{"id":6981,"date":"2024-10-30T14:25:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T14:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/5-reasons-the-american-dream-is-still-alive-and-well\/"},"modified":"2024-10-30T14:25:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T14:25:11","slug":"5-reasons-the-american-dream-is-still-alive-and-well","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=6981","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons The American Dream Is Still Alive And Well"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-0\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\">Are Americans still optimistic about the future?<\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Only 36% of voters still believe the American Dream is attainable, according to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/us-news\/american-dream-out-of-reach-poll-3b774892\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/us-news\/american-dream-out-of-reach-poll-3b774892\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/us-news\/american-dream-out-of-reach-poll-3b774892\" aria-label=\"2023 Wall Street Journal\/NORC survey.\">2023 Wall Street Journal\/NORC survey.<\/a> This figure is decidedly lower than other pollster findings in similar surveys. Those revealed that 48% of voters in 2016 and 53% in 2012 felt reasonably assured of their opportunities for a prosperous future.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, a majority of Americans were hopeful about the future in 2012, whereas today, this sentiment has dropped to just above a third.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-1\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\">More than half of Americans felt optimistic in 2012, and only slightly more than one-third do now. <\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It doesn\u2019t take an economics degree to list potential reasons public sentiment seems to be trending in the wrong direction. Americans are consistently barraged with negative headlines and stressful news updates, from supersized natural disasters to political unrest to foreign wars. It\u2019s okay to admit that there are legitimate causes for concern. As investors, this may make international investments more appealing. Why invest in companies owned and operated in a country that\u2019s on the decline? Or worse yet, why invest at all?<\/p>\n<p>As a tense election day approaches, remember that America\u2019s core strength doesn\u2019t come from politics. American author and journalist <a href=\"https:\/\/robertbryce.substack.com\/p\/five-reasons-to-be-bullish-on-the-united-states\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/robertbryce.substack.com\/p\/five-reasons-to-be-bullish-on-the-united-states\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/robertbryce.substack.com\/p\/five-reasons-to-be-bullish-on-the-united-states\" aria-label=\"Robert Bryce recently explained\">Robert Bryce recently explained<\/a> why he feels the United States continues to be an enviable place to live and work. His words are a powerful reminder of the Army of American Productivity\u2019s dynamic momentum, working every second of the day to create, innovate, and drive our economic engine.<\/p>\n<p><fbs-ad position=\"inread\" progressive=\"\" ad-id=\"article-0-inread\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\"><\/fbs-ad><\/p>\n<p>Despite the challenges, there is still plenty of evidence for future retirees to justify an optimistic attitude as they strive to meet the dream of financial prosperity. Using Bryce\u2019s five specific categories of American excellence as a framework can help reveal why the pursuit of a happy retirement in the U.S. is still a worthy endeavor.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-2\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion class=\"expandable\" current=\"-1\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\">Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA &#8211; June 30, 2023: Kendall Square is an internationally recognized <span class=\"plus\" data-ga-track=\"caption expand\">&#8230; [+]<\/span><span class=\"expanded-caption\"> innovation district because of its high concentration of entrepreneurial startups. It is adjacent to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus and has about 50,000 people who work in the area on a daily basis. Street scene featuring Kendall Square signs for Innovation and its MBTA Red LIne subway stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\">Education<\/h2>\n<p>The K-12 system may need improvement, but many covet higher education in the U.S. Home to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeshighereducation.com\/world-university-rankings\/2023\/world-ranking\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.timeshighereducation.com\/world-university-rankings\/2023\/world-ranking\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.timeshighereducation.com\/world-university-rankings\/2023\/world-ranking\" aria-label=\"58 of the 100 highest-ranked\">58 of the 100 highest-ranked<\/a> universities worldwide, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scrippsnews.com\/us-news\/education\/us-home-to-7-of-the-top-10-universities-2-public-universities-outrank-ivy-league-schools\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.scrippsnews.com\/us-news\/education\/us-home-to-7-of-the-top-10-universities-2-public-universities-outrank-ivy-league-schools\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.scrippsnews.com\/us-news\/education\/us-home-to-7-of-the-top-10-universities-2-public-universities-outrank-ivy-league-schools\" aria-label=\"seven out of the top 10\">seven out of the top 10<\/a>, these institutions churn out many cutting-edge entrepreneurs who fuel industries across various sectors. Whether it\u2019s the next AI, biotech, or telecommunications breakthrough, it\u2019s likely incubating on a U.S. campus.<\/p>\n<p>Since 1901, the U.S. has produced the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/map-most-nobel-prize-winners-1964877\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/map-most-nobel-prize-winners-1964877\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/map-most-nobel-prize-winners-1964877\" aria-label=\"most Nobel Prize winners\">most Nobel Prize winners<\/a>, with the U.K. and Germany coming in distant second and third place, respectively. It remains a leader in technology and innovation, and that momentum keeps America at the center of the global economy while benefiting domestic and international customers.