It is OK to suggest that people or families buy assets, but that does show a lack of understanding where 50% or more of our country lies, financiallly. This group is not using or can't afford to invest in retirement or investments and a vast majority can't afford to purchase homes, even if they were available, as the price range is propped up by very high construction costs and the minority that is financially able to bid up the prices on the available homes.
We still see a lot of buying and spending of money but the vast majority of that is on consumables and there is more debt on those items also. With new job creation at a quite low levels the younger work force is facing even more stress in establishing a plan and program for living and preparing for families and retirement. I don't like aging, getting stiffer, finding more and more health issues as I age, but sometimes one can be born at the right time.

Bryce