Collectibles Markets vs Economy - Why does it have to be this way?

packs · #1 11-14-2023, 10:04 AM

While I would find a country-wide strike to protest the insane cost of living extremely satisfying and exciting, I don't think there is anything the country will ever agree to do together. Even on the smallest possible scale.

philo98 · #2 11-14-2023, 10:14 AM

As a global nomad for the last 30+ years, the US has some of the worlds lowest inflation. Even in 2023, in some reports, it falls in the top 10 for countries with the lowest inflation. Always have to laugh when Americans complain about money.

If you think inflation is hurting you, in many of these countries I have been in, a person with a bachelor degree and 10 years experience will get paid around $500-$700 a month. To rent a two bedroom condo, which is considered safe and liveable, can easily be $700+ a month. Middle class is generally both parents working, one car, and eating meat 3 days a week. Dont even get me started on gas prices.

There is a reason Barnum and Bailey's went out of business. US society took its place.

gunboat82 · #3 11-14-2023, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philo98

As a global nomad for the last 30+ years, the US has some of the worlds lowest inflation. Even in 2023, in some reports, it falls in the top 10 for countries with the lowest inflation. Always have to laugh when Americans complain about money.

If you think inflation is hurting you, in many of these countries I have been in, a person with a bachelor degree and 10 years experience will get paid around $500-$700 a month. To rent a two bedroom condo, which is considered safe and liveable, can easily be $700+ a month. Middle class is generally both parents working, one car, and eating meat 3 days a week. Dont even get me started on gas prices.

There is a reason Barnum and Bailey's went out of business. US society took its place.

Some of us have smooth brains and very short memories. No inflation is ever as bad as the inflation we're experiencing right now. And the person responsible is either the current guy or the last guy, depending on perspectives that have nothing to do with economics.

philo98 · #4 11-14-2023, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunboat82

Some of us have smooth brains and very short memories. No inflation is ever as bad as the inflation we're experiencing right now. And the person responsible is either the current guy or the last guy, depending on perspectives that have nothing to do with economics.

In all honesty, I just dont see inflation that bad in the US compared to where I travel on a regular basis. I just see a massively entitled society who cant afford the lifestyle they feel they should have, which doesnt include most members on this board since the amount of discretionary income would be considered high compared to the rest of the crowd. Unfortunately, the US is a massively unhealthy, entitled society who overspends on complete junk. Also, and what I have seen, most people like to blame political appointees for their own problems instead of taking responsibility. The 2nd best decision I ever made was to never register to vote and remain politically neutral. The best decision I ever made was renouncing US citizenship.

packs · #5 11-14-2023, 10:55 AM

What does entitlement look like though? I believe I should be able to buy a house, afford to raise a child, and send that child to college. I don't believe I'm entitled for feeling that way. Those were attainable benchmarks for every other generation. But for people my age, these are now considered luxuries and many of us are passing on them.

bnorth · #6 11-14-2023, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packs

What does entitlement look like though? I believe I should be able to buy a house, afford to raise a child, and send that child to college. I don't believe I'm entitled for feeling that way. Those were attainable benchmarks for every other generation. But for people my age, these are now considered luxuries and many of us are passing on them.

That sounds like entitlement to me. That sounds like a great goal you need to work hard to achieve. In my 54 years of experience it was never an attainable benchmark for everyone.

packs · #7 11-14-2023, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnorth

That sounds like entitlement to me. That sounds like a great goal you need to work hard to achieve. In my 54 years of experience it was never an attainable benchmark for everyone.

I didn't mention anything about what I was doing to achieve my goal. Only that I had them and they don't seem outrageous or even that much different than society has ever had. However, they seem to be much harder to get.

The birthrate has fallen 23% in the last 15 years. The number of US households from 2010 to 2020 was the smallest gain in any decade between 1950 and 2010.

The idea that if you don't have what you want you aren't working hard enough is also outdated. This isn't a meritocracy and there's no such thing as working harder than everyone else to achieve more. I think it's much more likely that many people will work themselves to death and not gain very much in the process.

japhi · #8 11-15-2023, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packs

What does entitlement look like though? I believe I should be able to buy a house, afford to raise a child, and send that child to college. I don't believe I'm entitled for feeling that way. Those were attainable benchmarks for every other generation. But for people my age, these are now considered luxuries and many of us are passing on them.

Haven't read the whole thread, so maybe someone else addressed this but....home ownership rates are slightly above historical norms. It is a myth that everyone has always been able to own a home.

And I'd suggest everyone on here, that has disposable income to collect sports cards, can own a home somewhere decent in the USA. US Home prices have mostly tracked inflation save for 2020 to 2022, and those gains are about to be give all back.

So ya, you have the exact same opportunity to own a home in the USA as the generation previous. In fact the low interest rate policy of the past 12 years made homes accessible for people that frankly didn't have the income to own a home. But also drove up prices.

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