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\">Demographics<\/h2>\n<p>Population matters, especially regarding long-term economic growth. While Japan, China, and many European nations are facing population decline, the U.S. still is projected to grow from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/popclock\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/popclock\/\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.census.gov\/popclock\/\" aria-label=\"337 million today\">337 million today<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/content\/dam\/Census\/library\/publications\/2020\/demo\/p25-1144.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/content\/dam\/Census\/library\/publications\/2020\/demo\/p25-1144.pdf\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.census.gov\/content\/dam\/Census\/library\/publications\/2020\/demo\/p25-1144.pdf\" aria-label=\"404 million by 2060\">404 million by 2060<\/a>. Furthermore, it has utilized immigration to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/newsletters\/politico-nightly\/2024\/07\/30\/the-political-shockwaves-of-americas-falling-birth-rates-00171799\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/newsletters\/politico-nightly\/2024\/07\/30\/the-political-shockwaves-of-americas-falling-birth-rates-00171799\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.politico.com\/newsletters\/politico-nightly\/2024\/07\/30\/the-political-shockwaves-of-americas-falling-birth-rates-00171799\" aria-label=\"offset low fertility rates\">offset low fertility rates<\/a>. This demographic edge translates to more workers, consumers, and a bigger talent pool to drive the economy forward.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/newsletters\/politico-nightly\/2024\/07\/30\/the-political-shockwaves-of-americas-falling-birth-rates-00171799\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/newsletters\/politico-nightly\/2024\/07\/30\/the-political-shockwaves-of-americas-falling-birth-rates-00171799\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.politico.com\/newsletters\/politico-nightly\/2024\/07\/30\/the-political-shockwaves-of-americas-falling-birth-rates-00171799\" aria-label=\"U.S. median age is 38.9\">U.S. median age is 38.9<\/a>, younger than China\u2019s (40.2) and Japan\u2019s (49.9), providing a demographic cushion for workforce sustainability.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\">Geography and Agriculture<\/h2>\n<p>North America\u2019s landscape is a goldmine\u2014proliferous farmland, high crop yields, and extensive agricultural infrastructure <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/100615\/4-countries-produce-most-food.asp\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/100615\/4-countries-produce-most-food.asp\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/100615\/4-countries-produce-most-food.asp\" aria-label=\"help make the U.S. the world&#039;s top food exporter.\">help make the U.S. the world&#8217;s top food exporter.<\/a> This income stream and self-sufficient food security contribute to overall national stability.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-3\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\">The U.S. is fortunate enough to claim 2.4 million miles of navigable inland waterways.<\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, harvesting the crops is only half the battle. With 2.4 million miles of traversable rivers, canals, bays, and other waterways, America is blessed with an abundance of transportation routes for the goods it produces. Sailing cargo down the Mississippi River is far easier than hauling it over mountains and valleys.<\/p>\n<p>One particularly lucrative product is corn. Producing almost 40% of the world\u2019s supply makes the U.S. a global leader in corn production, and the introduction of more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nber.org\/system\/files\/chapters\/c11987\/revisions\/c11987.rev0.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.nber.org\/system\/files\/chapters\/c11987\/revisions\/c11987.rev0.pdf\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.nber.org\/system\/files\/chapters\/c11987\/revisions\/c11987.rev0.pdf\" aria-label=\"drought-resistant hybrid corn allowed for heartier yields.\">drought-resistant hybrid corn allowed for heartier yields.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\">Energy<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s impossible to power an economy without energy. Ample resources and state-of-the-art harvesting methods allow the U.S. to shine in this department.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. surpassed Saudi Arabia and Russia to become <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=37053\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=37053\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=37053\" aria-label=\"the world\u2019s largest oil producer in 2018.\">the world\u2019s largest oil producer in 2018. <\/a>It also tops the list for natural gas, accounting for 24.2% of global natural gas production in 2023. Furthermore, natural gas prices are significantly lower in the U.S. than in much of the world, and the competitive edge that affords its industries can\u2019t be overstated.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-4\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion class=\"expandable\" current=\"-1\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\">Energy security, or \u201chaving sufficient reserves to meet demand and having a power system and <span class=\"plus\" data-ga-track=\"caption expand\">&#8230; [+]<\/span><span class=\"expanded-caption\"> infrastructure that are protected against physical and cyber threat,\u201d keeps the U.S. ahead of its global peers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Energy security, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/eere\/energy-independence-and-security#:~:text=Energy%20security%20means%20having%20enough,against%20physical%20and%20cyber%20threats.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/eere\/energy-independence-and-security#:~:text=Energy%20security%20means%20having%20enough,against%20physical%20and%20cyber%20threats.\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/eere\/energy-independence-and-security#:~:text=Energy%20security%20means%20having%20enough,against%20physical%20and%20cyber%20threats.\" aria-label=\"\u201chaving sufficient reserves\">\u201chaving sufficient reserves<\/a> to meet demand and having a power system and infrastructure that are protected against physical and cyber threat,\u201d keeps the U.S. ahead of its global peers. If its oil and natural gas prowess weren\u2019t convincing enough, the U.S. also l<a href=\"https:\/\/world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/country-profiles\/countries-t-z\/usa-nuclear-power#:~:text=The%20USA%20is%20the%20world&#039;s,18%25%20of%20total%20electrical%20output.