<< Certainly those least in the position to save have been able
to secure access to easy credit terms and thus wind up with
"negative savings" >> Jordan,
Who is in this category of "least able" and what do you define as 'easy credit terms.'
The lowest terms you can get are either a home mortgage or possibly a credit union loan: not the funding sources for either poor or even middle class people.
According to the IRS, more than 3/4 of those about to retire do not have enough to maintain their standard of living.
Jason
P.S. I enjoyed your missive about "Buy Programs."