Is that true or is it just a shift in culture where people blow all their money on crap they don't need, disposable convenience, and live a more "up-scale" life

Is that true or is it just a shift in culture where people blow all their money on crap they don't need, disposable convenience, and live a more "up-scale" life style instead of saving for retirement? Yep! Maybe a $25K car and a smaller house is better.