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/country-profiles\/countries-t-z\/usa-nuclear-power#:~:text=The%20USA%20is%20the%20world&#039;s,18%25%20of%20total%20electrical%20output.\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/country-profiles\/countries-t-z\/usa-nuclear-power#:~:text=The%20USA%20is%20the%20world&#039;s,18%25%20of%20total%20electrical%20output.\" aria-label=\"eads the world in nuclear energy production.\">eads the world in nuclear energy production.<\/a> Nearly a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/nuclear\/us-nuclear-industry.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/nuclear\/us-nuclear-industry.php\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/nuclear\/us-nuclear-industry.php\" aria-label=\"fifth of the country\u2019s electricity\">fifth of the country\u2019s electricity <\/a>comes from nuclear power annually.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\">The Constitution<\/h2>\n<p>What sets the U.S. apart from other wealthy countries is its true backbone: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archives.gov\/founding-docs\/constitution-transcript\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.archives.gov\/founding-docs\/constitution-transcript\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.archives.gov\/founding-docs\/constitution-transcript\" aria-label=\"The Constitution.\">The Constitution.<\/a> The noble pillars supporting its creation\u2014a desire to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty\u2014are the reason power remains diffuse. Federal leaders enact laws in Washington, D.C., but they must do so without trampling on the rights of the states, cities, and individual citizens. The high-minded aims underlying the action have kept things churning, despite the flaws, for more than 230 years.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-5\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion class=\"expandable\" current=\"-1\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\">The Constitution uses each of the three separate branches of government to counterbalance the <span class=\"plus\" data-ga-track=\"caption expand\">&#8230; [+]<\/span><span class=\"expanded-caption\"> others, and this division of power has helped foster the entrepreneurial spirit and freedom that drives the economy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>By balancing the powers among its three branches, the Constitution has protected the freedom that fuels America\u2019s entrepreneurial drive. As of 2023, <a href=\"https:\/\/advocacy.sba.gov\/2023\/03\/07\/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-business-2023\/#:~:text=Most%20businesses%20are%20small%2D%2099.9,46.4%25%20of%20private%20sector%20employees.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/advocacy.sba.gov\/2023\/03\/07\/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-business-2023\/#:~:text=Most%20businesses%20are%20small%2D%2099.9,46.4%25%20of%20private%20sector%20employees.\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/advocacy.sba.gov\/2023\/03\/07\/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-business-2023\/#:~:text=Most%20businesses%20are%20small%2D%2099.9,46.4%25%20of%20private%20sector%20employees.\" aria-label=\"small businesses comprised 99.9% of all U.S. companies\">small businesses comprised 99.9% of all U.S. companies<\/a> and employed 61.7 million Americans, totaling 46.4% of private sector employees, thus demonstrating how decentralized power can feed all-around growth.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>The road to a happy retirement can be lined with hazards. Lately, that may feel more true than ever as doubt about the future of the American Dream creeps in for many people. Mother nature is roaring, and fears of a potential recession are rolling in even before the current inflation rolls out. A close election is testing our civility, while social media tends to stoke the flames.<\/p>\n<p>However, the strength of the United States was never based on smooth and gentle tidings. It\u2019s a comprehensive coalition that can put aside differences to forge ahead together, no matter what. Take a moment to look around. The uplifting signs of <em>The Army of American Productivity<\/em> are evident. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. The possibility of the American Dream is still within the grasp of many.<\/p>\n<p>As Bryce admits, it can sometimes be easy to grow pessimistic. But with a little effort, the reasons for optimism reveal themselves. Growing pains and sibling rivalries aren\u2019t pleasant, but they can strengthen future bonds. By working together to shape an even more united set of fifty states, there\u2019s no reason America\u2019s best days aren\u2019t still ahead, and investing in that future may be one way for retirees to reach for the happiness and security they desire.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-6\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion class=\"expandable\" current=\"-1\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\">By working together to shape an even more united set of fifty states, there\u2019s no reason America\u2019s <span class=\"plus\" data-ga-track=\"caption expand\">&#8230; [+]<\/span><span class=\"expanded-caption\"> best days aren\u2019t still ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/wesmoss\/2024\/10\/29\/5-reasons-the-american-dream-is-still-alive-and-well\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are Americans still optimistic about the future? getty Only 36% of voters still believe the American Dream is attainable, according to a 2023 Wall Street Journal\/NORC survey. This figure is decidedly lower than other pollster findings in similar surveys. Those revealed that 48% of voters in 2016 and 53% in 2012 felt reasonably assured of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6982,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[196],"tags":[1761,1251,1760,715],"class_list":{"0":"post-6981","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-finance-news","8":"tag-alive","9":"tag-american","10":"tag-dream","11":"tag-reasons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6981","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6981"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6981\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6981"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6981"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6981"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}