[RPKESQ]

First, I don’t believe in the claims that the US is dying. A rough patch, yes. But it is not the end. Many of you bemoan the fact that you might need to drive smaller cars or live in smaller houses. Wow, I can see your lives are just ruined; no reason to go on living anymore. No one country exists in a vacuum anymore, so quit thinking like the US should.
My sky is not falling. I am diversified across continents and cultures. I have income in Dollars, Euros, Pounds and Yen. All of my hard assets are gaining in value. I am on track for my retirement. I have set up long term multiple income streams. My investments in the market cover multiple bases, so when one is down, several are up.

I have tried to share this with others, but few listen.
Houses are poor investments or in reality not an investment at all, just a enforced savings plan for the vast majority. Income property is the quickest way to riches for the average person as long as you buy in the low part of the cycle. Do not for any reason, purchase in the up cycle for property. That's as bad as trying to "time" the market.

Buy the best. Best stocks (which are seldom the highest performers, esp. since the late 90s), best properties, best quality art or collectables. Collect gold snuff boxes not paper match books. If something is out of you price range, don't buy the second tier stuff. Find another of the same (highest) quality, maybe in a different country or city. Do not buy anything on credit (except for property, because of tax advantages).

Keep you overhead as low as possible. Find ways to save every dollar you can for investment. I am not saying live like a monk, but be very careful about overhead costs. You should be able to live with one fourth of your income, investing the rest in diversified quality. That is the ratio to strive for. See how close you can get to that.

Then an amazing thing happens. You are successful and your life is quite pleasant. It is not rocket science, but if you want to succeed where so many fail you must think outside the box.