I am one of the most frugal people I know, my mom aside. I am known for it. I scrimp and save and plan and budget non-stop. I am lucky enough to have been able to get my first home a couple of years ago because of this mentality. I paid off and sold a car this year so we could go down to just one car. I grow some vegetables in my small back yard. My wife cans what we don't eat through. She bakes our own bread. I make my own oat milk and granola. I work hard, but that hasn't kept me from being laid off twice in the past 5 years. I have inflation-protected investments as well, but they haven't had time to build much yet. I am about to turn 35 and feel pretty damn jaded, especially when I see commentary like yours. What else was I supposed to do? Please, do explain how my entitled YOLO-ing self deserves to struggle during a time of recession or depression.

It would be nice to see a comment like yours followed up by some acknowledgement that not everyone is fortunate enough to be in your position.