Cut back

When you look at people the same age as you 50, even 20 years ago, they did need as much 'stuff' as we think we need now. Money & material things does not buy happiness. So if people can realise this and stop putting themselves into debt for material possessions, the economy would be in a much better place. But advertising & media is presently sending the opposite message "buy this now!" "You need this now!" so it will need to come from high up, and as making $$ is the driving force for these companies, getting them to slow down the 'buy stuff' onslaught will be hard, but not impossible. More pressure for corporate responsibility from the govt would be a good start.