Are things really this bad?

Despite two good jobs, our family is looking at this option to try and get out of asset poverty.

People have done this for centuries. The country, and the people, will survive.

Are things really this bad?

Well, we are not in recession and inflation is not out of control

(however, I do question the government's constant manipulation of calculating the CPI).

So, how bad are they for YOU?
Not so bad for me.

our family is looking at this option to try and get out of asset poverty.

If you are in your forties with debt and without 12 months living expenses, then it is your own fault. We have had 25 years of the largest increase in wealth the world has ever seen (top to bottom). There is no excuse for your "asset poverty" but for your own incompetence and narcissism.

Yes, I know, that was insensitive.