“When we are no longer able to change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Victor Frankl”
Growing up, I’ve always heard people say “ I want the American Dream-big house and a white Picket fence.” I envisioned this as earning 6 figures and ahead of most working individuals. Today, many of those 6 figure earners are complaining about how it isn’t enough to live on. From my observation, I’m seeing people live way above their means.
What’s really going on?
I often listen to callers on the Dave Ramsey show. Listening to these callers educated me on how people truly overspend. One caller told Dave that her and her husband both make $100K a month. Between the two, they are bringing over $200k into their home a year. She then proceeds to say they are $1 million dollars in debt. Yes! Believe it! This is from student loans, credit card debts and more. It is extremely easy to accumulate so much debt quickly and can be hard to pay off debt quickly. It will take self discipline and changing one’s mind. You will have to get serious and see yourself digging out of debt.
So the question is…”Is Six Figures Still The American Dream?’
Indeed, we were conditioned to believe “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 ” meant buying a big home and luxury car. Understand, that’s not everybody’s’ goal. The American Dream does not have to be locked in a 30 year mortgage and struggling.( I know someone who is passed the 30 years and still struggling to pay their mortgage). You can still buy and own a beautiful Mobile home and call it home. Many of these homes look beautiful inside. You can still rent an apartment if you’re comfortable. You can also pass down wealth in other forms such as; life insurance, rental property, other assets, etc.
The goal is to live a comfortable life; not slave and be unhappy to impress others. Do what fits your lifestyle. Set a goal and be proud of yourself. We are all on different journeys with 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 on our mind.
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
In all honesty,there is absolutely nothing wrong with working hard and having something good to show for. If you work hard, get something nice. But, it is totally okay to live a normal life, make the least amount of big purchases, keeping debt obligations minimal, living within your means and enjoying life without worrying about impressing others. There are so many young people depressed; thinking they have to have all this luxury by a certain age. I’ve met some pretty unhappy people who own plenty of nice things. Money doesn’t fix all problems in this life. Stay focused on God and make the most of life. Count your current blessings. Live!
