Why A $100,000 Salary Can’t Buy The American Dream

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⌚️Timestamps:
00:00 The American Dream Benchmark
00:10 The Hidden Fee
01:40 Wage Suppression
02:58 What caused Wage Suppression?
05:50 Flawed Calculations
07:40 1st biggest contributors to the problem
8:58 2nd biggest contributors to the problem
10:33 3rd biggest contributors to the problem
11:10 But here's how you can still achieve the American Dream
12:07 Step 2 on how to still achieve the American Dream
13:37 Step 3 on how to still achieve the American Dream
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All opinions expressed by Vincent Chan are solely Vincent Chan’s opinions. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Vincent Chan as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his opinion. Vincent Chan’s opinions are based upon information he considers reliable, but does not warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. Vincent Chan is not under any obligation to update or correct any information provided. Vincent Chan’s statements and opinions are subject to change without notice.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Vincent Chan does not guarantee any specific outcome or profit. You should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investment discussed. Strategies or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value. Investors may get back less than invested. Investments or strategies mentioned may not be suitable for you. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. You must make an independent decision regarding investments or strategies mentioned. Before acting on information, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser.

[@VincentChan]

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[@JesseMayhill]

My outlook on money changed when I realized someone making $300,000 can retire broke & someone making $80,000 can retire a multi-millionaire. Living within your means and living a frugal lifestyle is the first step to financial independence. I just hit the one million mark last year, cheers to everyone striving to get there someday.

[@Duttonmuffins]

Wow! Congrats on that. Is it preferable for me to save money or allocate a significant amount of my salary to stocks in order to accomplish this goal?

[@Madridstrat]

Varied sources of income is wise and especially living within your means. My net worth is over $1M and I can pay my bills with no stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.

[@Frankweily]

During bear markets, aim to 5x your portfolio with crypto accumulation and reinvest dividends. Consult a financial advisor for assistance. Since 2020, my $1.2m portfolio has averaged 28% annually through restructuring and diversification.

[@Bunnydrille]

Who is this person guiding you and how can i reach he/she?

[@Frankweily]

She goes by ‘’Melissa Elise Robinson’ I suggest you look her up. To be honest, I almost didn't buy the idea of letting someone handle growing my finance, but so glad I did.

[@DavidCovington-st2id]

It's sad how difficult things have become in the present generation. I was wondering how to utilise some money I had. I used some of it for e-commerce business, but that sank. I'm thinking of how to use what's left to invest, but I don't really know which way to go.

[@tmer831]

It's a good idea to seek advice at the moment, unless you're an expert yourself. As someone who runs a service business and sells products on eBay, I can tell you that the economy is struggling and many people are struggling financially.

[@SeanTalkoff]

Due to my demanding job, I lack the time to thoroughly assess my investments and analyze individual stocks. Consequently, for the past seven years, I have enlisted the services of a fiduciary who actively manages my portfolio to adapt to the current market conditions. This strategy has allowed me to navigate the financial landscape successfully, making informed decisions on when to buy and sell. Perhaps you should consider a similar approach.

[@SteveDutton-v]

How can I reach this advisers of yours? because I'm seeking for a more effective investment approach on my savings?

[@SeanTalkoff]

'Sharon Ann Meny' is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment

[@SteveDutton-v]

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll send her an email, and I hope I'm able to reach her.

[@ShawnWagner-sh8fi]

The trick is to hold long term and reinvest the monthly dividends plus buy more shares on a monthly basis or whenever you can afford to. This can be easily done because close-end funds are bought and sold on the stock market like regular stock. That’d be enough to create a portfolio that would pay you good dividend income.

[@kelinicole-r5t]

Having available opportunities in the market doesn’t mean you should go in blindly. To understand the potential factors that contribute to your financial growth, I'll advise you to seek the help of a professional

[@JohnHo-j7t]

I agree. Based on personal experience working with a financial adviser, I Currently have $2m in a well-diversified portfolio that has experienced exponential growth from when i started. It's not only about having money to invest in stocks, but you also need to be knowledgeable, persistent, and have strong hands to back it up.

