983: The American Dream Costs More Than The Average American Makes...Is the American Dream Dead?
Dec 13, 2023
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Discover the staggering price tag of the American dream at $3.4 million over a lifetime compared to the average worker's earnings. Emphasizes the importance of personal actions for improvement and the impact of education on lifetime earnings. Explores managing expenses, opportunities for young and old, and challenges the notion that the American Dream is solely consumption-based.
Prioritizing education can enhance career opportunities and increase lifetime earnings.
Actively seeking job opportunities, working diligently, and making conscious choices about expenses can lead to higher earnings and achieving the American dream within one's budget.
Deep dives
Importance of Education for Increasing Lifetime Earnings
Obtaining higher levels of education correlates with higher lifetime earnings. Research shows that the more education one attains, the more they are likely to earn over their lifetime. Starting from less than a high school education with lifetime earnings around $973,000, individuals with a bachelor's degree can expect to earn approximately $2,268,000. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize education to enhance career opportunities and increase lifetime earnings.
Maximizing Career Opportunities and Income
Many people are underemployed and not earning as much money as they are capable of. To increase earnings, it is essential to address factors that may hinder career growth, such as work ethic, diligence, and personal vices. Actively seeking job opportunities and regularly interviewing can lead to significant wage increases. Additionally, extending one's career by starting early and working later in life, if possible, can lead to more years of earning money and higher lifetime earnings.
Controlling Expenses to Achieve the American Dream
While the cost of achieving the American dream may seem daunting, it is essential to reevaluate one's consumption habits and prioritize expenses. While certain costs, such as college tuition and healthcare, may be less flexible, choices related to weddings, pets, and other discretionary expenses can be adjusted based on personal preferences and financial capabilities. By consciously managing expenses and making deliberate choices, individuals can strive to achieve their version of the American dream while staying within their budget.