The Changing Face of the American Dream: Why $100,000 Is No Longer Enough

💰More than half of Americans say they would need at least $100,000 per year to feel financially comfortable.

🏠A six-figure salary no longer guarantees financial freedom and the ability to own a home.

📉Stagnant wages and rising costs of living have made it harder for families to achieve a middle-class lifestyle.

🎓High student loan debt makes it challenging for millennials and Gen Zers to save for a down payment on a home.

💭The concept of the American Dream remains relevant, but the path to achieving it has changed.

Why do so many Americans feel the need for a six-figure salary?

—Rising costs of living and the desire for financial security have led many Americans to believe that a six-figure salary is necessary to feel financially comfortable and achieve the traditional American Dream.

Why has a six-figure salary become insufficient for financial freedom?

—Stagnant wages and increasing costs of living have outpaced the earning potential of a six-figure salary, making it harder for families to save, invest, and achieve long-term financial stability.

Why is homeownership challenging for millennials and Gen Zers?

—High levels of student loan debt and limited incomes make it difficult for younger generations to save for a down payment on a home, thereby delaying their ability to achieve homeownership.

Is the American Dream still attainable?

—Yes, the concept of the American Dream is still relevant, but the traditional path to achieving it has changed. Individuals and families may need to adjust their expectations and strategies to adapt to the current economic landscape.

What can be done to make the American Dream more accessible?

—Addressing income inequality, increasing wages, reducing the burden of student loan debt, and providing affordable housing options are some potential solutions to make the American Dream more achievable for all Americans.

00:00More than half of Americans say they would need at least $100,000 per year to feel financially comfortable.

00:34A six-figure salary no longer guarantees financial freedom and the ability to own a home.

01:38Stagnant wages and rising costs of living have made it harder for families to achieve a middle-class lifestyle.

05:20High levels of student loan debt make it challenging for millennials and Gen Zers to save for a down payment on a home.

08:20The concept of the American Dream remains relevant, but the path to achieving it has changed.