Once upon a time in America...
A.
The "have it all, have it now" mantra is propped up by easy credit, long-term financing, and no-down-payment mortgages.
The average couple has little or no money set aside for retirement.
Most Americans carry more debt than savings.
Fast forward to the twenty-first century.
Debt was a dirty word, and a second mortgage was an indication of financial distress.
Car loans were uncommon, and easy credit was non-existent.
Families had a healthy fear of banks.
Once upon a time in America..