[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I guess it depends on what you consider to be YOUR American dream. Mine doesn't require a fancy car, or much expense on it at all. Because I'd be healthy and able-bodied and walk or ride my bicycle wherever I needed to go, and call a limo to take me to the airport if I want to travel away from my own state. I think I spent maybe $50,000 total for my last car, including the cost to buy it, insure it, and maintain it for 12 years.

It wouldn't need a big home, it's just the two of us, 1200 square feet on a 1/4-acre wooded lot is plenty.

No kids.



Health care hasn't cost us more than $12,000 in any given year, ever, including premiums and co-pays. That's not including a couple of years when we had major dental expenses. Those were the exceptions to the rule. With the current situation, it'll probably cost more. Let's call it $50,000 now. Still nothing like the above example.

Vacations? In MY American Dream, I'd be going on river cruises and maybe a trip to Europe, and back to New England. Not every year. This wouldn't be an "annual" cost of vacations. Maybe $10,000 annual, on average. Less for New England trips, more for Europe.

Once my cat dies, I will probably not have any more pets, or possibly foster one, which means the vet bills are paid for by someone else. So that's a savings right there.

That's my American dream.

When grow up with silver spoon in their mouth they expect all things they are accustomed too. Us they grew up poor grateful just to be alive at retirement time and able to retire.