[@SuperDevon1994]

Please who's this advisor that guides you?

[@JohnHo-j7t]

Certainly, there are a handful of experts in the field. I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've been stuck with *KAREN* *MARIE* *GENDRON* for about five years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive.

[@SuperDevon1994]

Thanks for this. I just googled her name and found her webpage. I'm really impressed with her credentials and I reached out to her since I need all the assistance I can get.

[@aarizphilip]

You work for a 40yrs to have $1m in your retirement, meanwhile some people are putting just $10k in a bitcion coin for just fe months and now they are multimillionaires thanks to Charlotte Grace Miller

[@TaggeGust]

She is my family's personal broker and also a personal broker in many families I'm United States, she's a licensed broker and a FINRA AGENT in United states

[@bennettross1]

Their ...services are very genius and experienced in the market for over a decade and counting, they changed my life from a poor plumber to a better and middle class family man with 2kids.

[@GertonTootle]

I'm surprised that you just mentioned and recommended Charlotte Miller, I met her at a conference in 2018 and we have been working together ever since.

[@ReuletRikki]

I'm new at this, please how can I reach her?

[@jadewashington7]

Really you people know her? I was even thinking that I'm the only one she has helped walk through the fears and falls of trading

[@Jack_Clemans]

Dang. Anything positive or optimistic to report in the world of personal finance?

[@pensacola321]

I am retired and I am doing great.

[@JohnDoeX1966]

@@pensacola321hahahahaha congrats old man. I hope to be in your shoes in the future.

[@VincentChan]

inflation is improving! Anything else you're curious about?

[@00deadmoney41]

markets are at all time highs, grow up

[@rickyayy]

Nope

[@MrIgz-ru2eg]

Did anyone check the math? Contributing $250 a month compounded over 40 years at the average stock market return, DOES NOT equal a balance of $94,000. Not even close.

[@Gokutrump]

If someone started with zero and invested 250 dollars a month compounded over 40 years at a net inflation reduced stock market return (I’m using 6% r*) then the amount would be $497,872.00 after 40 years.

[@DaveDDD]

Yeah, his math was really bad there. Super wrong.

[@tokyojon4344]

Where I am at in Arizona, I would estimate salaries around $60,000, while houses are in the $550K to $600K range and up to a million and more (much more). In California, the ratio is far worse than that.

[@JohnHogan197]

Start early with diversified investments in stocks, bonds, and real estate. Maximize contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Regularly review and adjust your strategy to ensure security.

[@TraceyAllenbaugh]

People dont understand that the prices of things are never going back down. This inflation is deeper than we think. Those buying groceries are well aware that the real inflation is much over 10%. The increments dont match our income, yet certain investors still earn over $365,000 in stocks and assets. Wish I could accomplish that.

[@masangogabriel3356]

Given the persisting global economic crisis, it's essential for individuals to focus on diversifying their income streams independent of governmental reliance. This involves exploring options such as stocks, gold, silver, and digital currencies. Despite the adversity in the economy, now is an opportune moment to contemplate these investment avenues.

[@bradfordemily2577]

The pathway to substantial returns doesn't solely rely on stocks with significant movements. Instead, it revolves around effectively managing risk relative to reward. By appropriately sizing your positions and capitalizing on your advantage repeatedly, you can progressively work towards achieving your financial goals. This principle applies across various investment approaches, whether it be long-term investing or day trading.

[@debocknolan6273]

I agree, that's the more reason I prefer my day to day investment decisions being guided by an advisor, seeing that their entire skillset is built around going long and short at the same time both employing risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying off risk as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, coupled with the exclusive information/analysis they have, it's near impossible to not out-perform, been using my advisor for over 2years+ and I've netted over 2.8million.

[@emmapriscilla6132]

I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation.

[@debocknolan6273]

I definitely share your sentiment about these firms. Finding financial advisors like Monica Lisa Payne who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them.

[@emmapriscilla6132]

Monica has the appearance of being a great authority in her profession. I looked her up online and found her website, which I reviewed and went through to learn more about her credentials, academic background, and employment. She has a fiduciary duty to protect my best interests. I sent her an email outlining my objectives and also booked a session with her; thanks for sharing.

