American Dream Redefined: Good-Bye Picket Fence, Hello Financial Stability

We recently asked you to share what the “American Dream” means to you. And share you did! From coast to coast, twenty-somethings to those “older than dirt” (direct quote), you all defined the American Dream, shared if you’ve achieved it and got candid about what’s holding you back if you feel you are not there yet.

Historically, the American Dream has been symbolized by the idyllic house complete with a white picket fence, a married couple and two kids. Some of you identified with that.

However, for many in our survey, the new definition of the American Dream is grounded in the themes of happiness, being debt-free and having a fulfilling career – in fact 61% of you polled on Twitter identified being financially free as your version of the American Dream.

Many of you also place a high value on investing in higher education and investing in others with a goal of helping people.

When it comes to goals associated with achieving the American Dream, your responses varied. The majority is digging out of debt and focused on raising a family… comfortably. Still others expressed interest in traveling the world, starting a business and retiring early.

Inspired by your words, we hit the streets to learn more about how some people are defining the American Dream. Take a look at what they had to say:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4QLLUWKcQk&feature=youtu.be

Like we’ve said, this notion of the American Dream is as unique as each one of us. Here’s another example of how this is varied amongst our Minters: A 24-year old woman from Detroit has achieved her dream of becoming a baker. And for her, achieving one dream has led her to another one. Her new goal is coming up with new flavors people love. In her own words, she wants to “… reinvent old classics and create new tastes.”

And isn’t that in some way how we should be thinking about our own dreams and money? Stay true to who we are while never giving up on the dream of doing what we love.