Part of the problem is the belief that there must always be inflation/growth coupled with rampant capitalism where maximising profits is the main goal. Greed is good! Greed drives inflation.
It's the way business operates, the must have now mentality tied to credit.
Once upon a time, if you didn't have the cash, you didn't have the toy. Now with buy now/pay later scams everywhere and people are led to believe they can have everything now is part of the problem.
Schools should be teaching financial literacy.