And then they blame government agencies for being more dysfunctional.

Holding stocks while serving as a lawmaker

It really is. That might be a you issue

You don’t need 6 months of your salary, just figure out your absolute necessary expenses and multiply that by 6

It’s sad that in my country right now (Australia) with our current housing/renting crisis your best strategy as a young person is staying with your parents and saving until you can put together a deposit