In this fucked up system, one could argue that "idiots" actually do better, since they clamor for assets, while "smart" people try to save in a currency not meant for saving.
The real "smart" people are those who make lots of money and can afford paying for the things you mentioned.
Have you watched the movie "Margin Call"?
Or what about Alessio Rastani's famous Youtube video?
Alessio said "Goldman Sachs rules the world", they tell the government what to do, they control so many things and make billions of $$$ on a monthly basis.
When you study business you learn that organizations and firms are companies ranging from small to big - but institutions - these are very large organizations ... educational institutions such as universities and colleges dictate our lives when it comes to studies ... and financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs dictate our financial lives.
Is it fair? No.
But what can you do about it? If you can't beat 'em join 'em.
Thats BS. A lot of companies make a lot more money than GS. Apple, Google, Wal Mart, Exxon, etc..
GS is not as powerful as you make them out to
Goldman Sachs exemplifies a financial institution that benefits from low interest rates whilst millions of people suffer from it.
Google or Apple at least have a decent value chain, they provide value for your money.
The problem with financial institutions is not those who make more than them (e.g. Google, Apple) but with the way they handle their affairs, just watch the movie "Margin Call" (based on true story) and see what I'm talking about.
Why do millions of people suffer from low interest rates? It's a good time to borrow money if you qualify.
Apple benefits from low interest rates as well. They did huge buyback this year.
Investments banks provide services to investors. With out them there would be no capital markets and capital markets are essential for Capitalism. Apple, Google, Walmart, et al wouldn't exist without a capital market