Posts Tagged ‘American dream’
Written on January 1st, 2012 by Samanthano shouts
The recovery of the American economic system is on the minds of all financial experts. With Europe being deep within a financial maelstrom, onlookers are very concerned if the US economy will be able to recover with better gains and in a shorter time than Europe will. The feeling is that this is very possible and highly likely. America still has a lot of strengths left. There is a lot to consider, for sure.
Human Resources
Middle class Americans are experiencing a very slow and low paying recovery. So while most may be able to put dinner on the table, there may not be much else left to fulfill the American Dream experience. Things are just different now and a lot of people will have to settle for a lot less in order to survive. However, Americans are still positively motivated—noting that they do feel more fortunate than the generation that raised them in a recent Gallop poll survey. This sort of morale will be able to go a long way in building towards a clearer and stronger future. This is the first and probably most important step towards recovery. The backbone of America, the average American, must feel that solutions are possible just to get up in the morning and give it a go. As unemployment is slowly going down, this may be a sign of better things ahead.
Creators
America has been dubbed the creation nation for a good reason. Some of the best inventions, technological wonders, and super gadgets, have all been created by American inventors and scientists—including computers, software, mobile phones, tablets, and social media hubs. Americans are still winning the race on new inventions that everyone wants. This will maintain the high profile visibility of American technology. Other nations simply do not have same status and demand for their inventions as Americans do.
Wholesome Foods
America can supply all of the essentials to her own country. With rich soil and livestock resources, America can grow all of the nourishing foods that are needed to be supplied. Of course foreign imports are a desirable addition—however, the US can survive on what is already there.
With all that being said, experts are on the lookout for new trends in the European economic (currency) system. There has been a buzz recently about Europe finally coming up with solutions for deeper solidarity amongst her many nations. This has led to rumors of the possibility of an increasingly stronger Euro that may appear. Some are speculating that a strong possibility of the Euro becoming the most valued currency in the world one day soon. The European Central Bank’s policy maker Christian Noyer seems to think so. He recently reported this positive news to Reuters.
America can certainly gain some much-needed steam in the New Year. It is not about competing with Europe—however, all global nations need to make significant progress for their citizens and neighbors. Hopefully all of these nations will learn from the mistakes made, leaving them in the past for future generations to learn from—not to repeat.
Resources:
FOX Business: http://www.foxbusiness.com
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com
Written on January 1st, 2012 by Samanthano shouts
The American dream has been getting foggier and foggier. The notion of getting good grades in school to advance on to a scholarly institution and graduate college to land a great job has become fleeting. Adding on a family, a home, car, and opportunity for enjoyment of these liberties are becoming a goal that has been cast at an even farther distance. Personal income has decreased sharply over the past 30 years—almost 10 percent. The standard of living for the American middle class has gone down with it. Jobs that were held by the middle class have turned into “low income” jobs. These jobs now make up almost half of all American jobs. This is huge.
Some experts are noting that “globalization” is a factor in creating this trend, and may contribute to a creating a two-tiered society in this country. Some experts are even mentioning that America may be on the way to becoming less that a first world country.
Technology is also a huge contributor to this trend. New technology has been the cause of the reduction of particular jobs and increased other jobs. Jobs that are now in demand are healthcare and hospitality. Jobs where there is an impact on direct care of basic human needs and relaxation will thrive in this society. All humans need healthcare, and others will still spend money on home wellness when regular health insurance is not affordable—this will not just be left for the increasingly wealthy, although the wealthy can afford to feed the more extravagant hospitality sector.
The private sector job market is steadily increasing; however, for low-income jobs. Private sector jobs for the middle class are steadily decreasing, and government jobs are about the same.
With this entire going on, some experts are noting that today’s American generation is doing better than the previous generation. So far, the greatest increase is being seen for seniors in their social security checks. However, this comes at a great cost to the government.
Surveys conducted by Gallop polls, reveal that older Americans feel better off than their parents were at the same age in comparison to younger Americans. The wealthy Americans surveyed feel much better than those that are not as wealthy. Overall, this connotation is down by 5 percent from similar surveys taken near the turn of the century. Surveys from Pew Research Center have also revealed equivalent results.
This all seems to be quite good for much needed morale. Perhaps, this may be enough to combat the reality of this situation.
The recent economic turmoil that most Americans have been feeling has been overwhelming for most. With the right amount of motivation, there is hope present for a better future. The thing is, how long will it take for this better future to be realized. Most experts have noted that although there will be steady increases, the real turn around of what has been deemed “The Great Recession” won’t be for a few years. In the meantime, we can still have hope.
