, with small closets (key feature to notice). Wood framed with porches.
1950's-1960's after the economic boom of WWII AND the relatively new trend of dual income families construction changed. The typical suburban home changed. Larger ranch style homes became the new normal, with extra \bathrooms or master suites and added dens in addition to formal living rooms. Closets were substantially larger to hold all the clothes and stuff.
1960's-today: Lots of architectural differences but some common themes: 2 stories with living space basements (not just storage space). Garages replaced carports. Square footage size dramatically has increased for the typical family with 2.2 kids and a dog. Huge master suites with sitting areas, huge walk in closets everywhere. Simple architecture (craftsman bungalo and ranch styles) went away to Intricate architecture (styles with tons of set backs/offset, high roofs, and cladding that were much more costly.) The craftsman style with porches and neighborhood feel is back trending again but in much larger homes than ever before.
Ergonomics, Convenience, Extra Room for more Stuff, Space, Looks, "Grandness"---these have taken the place of simple utility.
Even our new schools follow the same path. For a state with no money for education, we build the most design oriented and elaborate school buildings. We waste millions of dollars to appeal to the modern consumer senses. A safe, simple, functional CMU building with a plain exterior would save millions of dollars each year that could go to actually improving education inside the class room. But that is so not "in". We have to be "grand!"
And that is the symptom of the root of the problem. We, including myself, can be easily amused and seek out status through objects. It's akin to the love of money---the love of status or image. The core is a material self focus (pride). Bigger is better, newer is nicer, and so on.
Now if you have discretionary income to live a lavish life style with the newest, latest and greatest...that's awesome---enjoy it but keep the perspective that status and image are not eternal traits. If budgeting your money is needed then if we are wise, we will not be so material or status driven and learn to be more happy with the simple things being careful 'not to lust after the rich man's gold', to borrow from Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Now I live in a nice house in a nice neighborhood with big closets...so I'm addressing myself here too. I drive a 10 year old truck that's paid for and I don't have a 4 wheeler or boat. I'm not always simple oriented, but occasionally I am.
My retirement? I'll retire when they bury me most likely unless I take my own advice and go to a very simple way of living. I do have a plan in place that will eventually pay me a monthly residual income outside of my retirement savings in hope that I can retire from my full time work. Hopefully that will work out as I've planned.
Last edited by straycat; 08/14/17 11:26 AM.
