FROM NEWSWEEK: The American Dream has long symbolized the promise of opportunity, prosperity, and upward mobility. Coined in 1931 by writer James Truslow Adams in The Epic of America, the term described “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”
But nearly a century later, achieving that vision is more expensive than ever. According to new research published by Investopedia, the lifetime cost of attaining the traditional American Dream—including homeownership, retirement, raising children, a wedding, new cars, healthcare, pets, and annual vacations—now totals roughly $5 million. These calculations assume a college-educated, dual-income household capable of sustaining these ambitions over a lifetime.
Phillip E. Battin, president and CEO of Illinois-based Ambassador Wealth Management in Warrenville, Illinois, told Newsweek: “The American Dream is becoming harder to reach for many people. Wages for middle- and working-class Americans aren’t keeping up with the rising costs of things like housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses.”
The estimated costs include:
- Retirement: $1.6 Million
- Healthcare: $414,208
- Homeownership: $957,594
- Raising Children (2) and College: $876,092
- Purchasing New Cars: $900,346
- Annual Vacations: $180,621
- Owning Pets: $39,381
- Weddings: $38,200
Battin said, “Today, the American people continue to adapt. Many pursue a side hustle or a second job, relocate for better employment opportunities, or temporarily use credit to make ends meet. But unlike families in the past, most households today don’t have strong savings, pensions, or safety nets—making them more vulnerable when hard times hit.”
“The old dream of owning a home, having a steady job, and living debt-free is still possible—but it looks very different today,” he said. “It may require more effort, flexibility, and creative thinking.”
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