At least in cars there have been some gadgets added and some minor improvements to explain a small portion of the higher prices. Government mandates on fuel economy and emissions also caused some of that higher price, with arguable benefit therefrom.
Speaking of college days, contrast cars with the rise in price of "higher education" where the product itself has (1) plummeted in economic benefit and (2)brainwashed the customers to be servants of the state while (3) restricting their ability to think. Example of Price increase:
1975 Ga Tech Undergrad 4 yr degree (with in-state taxpayer discount) $ 2,040
Source: personal experience
2016 Ga Tech Undergrad 4 yr degree (with in-state taxpayer discount) $50,800
Source: http://admission.gatech.edu/afford/tu...

Note that the 2016 annual "mandatory student fees" which is mostly a sports activity cost (and includes no education whatsoever) exceeds the 1975 total cost of a 4 year degree.

I agree completely that there is virtually no financial incentive for anyone to save and take responsibility for their future. This encourages people to give up their liberty for the illusion of comfort, convenience, and safety.

What happens when other currencies are even less worthy of confidence and there isn't enough money backed with something of value to facilitate trade?

You are correct. The first thing to do with your money is to spend it well on goods that will improve your life and security even if the SHTF.

Jan

My brand new 1953 Ford 50th anniversary model cost $1,700 out the door. I gave the salesman a down payment of $450 in quarters, 1/2 dollars and a few silver dollars. They were contained in a cardboard carton which he almost dropped, not expecting it to be as heavy as it was.

I just found it remarkable given their recent history of support for the socialist state, that the Post would say Lenin was wrong about anything. It wouldn't surprise me if the Post was wrong.