Oddly enough, 2008 is exactly what inspired my comment and it's based off my exact experience back then. I couldn't afford investing in the market, I couldn't afford a home, and the interest on car loans were higher. All of that changed after the 2008 collapse. First I should mention that I was laid off and unemployed during some of it, so there was a huge negative impact for sure. What followed after though was amazing. I was able to invest in some $1-$5 stocks in the market that were previously not obtainable to me. This investment actually took me/my wife from being in debt living with my in-laws to completely out of debt and into our own place. Once I finally got employed again, I was able to save up enough just in time to buy a home at near the bottom with low interest. Car loans were also low interest. It was life changing and for the better in my situation.