When I got my mortgage (c. 2006) I had an idea of what I could afford. I went to the bank hoping they would approve me for that much. Not even taking into account my wife's salary, they approved me for at least $100k more than that. There is no way we would still have our home if we took the bank's advice.
Sure, people make bad decisions. But how can they be expected to make better ones when the people that are supposed to be relied on for good advice give such bad advice.
I blame the "sharing is caring" and "safe space" culture. If people were exposed to reality at a younger age they'd know that any advice given is for the advice givers benefit.
Sure, people make bad decisions. But how can they be expected to make better ones when the people that are supposed to be relied on for good advice give such bad advice.