Resources:
ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com
Yahoo! Finance – The Daily Ticker: http://finance.yahoo.com
Written on November 15th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
It’s Your Money
The holiday shopping season is finally here and shoppers are expecting a lot. Experts have predicted that shopper spending will increase almost 3 percent from last year. A lot of that has to do with the expectation of great holiday deals from retailers this season. Retailers are following suit by offering some amazing deals, and well before Black Friday actually arrives. The deals are expected to be so great that most experts predict that shoppers will not only buy for loved ones—they will buy for themselves as well. Some retailers have even started whole marketing campaigns around this popular theory. There may be a surge in BOGO’s (buy one get one) this holiday season as a direct result.
Here is a mini survival kit on how to get the most out of the 2011 holiday season.
Shop Around
Look through store circulars and compare the prices. You are sure to pinpoint items that you want to check off of your holiday shopping list. If you prefer dealing with a particular merchant, bring in competitor prices to see if they will match it.
Get Out Early, or Stay up Late
Lots of stores have set a trend of trying to beat out the competition by opening up as early as possible over recent years. The 8 am opening time has been swept aside for the 6 am opening, and then the 4 am opening. Well retailers have gotten even cleverer by offering Black Friday midnight (morning) sales. Macy’s, and others will be opening their doors at midnight so you can start shopping before sleeping off your delicious Thanksgiving meal. Check your local retailers for more details.
Go Online
Cyber Mondays has evolved into cyber everyday around the holidays. You do not have to wait until the Monday after Thanksgiving to get great deals. Great deals are only as far as your fingers can type your most wanted items into search modules.
Rain Check
Coveted items are sure to get top billing at most stores, which means that they will probably run out the fastest. You may be able to get a rain check from some retailers if this should happen. Don’t expect that you will be able to get the item before Christmas though. You may have to be patient and wait until the New Year—better late than never.
Keep Your Sanity Intact
The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the entire year. If you do venture out, the lines are bound to be quite long with determined shoppers, who all want more than a retailer may have in stock. Be patient, and have several destinations in mind. If an item cannot be found at one store, it may be at another. This is a good time to get that out the e-reader and browse through a novel, or play a quick game. Bring along company, snacks, and water too. You don’t want to get dehydrated and famished while waiting on line.
Remember that a lot of stores may have an online website as well. If you can’t find it at the store you may be able to find at the store website.
Resources:
National Retailer Federation: http://www.nrf.com
Written on October 26th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
College graduates have been having a really hard time of it lately. Unemployment is high and moral has been low. Trying to consider how to repay college loans in such an economy is more than challenging. The Obama administration has recognized this and has asserted a plan to help out college students with repaying college loans.
The Obama administration is going to ratify a college loan repayment cap in January 2012 instead of waiting to do so in 2014, according to a recent Reuters article. The cap would be at “10 percent,” of the college student’s income. This is a much welcomed and needed boost for our nation’s college graduates. At the very least, this plan is a start.
This is an independent change that does not have to have the approval of Congress for it to go forward.
According to the article, there are more Americans with college loan debt than with credit card debt right now. The amount of college loan debt is expected to increase and “exceed 1 trillion dollars this year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.”
The loan changes are expected to be announced this week by President Obama.
There will be more changes for students with this plan as well. According to the article, there will be ”debt forgiveness,” after twenty years. Currently debt forgiveness is set at twenty-five years. The plan will also offer a loan bundling deal for some students. The plan will also allow for interest payment reductions for qualified students that choose to participate in the program.
Only a minimal amount of Americans in college loan debt are currently making use of the college loan “repayment by income” programs that are now in place. The administration is hoping that this will increase use of the program, while reducing the amount of monthly debt that students have to pay back.
Most people go to college as a way to elevate themselves to a skill set that will make him or her highly valuable to potential employers. College students work very hard and usually make very little money while in school. This is all done with an implied promise of success. However, today’s job market is so sparse. It is simply difficult to get a job that can allow for being independent, much less able to repay back significant college loans. The disparity among other reasons, have summoned low expectations for the future of American college graduates.
The Associated Press has reported that more than any other decade before, the “2000’s,” has proved to be an especially tough economic crunch on college students and their families.
College students were a huge force in getting Obama elected. Perhaps this has added to a persuasive atmosphere and called on the attention of those that can make a difference. Being able to pluck some of the more fixable issues out of the vast pool of economic despair may be a step in the right direction.
Resources:
Associated Press: http://www.ap.org
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com
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Filed under Cost Of Living, Loans
Tags:American dream, college, college loans, cost of livng, debt, economy, education, employment, finances, jobs, loans, money, new cap on college student loans
Written on October 16th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
Social Security Loosing Ground for Modern Seniors
We would all like to retire at some point. With the increasingly disturbing economic storm that we have had to weather lately, this is becoming more fantasy than reality. More Americans must postpone retirement, and some believe that full retirement may not be possible anymore.
