This is very much a cultural thing as well. I would like to know how other cultures, in other parts of the world handle this. I know we are a consumer driven society and the U.S. is unique. Most of us have some kind of debt we are servicing. The kids are in college, and there are two income earners in the household.

For those who fear burnout, maybe its because others are not stepping up to the plate. Maybe its because we all have decided to have less children in the family. And the children that we have are the generation with somewhat different values.