Why A $100,000 Salary Can’t Buy The American Dream

More than half (52%) of Americans say they would need at least $100,000 a year to be financially comfortable, according to the August 2023 CNBC Your Money Survey. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to achieve the American Dream, especially as younger generations are beginning their adulthood with thousands of dollars in student loans. Watch the video above to learn more about how much it costs to achieve the American Dream.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:35 Cost of living
3:30 Rise in consumer debt
6:29 Changing American Dream

Produced by: Charlotte Morabito
Edited by: Nora Rappaport
Animation: Jason Reginato, Christina Locopo
Supervising Producer: Lindsey Jacobson
Additional Footage: Getty Images

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Why A $100,000 Salary Can’t Buy The American Dream

[jacnelson]

Nice video, traders show incredible resilience and discipline in the volatile market, masterfully balancing strategy and insight for success. Their dedication to continuous learning is inspiring. I'm especially grateful to Shea Ardolf, whose deep expertise and traditional trading acumen have been invaluable in this challenging, ever-evolving financial landscape.

[OhWell]

I'm 37 and have been working all my life to get to 100k per year. And now that it's on my doorstep, it's not enough. Absolutely ridiculous.

[kortyEdna]

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.

[ChristopherAbelman]

I squirelled away cash for a rainy day, but with inflation pouring down, it feels more like a leaky bucket. Saving for retirement seems impossible if my money keeps losing value faster than I can earn it.

[gibranespinoza]

Tupac said it best: "They got money for wars but can't feed the poor."

[CharleyHull-dnnh]

Every week I buy more bitcoin because i believe it would surge after the halving, but could Gold be the safest buys other than BTC & APPL in terms of growth with $150, 000 to outperform the market this year?

[lukefisherDD]

I've been working hard to achieve early retirement and financial freedom via saving, investing, and working. But since the epidemic, the economy has declined, severely weakening my portfolio. Now, my query is: In current erratic markets, should I keep adding to my portfolio, or should I look into other industries?

[ShutterSpeedGaming]

I purchased my home in Woodstock GA for 92k in 2015 for a 2bed 2bath. I pay $565 for my mortgage. I realize how blessed I am to have it in today’s economy.

[Noah-cu]

Leaving America is the new American dream. People are desperate.

[aigajenkinson]

After investing from my salary of 350k for 4 years, I've only made about 8% total, or 2% per year, which my friends say is very low. My employer 401k of $220K returns about 4%. What would you advice to do with my portfolio for improved returns?

[dawsondanny]

The average person has never been so poor. Millions of families are struggling financially as living expenses hit the highest levels in more than four decades. Over 60% of our country lives paycheck to paycheck and about 40% earns poverty wages. Even after working all their lives, more than a quarter of older people have no savings and many believe they will never be able to retire in dignity, while around 55% of elderly people try to survive on an income of less than 25, 000 a year.

[tonyazzaro]

Put it this way, back in 2005, 48k was worth what 75k is today 😭😭😭

[emersonstagnitta]

Now imagine those of us living on less/way less. It's exhausting

[TypeSC]

My outlook on money changed when I realized someone making $300, 000 can retire broke & someone making $80, 000 can retire a multi-millionaire. With the current market movement, you have $100, 000 to invest. Where are you investing it?

[ShellyHuerta]

This is my fifth year after retirement. I’ve been following the 4% rule thing I saw on a YouTube channel, but this isn’t really how hard I expected things to be. After I cashed out a lump sum, I still have about $760k left, but at this rate, and with how the market is (we were putting money away in an index fund), I’m starting to get worried.

[phillipjames]

CEO wages have definetly kept up with the cost of living.

[jamievaughn]

I make $102k, it’s $64k after taxes and insurance. Yet all govt programs use your gross income for everything even though they know that isn’t what you make. It’s insane.

[Robertgriffinne]

Our economy is 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.

[Jakekhalid]

I want to become profitable in Bitcoin and forex trading but don't have knowledge. Any guidance will be appreciated

[etep]

Ordinary Americans are suffering but mega corporations appear to be profiting more than ever.
Something isn't right here....