Any defaults will affect our credit scores.  We will see more adult children move back in with their parents.  I am luckier than some because we paid our house off in ten years. Not having a mortgage helps a lot. But not all have been this fortunate. I grew up really poor. Neither of my parents finished high school. They came from poor, large farm families. I know the power of money. I save and live below my means. I drive a car that gets 40 miles per gallon. I buy clothes only on sale as a rule.  Love thrift shops for non essential items. I'll pick up a couple of investment properties in forclosure. I recall my mom crying when I was a little child because she could not pay the bills. The day a man came and took my mama's sewing machine for non-payment is one that I will never forget. Mama did not say a word, but her face said it all. I did not know at that time what a repo man was, but I knew that he would never visit me. And he has not. And I do many charatible projects. God expect us to give back to our community. And it feels good to do for others (especially children).