Where is the American Dream kive and well?

[TomSeller]

I've got a steady pension coming in and 2 more pensions that will kick-in when I make 65yo.

It didn't just happen... or was given to me. I worked for it and made it happen.

Congratulations!

In the states we don't really have pensions to speak of any more, unless you work for the government. Corporate officers could not keep their hands out of pension funds so the story goes.

 

[newbury]

I'm honestly curious as to what you (OP or anyone else) define as "The American Dream"?<snip>

The ability to come from immigrant families that suffered through the Depression and WWII, grow up and contribute to society all while enjoying it. Then retire at a income that is twice the median for the area and waste hours every day on a tractor forum.

I've two sons and a daughter who are now in their late 20's and seem to be enjoying their version of the American Dream.

As far as "pensions" go you have to work and plan for it.

One of the big "problem" areas I saw many of my coworkers and associates get into was wanting the American Dream based on what they saw on TV NOW, new cars every few years, trading houses, getting the latest new clothes and gadgets, and to many children. All the time putting off saving $$.

My parents drilled into me "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without". I drilled it into my children. Also "keep your nose to the grindstone".

 

[Wagtail]

Thanks Tom. As I said, I worked and planned for it... you have to take 'the long view'to make that happen, even if you don't, or won't, know where you'll end up at the end of your formal, working life. Which can be a big ask during your younger years.

Yes, 2 of those pensions are government (Naval Service) pensions, but the third is one that I started in the (NA) summer of '75. It was a new-fangled "life insurance" policy that would pay-out if I carked it and/or would invest my premiums for it to turn into a pension starting at 65. It was a precursor to a Superannuation Fund. So I made the decision to invest 10% of my piddly pay-packet into this scheme. I took the long view.

The same thing goes for the first time anyone buys their first house or property. It's the scariest and most stressful thing you can do! Especially with all f those hidden/unexpected fees & such. But if you're going to get your part of "the dream" you have to get off of your arse and do it... as soon as you can. (as opposed to 3-4 years before you retire)

The "Dream" is alive and well, but it doesn't just fall in your lap.

 

[Wagtail]

Amen, newbury.

 

[Wagtail]

I've been thinking lately that the economic outlook in New England is still really depressed at least in my area(northeastern ct).
I'm born and raised in this area and got to thinking that there's got to be someplace in this great land that is prospering and thriving.
I'm not talking about cities but country living for the middle class within diving distance to good jobs. Here in Ct good jobs are not easy to come by(the wife and I both have them but they aren't abundant for most) and home price remain flat with many way upside down due to suppressed property values. Land how ever remains high along with taxes. Which really makes the outlook bleak at least in the short term.

How about everyone else?

Matt

Just another life observation but, at the risk of pulling statistics out of my backside, the majority of people live within an hour's travel of where they grew up/family. As transportation efficiency has improved, people have spread out more, but usually an hour's travel time is the norm to 'home base'.

These people are reluctant to chase a better job or lifestyle in another State (let alone another Country).

 

[newbury]

Just another life observation but, at the risk of pulling statistics out of my backside, the majority of people live within an hour's travel of where they grew up/family. As transportation efficiency has improved, people have spread out more, but usually an hour's travel time is the norm to 'home base'.

These people are reluctant to chase a better job or lifestyle in another State (let alone another Country).

chase a better job or lifestyle

can be a key factor. If I had decided to pursue a career where I grew up options were limited. The main employer was IBM (I've Been Moved). The line workers who stayed for decades saw small promotions, those who moved to different plants generally rose up the ladder.

However the "job" I got was routinely sending me all over the world so I wasn't working in 1 place.

 

[meos1]

I have built at least two companies.....for other men. The tech industry has been good but suffered a great fall in 02. Doing the start ups was low pay, high hours, and a great risk of becoming unemployed. When they were successful, my share was so watered down they did not pay. I work for a larger tech company now and am busy building a business for that owner now. You might have heard of him, Michael Dell. We got the word right before the purchase of EMC "no merit, limited bonus". Such has been the story of my employment. I worked at Microsoft as well. Flat wage growth, stagnant stock price, etc. Then came the ACA which put us back on corporate insurance. With a Wife that's nearly disabled, I could not afford the long view. Im glad someone found it though. Work and loyalty simply do not pay off.

 

[EddieWalker]

In the late 90's I got scared because I saw housing prices increase dramatically, and lending practices get to the level of just being stupid. People where borrowing against their home to go buy a new TV and go on vacation. Then the dot com bubble hit and burst and the union job that I had went from very secure, to being bought out by a German company. I realized that I was working to survive and going on vacation to escape where I lived. I was not living the life I wanted for myself and somewhere had fallen into a routine of doing what was easy and not going anywhere.

I spent several years looking into different areas to move to. Even thought about a few other countries. I'm not educated and I do not have very many skills, so I needed a place where I could get a job that paid very little and survive while trying to improve my standard of living. Tyler Texas had everything on my check list, and then some things that I didn't realize. The economy here is fantastic. Unemployment is under 4%. There are always jobs listed in the classifieds, and anybody wanting to work, can find a job. I know people that change jobs a couple times a year. The housing market has never suffered. It slowed down a little a few times since I moved here 13 years ago, but never stopped. Now it's booming again with very low inventory.

Compared to where I've been, crime is almost non existent here. The big news today was that a dentist had a metal bench stolen from the front of his office. Last week, a store was robbed. For the news channels to report a murder, they will travel a hundred miles one way. I think we had 2 here in Tyler last year.

Anybody can buy a house here who has a job and fair credit. Land can be found from $2,000 an acre if you really look hard, but $3,000 an acre is about the going rate. Gas is usually lower here then most of the country. $1.85 the last time I filled up.

For me, the American Dream is being able to make enough money to live in a home I like and have the free time and extra money available to enjoy myself. Go on vacation if I want, but to not feel I have to escape where I live.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I consider myself very fortunate...
Gainfully employed since 1982 and only unemployed 1 time in that 33 year period and that was for only 6 weeks...
I had to update my educational skill levels to stay employed in the community college system...
I am looking at retirement in 7 to 10 years and fully vested in the state retirement system...
My son and daughter-in-law both have great jobs and are doing well...
I know one thing for certain...
In this day and age nothing is certain anymore...
Just do the best you can and keep striving...

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Read a headline in the Daily Oklahoman the other day; said there were 80,000 jobs available in this state. Lots of state jobs too. My two grandsons, one a year out of college with a degree in Accounting/finance working on his CPA, and the other, a Senior working on his degree in Industrial Safety, both highly recruited and have jobs, both still in school...but both are hard workers with a good attitude. It's my opinion that the future is going to be bright if you are a hard worker with knowledge and skills; not promising if you try to enter the job market with little education or training. There will always be some jobs for the unskilled, but try making a future digging holes or hawking french fries.