The American Dream Isn't Dead... You Just Can't Afford It

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#business #finance #realestate

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How much money would you need to buy the American Dream?

Not how much would you need to make in order to afford the REPAYMENTS on the American Dream… how much would you need to buy the house, the two cars, the family and a basic vacation every year?

Probably a lot more than you have, right?

I know it’s not going to blow your mind to find out that these (supposedly) vital ingredients to a good life have gotten kind of expensive… but it has reached a tipping point.

The American Dream is not dead, so much as it’s an extreme luxury that in many parts of the country can now cost as much as TEN MILLION DOLLARS to afford… that’s more than most of us will ever earn in our lifetimes BEFORE taxes, interest payments and basic essentials like… food…

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but holding onto the traditional financial wisdom of what you AUGHT to have in life is now permanently out of reach for most people and as more Americans realize this, it’s fundamentally reshaping our economy…

According to data from the US Fed and the Census compiled in the Cas Shiller Index, the average cost of a home in the US is now more than seven point six times [7.6X] median COMBINED household incomes.

That’s now significantly higher than it was in the leadup to the Global Financial Crisis, an economic meltdown enabled by… housing speculation.

If you think that’s bad, spare a though for the UK, which has lower wages but similarly priced homes or Canadians who according to data compiled by financial samurai have on average ten percent less [10%] less disposable income but live in houses SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT [75%] more expensive

New mortgage rates are also at the highest point they have been since 2000, when home prices were only four times household income.

The average person even IF they have a full-time working partner cannot reasonably afford to purchase an average home at current prices with current interest rates without paying more than HALF of their BEFORE TAX income in INTEREST.

That’s before principal repayments on the loan, and before income tax. In reality, the average bank wouldn’t even write this mortgage because it would be financially irresponsible.

So it’s time to learn How Money Works to find out why it might be time to let go of the American Dream…

[Beatricegove]

More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.

[Hersatz]

When having a child is considered a luxury, you know you've fucked up.

[JosephMartin]

Great Video. I'm a 52-year-old QA Specialist at Confluera, with an annual income of $150, 000. Although I do have a retirement account, I'm keen on exploring short-term investment opportunities as I prepare to shift to part-time work in the near future. What would be the most suitable strategy to achieve my goals?

[tonysilke]

I think the retirement crisis will get even worse. A lot of people can’t save because of low paying jobs, inflation, and insane rental rates. And now that home ownership is out of reach for middle class Americans, they won’t have a house to retire with either.

[toddtheisen]

Fifty seven years old. Started working at 14. Fell for the "dignity of hard work" BS. Generated enormous profits for decades for employers. Rewarded with stagnant wages, slashed benefits and a body that is scarred by a dozen injuries. Little wonder young people are not falling for the working hero mantra.

[victoriancu]

Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, are married, or own a house as if life was some kind of grocery list. But no one ever asks you if you are happy.

-Heath Ledger

[Susanhartman.]

Three years ago, nobody could have foreseen the current state of the U.S. dollar. The U.S. continues to repeat the same mistakes that have led to the dollar's current situation. As a result, there's no guarantee that the dollar's future will be as bright as it's hoped to be.

[cole-]

People: can’t afford to have children or own homes
Government: the nasdaq and GDP are at an all time high! We’re winning everyone the economy’s doing great!!!

[RedPilledFit]

“It’s call the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.” - George Carlin.

[MiketheNerdRanger]

When literally giving life has become a luxury, something has gone horribly, HORRIBLY wrong.

[Dantursi]

The U.S. economy can actually get better if only the govt can start making better decisions for the sake of it's citizens, cos' they've really made life more difficult for its residents. Hyperinflation has left the less haves bearing the brunt of the burden. Its already eating into my entire $620k retirement portfolio. Like where else can we invest our money with less risks?

[Robertgriffinne]

Our economy struggling with uncertainties, housing issues, foreclosures, global fluctuations, and pandemic aftermath, causing instability. Rising inflation, sluggish growth, and trade disruptions need urgent attention from all sectors to restore stability and stimulate growth.

[devourerinthemist]

Well no, if it's unaffordable to the average person, then it is dead.
The point of the American dream is that the majority of people, with basic jobs can be prosperous, have their own land/property, and just generally be financially stable.
So yes, the American Dream is dead.

[letsgobrandon]

"...earns too much to qualify for any government benefits, but too little to actual afford what the benefits offset the cost of..." damn if that doesn't describe my life perfectly.

[ckingdds]

One of the downsides of digital nomads is that it heavily affects average native workers in the area they move to. Its happening a lot in Mexico city. Sure businesses benefit from all the new money coming in from digital nomads, but when prices raise to compensate demand all the regular people in the area get pushed out. The solution for unaffordable cost of living for digital nomads becomes a new problem for natives that feel are being invaded.

[Tchild]

In 1993 I was hired on at Fidelity Investments in SLC. My salary was $18, 000 a year (entry level). Rents were around $500-$700 for a two bedroom apt. and homes in the Salt Lake Valley were about $140K -200K for middle of the road 3-5 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage 1/4 - 1/3 acre home. I could only afford to rent.

Based on housing inflation and today's prices. My starting salary at Fidelity would need to be four times higher to be in the same situation, or an entry level salary of $72, 000. How many people start without a degree with a $72, 000 annual salary? Nobody.

A person would not be able to afford any house in the Salt Lake City area on $72, 000 a year. If you cannot get a home to purchase, there is no American dream.

[Tenamor]

It's me, I gave up! 33, married, dual income home, 1 child(toddler). Outside of hitting the lottery somehow, I won't be retiring or even likely owning a home. I will work until I am no longer useful and then I will die, just as the system intended.

EDIT: I know everyone is coming at this from a place of kindness and wanting to help. I'm not looking for advice however. I live comfortably, family is fed and bills are paid. I have simply accepted the situation and changed my perspective. Instead of scraping every dime together for the next 40 years to enjoy being jobless for 4 and then dying, I am investing in my hobbies and enjoying myself. So congratulations to those of you on your second house and fourth child at 14 years old with a stay at home wife, thank you for having me in your thoughts today, and best of luck. ❤️

[HBL]

Its basically like that in all first world countries. Only after getting my master in computer science was I able to afford the same 3 bedroom apartment that my single mom could buy without a degree 25 years ago.

[waynesimpson]

Being old myself: there is a bit of historical revision of the American Dream from 50-70's. Cities were for the uber-rich and low blue collar. Post-war boom allowed (some) people to buy into modest suburban homes with usually 1 car. Vacations were expensive. (Roadtrips and camping were done because the were inexpensive.) Consumer goods and clothing were bought on "installment". Basically, the "dream" was always a degree of struggle.

[kylemiller]

If everything we buy is “outpacing inflation” then wtf even is inflation based on?

Food outpacing inflation. Houses outpacing inflation. Cars outpacing inflation. College degree outpacing inflation. Healthcare outpacing inflation. What the af is inflation?