Friday Flight - Deadly Debt, Housing Crash Hopes, & The Expensive American Dream #762
Dec 15, 2023
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Topics discussed in this podcast include a historic baseball contract with deferred payments, the impact of credit card debt on wealth-building, noncompete agreements' negative impact on the housing market, stock market predictions, the cost of the American dream, and the benefits of starting a small business and self-employment.
Starting a side hustle or slowly ramping up a business can be a cost-effective way to work towards being self-employed and fulfilling the American dream.
Focusing on disciplined saving, investing, and taking a long-term approach to wealth-building can lead to more consistent and reliable outcomes compared to relying on stock market predictions.
Deep dives
The Cost of the American Dream
According to Investopedia, the American dream now costs an estimated $3.4 million over a lifetime. However, it's important to note that some of the items included in this calculation can be adjusted to fit individual preferences and priorities. People can redefine what the American dream means to them and focus on achieving their unique goals.
Entrepreneurship and Building Wealth
One in three Gen Z individuals express a desire to become their own boss, viewing it as the best way to build wealth. Starting a side hustle or slowly ramping up a business can be a cost-effective way to work towards being self-employed and fulfilling the American dream. And while debt may be necessary for some business ventures, there are also ways to start small and prove viability before taking on significant financial obligations.
Stock Market Predictions
As the year comes to a close, many experts are making predictions about the stock market's future. However, it's crucial to remember that these predictions often fall short and can have little impact on individual investors' long-term financial goals. Instead of relying on predictions, focusing on disciplined saving, investing, and taking a long-term approach to wealth-building can lead to more consistent and reliable outcomes.
The Optimistic Outlook
Although challenges and pessimism exist, it's important to consider the progress and opportunities that still exist within the American dream. Viewed in context, historical data shows that Americans are actually doing better financially, and hard work, combined with smart choices, can lead to personal and financial success. Maintaining an optimistic mindset and embracing opportunities can play a significant role in achieving financial goals.
Time for a Friday Flight- our little sampling of the week’s financial news and what it means for your personal finances. There are a lot of headlines out there, but we boil them down to specific takeaways that will allow you to kick off the weekend informed and help you to get ahead with your money. In this episode we explain some relevant and helpful stories like: a $700 million contract, deadly debt, housing crash hopes, irritating institutional investors, meager housing supply, stock market predictions, the expensive “American Dream”, & entrepreneurship to build wealth.
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