The point I make is a valid one...we ALL have a choice...University (knowing you'll run up a debt) is a CHOICE. So if you make that; you do so knowing that it'll be harder to get on the property ladder as it currently exists.

I believe that University education is overdone though...i never went and my abstinence never did me any harm ...along with thousands of others; and yet,so many people fall into the trap (and backward thinking) that its the ONLY way to get on and, feigning offence at the merest suggestion that its not all its cracked up to be, as they realise it may well be they're looking at the naked empower!

The irony being that now its open to everyone...it's being hoisted by its own petard as it becomes a greater irrelevance; as what once was a guarantee of a job (post qualification) its not...because everyone has one.

Edited by Lyons550 (09 May 2018 4.29pm)

I sit in between your parents and you. My experience is that my generation uses the benefits of good pensions and decent housing in support of their grandchildren. My mother's generation, however, just couldn't believe its luck. She was brought up during the war and her generation lived for the day, always knowing it could be their last. Despite the constant threats hanging over them, it seems they largely had a good time back then and continued it into their octogenarian years.

I have no doubt you are correct.

It wasn't individual companies, it was the market that dictated the need for DB pensions.

Now any organisation that employed large numbers during e.g. the 1970s has a huge continuing cost hanging around its neck. It is to be expected some will try to duck out of as much as they can, although it may not be ethical.

Meanwhile newcomer organisations like DHL or easyJet make hay given their far lower costs.

Then you clearly missed the point that I suggested its MY generation (born in the 70'80's) that are the problem and not those now...

Re the 'wave' scenario...I guess it stands to reason that a generation brought up in austerity (post war for eg) would then be a more caring generation...and those who are bought up in an age full of opportunity and wealth are more selfish...again see my earlier comments...

...so in essence you DO agree with me...

Boring but important......

At one point in the 70's the average wage was £30.
Had you put half in the bank and bought 1oz of Gold with the other half then your money in the bank would today be worth around £300 (at best!) but the 1oz of Gold would be worth around £1000 (it'd be more but as with everything outside of the financial system it's manipulated down).
Yes Gold fluctuates, but in the long term it is always a better store of value than any given fiat-currency. This is why it has been used for over 5000yrs and also the reason every country/govt/central bank hold it.
Saving fiat-currency long-term ie for pensions etc is pointless, particularly at this moment in time when fiat is nearing the end..........but the banks/financial system will never tell you that.

They'll also never tell you how much they value Gold.

Despite the combined might of the brains who regularly post here, who regularly have an answer for everything, not one response to the real reason we face the problems that we have for years now.

Good luck peeps.