I was just watching a mini documentary on some investment strategies used during times of recession.

One thing that was brought up during the documentary is “The American Dream”. People in Generation X barely even know or even think about The American Dream anymore. It was much easier for the Baby Boomers to invest in assets and acquire their dreams with a simple and fair paying job.

Another thing I have noticed is basically the attitude of the general public from that time was more independent, self supporting, can do kind of person. Sure there are some people today who have the can do attitude, but compared to the 50s, 60s, and 70s. There is not as many strong willed can do members in the American human race. There are many many reasons that this has happened. The one factor that remains across them all is basic finances.

Most of our parents have told us that in order to get ahead we should get a good job so that we could get a nice home and support a family. In order to do that it is also suggested to go to school and learn a trade of our choice. One huge problem today is that each school year is quickly approaching $35,000 a year. Effectively pricing out many students who want a decent education. Students who, some how, manage to get through the school system are already hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, having to pay all that money back before they can think about building their life, their family, their dream.

Who in their right mind would want to be hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt before they can truly build their dream?

Decades ago the American Dream was built on hard work and getting yourself through the education system. Since many folks are being priced out of the education system, The old school way is to get yourself through school, and then get a good paying job. This simply just does not work anymore today. We have to be smarter with our money, and we have to take risks outside of our societal box. Neither of which most families have taught their children anything about. It is up to you to break that chain of debt, or have your family continue a life style that is not as rewarding.

The American dream starts with you writing your own success story. It does not matter how you get there. It just matters that you have the will to see it through until you have created your own success.

Where are you today? What steps have you taken to create your success? What are you doing next year?