Americans have been retiring at age 65 since 1938. This age increased to 67 by 1960. The way that this works is that anyone born before 1937 may retire at the full retirement age of 65. As the years have gone on since then, the full retirement age has steadily increased. Options exist to retire from age 62 – 67. However, at age 62, a reduction will occur for those collecting social security benefits. Only at the corresponding full retirement age, may retirees collect the full social security benefit amount. This has been an off putting reality that have seniors scratching their heads trying to figure out how they will survive in today’s world.
Don’t Get Old
Seemingly easier said then done. What can be done is to not allow your skills to become stale and dated. Stay up on the latest working trends, including new software, business machines, methods, and technology. There are many ways to gain access to these training online, or you may be able to take classes at a local accredited school. Keep on buffing up on the latest business tools and keep your skill set growing. You will stay current and in the stream of what is happening now. Make yourself an asset to your company and you will go far.
Keep Saving and Investing
Don’t put a cap on your saving plan. Keep on saving your money, and selecting diversified stocks to invest in. The key is to keep to your saving schedule so that you may have enough to fall back on down the road. And with proper investing, you can make your money work for you.
Part-Time Work
You may be able to subsidize your benefit income with a part-time job. Use the skills that you had in your full-time work life to your benefit. You can also start your own business and take on light contracting work to make ends meet. The more creative you are, the more you will be able to resolve your own situation.
Sell Off Marketable Items
You may have acquired a hefty lot of valuables over the years. Perhaps you may be able to sell off some of it and put that into savings. Make sure that you have had these items appraised and keep track of the certificate paperwork. This can be old unwanted jewelry, artwork, property, books, automobiles, furniture, and other antiques. Make sure you have a clear record of what you have within an inventory log. You don’t have to part with your truly precious items that hold sentimental value for you. Hold on to those treasures.
If you are still holding to a big house, you may want to consider moving into a smaller home or apartment. You can save big on property tax, maintenance, and huge utility usage bills.
With careful planning and constant awareness of what is going on in the world, retirees may be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Resources:
Social Security Online: http://www.socialsecurity.gov
The Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com
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Filed under Cost Of Living, Income, Investment
Tags:American dream, budget, cost, economy, employment, finances, income, jobs, money, retirement, retirement age, social security
Written on September 14th, 2011 by Samanthano shouts
Highest in Decades
The American dream has been a driving ideal for those born here, and for immigrants seeking a better way of life. Along with this sentiment is a common vision, of this better way of life – a beautiful three-bedroom house, with an emerald green lawn, white picket fence, and friendly recipe-sharing neighbors. Perhaps the dream has had some new additions or modifications such as having a larger apartment within a bustling city, and a room with a view. All in all, it adds up to a want for the most desirable contemporary life experience.
The Associated Press has released information from a Census Bureau report regarding a study conducted in 2010. It states that almost one out of every six Americans is living in poverty. That is a huge amount of people: over 45 million Americans are. This is up by .8% from 2009.
The reasoning for such increasing numbers is the lack of jobs in America today. As I have reported recently, the unemployment rate in the US is rising at an exponential rate. According to the report, the last three years have had the highest increase rate from any three-year timeline since the ‘80s, and the highest amount of Americans living in poverty since the late ‘50s.
For these reasons a lot more Americans have had to rely on social services such as welfare, and food stamps. Reuters has reported the same amount of people on food stamps – 15%. Up “74% from 2007, just before the financial crisis and a deep recession led to mass job losses.” However, some of those receiving these food stamp benefits may be working as the underemployed. These are astonishing numbers – absolutely incredible.
Hopefully, Obama’s job plan will be acceptable and get Americans back to work. Economists are fully behind his plan. However, some are still reluctant to change financial “growth forecasts” for the remainder of this year, and going into the next. Predictions are still being “trimmed at a percentage point,” according to reports (AP). The US needs to produce about one-quarter million jobs on a monthly basis, to even begin to combat the high unemployment rate. A “rapid” job creation increase is what Americans need, according to the same report. Without that, we may continue at the currently over 9% unemployment rate.
At any rate, we need something extremely positive to happen quite quickly.
The census has determined that those living on less than approximately “$22,314” for a household of four, and less than “$11,139” for any one person are considered to be living in poverty.
The statue of liberty has a greeting meant for all that have chosen to live here. It states: “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Now it seems that we are the tired, the poor, and “huddled masses yearning to breath free…”
Resources:
Associated Press: http://www.ap.org
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com
The Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.: http://www.statueofliberty.org
Yahoo! News – The Lookout: http://www.finance.yahoo.com
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Filed under Cost Of Living, Currency, Income
Tags:American dream, American poverty rate, cost of livng, debt, economy, employment, finances, growth, jobs, money, poor, poverty