Good article.
The savings rate of the United States has actually been drifting up lately. It seems more people are saving some money for once.
[Source}(https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/personal-savings)
I think we as a society don't do a good job encouraging and promoting savings and investment. We unfortunately tend to idolize those that are just burning money with abandon.
I totally agree with you friend! Consumerism is not only an economical issue, but a social one as well!