Are You Living the American Dream? Here are the Top 21 Signs You’ve Made It

Olu
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If there’s one shared vision that ties all of us as Americans together, it’s the ideal of the American Dream. In our hearts, we all yearn to carve out our unique piece of this cherished ideal—a house with a white picket fence, financial security, and the freedom to pursue our passions. But how do we know when we’ve arrived when we’ve ‘made it’? Let’s walk through some telltale signs that you’ve grabbed hold of the American Dream.

Picking Up the Tab

Bill Payment During Friends Hangout
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You’re out with friends at your favorite hangout, laughter and cheer fill the air, and when the check arrives, you don’t blink before grabbing it. If you can confidently cover the tab without anxiously scrutinizing your bank account the next day, you’re certainly on track.

Your Refrigerator is Ice Ready

Woman Getting Water from the Ice Dispenser
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Yes, you read that right. If your refrigerator comes with an ice dispenser, you’ve crossed a minor but significant threshold on your path to the American Dream. It’s a simple luxury but a telling one nonetheless.

Leisure Walks in the Park

Couple taking a stroll in the park
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If you have ample time to savor a quiet, introspective walk in the park without constantly glancing at your phone or worrying about deadlines, congratulations, you’ve achieved a sense of balance—a valuable component of the American Dream.

Seamless Finances

Healthy finances
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Do you have the luxury of not having to transfer funds between accounts to keep your financial ship afloat? If yes, you’ve attained a level of financial fluidity that many aspire to.

Technophile Status

Latest Tablet Among Friends
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Owning the latest hot gadget not only places you in the coveted technophile club but also signifies your financial freedom.

Charitable Contributions

Charity
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If you’re in a position to give, whether monetarily or in kind, to charitable organizations, you’re not only adding to your good karma, but it’s also a strong indicator that you’ve achieved a comfortable financial standing.

A Healthy Checking Account

Good Checking Account
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According to YNAB, maintaining at least $7,425 in your checking account is a solid sign you’re living comfortably.

Premium Subscriptions

latest Subscription
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Can you afford Netflix or Spotify Premium without second-guessing? If yes, you’re enjoying a facet of financial freedom.

Whole Foods Grocery Runs

Healthy Food
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Shopping at Whole Foods without worrying about the price difference from your local grocery chain? Another indicator of your financial success.

Private School for the Kids

Private School Students
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If your kids are attending private school, it’s a fair indication that you’re walking the path of the American Dream.

Property Ownership

House Ownership
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Owning a property valued between 1-2 million dollars not only gives you bragging rights, but it’s also a clear sign that you’ve ‘made it’.

Driving a Fancy Set of Wheels

Fancy car
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A car worth $58,000+ in your garage? That’s another checkpoint crossed.

Savings Safety Net

Healthy Savings
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A savings account with a cushion of $35k suggests that you’re not just living paycheck to paycheck—you’ve got a financial safety net.

Stellar Household Income

Wealthy Income
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A household income of $185k+ puts you in a high-earning bracket, implying that you’re certainly living the dream.

Debt-Free Living

Debt Free
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If you’re debt-free, that’s a massive achievement toward fulfilling the American Dream.

Holiday Home

Holiday Home
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Having a holiday home not only means that you can afford luxuries but also that you have a significant investment for the future.

Calling Out of Work

Calling in Sick from Work
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The freedom to call out of work without financial implications indicates that you’re not a slave to your job.

Home Movie Theater

Home Threatre
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A home movie theater is not just an entertaining asset—it’s a sign of a truly plush lifestyle.

Hiring a Home Cleaner

House Maid
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If you can afford to hire help around the house, you’re not only buying their services but also purchasing your own time back—a mark of financial prosperity.

Flying First Class

Flying First Class
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If you’re jet-setting in style and comfort, you’ve achieved an enviable level of financial success.

Weekend Getaways

Weekend Trips
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Being able to whisk away for weekend trips without worrying about the costs is a clear sign that you’re living the dream. While these signs give a measure of your financial success, it’s essential to remember that the American Dream is not just about wealth—it’s about financial independence, personal fulfillment, and the freedom to live life on your terms. So, as you tick off these signs, also cherish the personal milestones that make your journey unique. After all, the American Dream is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

How Much Time the Average American Spends on Chores

Family Doing Chores
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Household chores are necessary—albeit dreaded by many—part of daily life. It seems there is a never-ending to-do list involved with maintaining a home and keeping it running smoothly. Tasks like taking care of children and pets, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry must be done, no matter how busy or tired one may be.

How Much Time the Average American Spends on Chores

Discover 12 Things Highly Productive People NEVER Do

Stop Wasting Time! Discover 12 Things Highly Productive People NEVER Do
Canva by kate_sept2004

Are you looking for ways to be more productive? Do you want to make the best use of your time? Then it’s important to understand how highly productive people think and act. Highly productive people don’t do certain things that hold them back from achieving their goals. Knowing what they avoid can help us more effectively manage our time and resources.

Discover 12 Things Highly Productive People NEVER Do

Top 10 Places Where Americans Are Happiest

Happy Couple
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Research shows that, in some cases, money does lead to happiness. In fact, a 2021 University of Pennsylvania study found a correlation between happiness and income growth, even past an annual income of $80,000. This is in contrast to previous research that found happiness stagnated after an individual earned $75,000. However, not all places can offer the same level of happiness, as some cities offer more economic opportunities and a better quality of life than others.

Top 10 Places Where Americans Are Happiest

15 Richest American Presidents of all time

Donald Trump
Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons
The United States of America has had 46 Presidents, each with their own unique legacy and contribution to the country. While some Presidents left an indelible mark on history, others were able to amass significant wealth during their lifetimes.

15 Richest American Presidents of all time

15 Timeless American Traditions That Have Stood the Test of Time

The Fourth of July
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The United States of America is a nation with deep-rooted traditions and customs. Americans have celebrated holidays and special occasions for centuries. But beyond these widely observed events, there are many lesser-known traditions that can be found throughout the country that have stood the test of time.

15 Timeless American Traditions That Have Stood the Test of Time

Author

  • Olu

    My name is Olu. I am a passionate entrepreneur who loves to write about Pets, Home Improvement Hacks & Products, Fitness, and Travel Lifestyle. I have two bachelor's degrees in Veterinary Medicine and Applied Accounting with a CPA designation. I currently shuffle time between completing a Master of Business Administration Degree Education, Professional Practice, and Content writing. I have freelanced lifestyle content and posts for many top authority websites like MSN, and Wealth of Geeks.

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