[@jeffdorris5321]

Here in Florida if you make min wage $12 an hour. You need to work 100 hours a week just to pay rent for an Apt. 🤷‍♂️

[@foodlover8151]

It makes me extremely nervous that the average middle-class income keeps rising. I don't think it's risen this quickly in such a short time. In 4 years, it went from < $100k to $150k

[@williamlyons3947]

Average annual income is $68K. No one owes you $100K

[@DaveDDD]

@@williamlyons3947sorry about your reading comprehension.

[@youreyesarebleeding1368]

I always consider the "middle class" salary to be 1/3rd the median home value where you live. For the United States as a whole, homes are going for about $420k, which means you need a salary of about $140k to be solidly middle claas

[@based_circuit]

Yep, that’s kind of the magic number today. It wasn’t until I started making $130k a few years ago that I felt like I’d finally reached middle class comfortability. You need a lot more than that to get ahead though and have upward mobility, it’s insane.

[@bradleypowers3580]

So then about 76% of people are below "middle class?" Obviously this can change based on where you live, but "middle class" currently is $52k (lower middle) to $155k (upper middle). Not 140k just to enter the chat. $140k is absolutely on the higher end of middle class. Median household income is about $75k. $140k puts you at the 76th percentile of households, better off then 3/4th of the country in income. A household with no debt making $75k a year can live more comfortable than a household making $140k a year who played keep up with the joneses and live above their means by taking out a mortgage above their means, having two car payments, student loans or credit cards, etc. If I made $140k, I'd be sitting pretty. Life would be a cakewalk. There would be no "middle class" about it. I'd be saving about $70k a year. I'd look like I was low end middle class. In reality, my net worth would be sky rocketing above 95% of people.

[@marcuse423]

It’s all about living below one’s means. It’s always been this way. Social media just magnifies the “Keeping up with the Jones’s” mantra. 100k is plenty if you’re living below your means, focusing on needs and not wants. Most folks justify wants and that’s where they get into trouble.

[@williamlyons3947]

Best comment here!

[@DaveDDD]

“20k is plenty if you’re living below your means, focusing on needs and wants” Do you how dumb and arbitrary that number is?

[@marcuse423]

@@williamlyons3947 great minds think alike 🫡

[@robert7209]

It really is not, if you pay attention to how expensive homes are for example 100k is not enough

[@marcuse423]

@@robert7209everyone lives a lifestyle they want to live. There are wants and needs. It’s enough if everyone lives within their means. One cannot have everything. Even billionaires must live within their means, they just have more material items. Everything is finite. We all know when we buy something we have no business having or put ourselves in situations we should not be in. I know because I used to live beyond my means and I wasn’t make nearly as much as I do now. This has taught me that I cannot have everything and that if I want more I have to make more money or live within my current financial threshold. For the majority of the United States 100k is enough pretty much. Another thing is majority US citizens in the United States does NOT make 100k so where is this narrative coming from? I say this currently living in NYC, one of the most expensive cities in the United States.

[@hunterandchavy]

Totally agree. Price inflation and purchasing power has always been an inverse proportion

[@BSGSV]

One way to get around this problem is to not waste your money on frivolous stuff and instead focus on acquiring quality durable goods you can keep for decades. Once you have these things, your disposable income is free to spend on luxuries instead of constantly replacing goods. I focused on paying off my home, so my income doesn't have to cover a house payment anymore. I have only had one 3yr car loan and always keep my cars for 10-15 years. I have only owned 4 cars in my entire life while one of my bosses owned 5 cars in 5 years.

[@gamereditor59ner22]

0:52 : Interesting...🤔 Thank you for the information!

[@Richmind-ir5zi]

Fuel for the fire is provided by 9-5 money. Put money in your pocket each month by using it to purchase cash-flowing assets. Your ability to investigate various investment opportunities and determine what suits you best will be made possible by your steady 9-5 income. Pay is important to consider.

[@MatthewBennettFPV]

The relation of income vs cost of median home is inflated due to the size of home as well. People are buying more home, so of course it’s going to cost more as well. Your point is still valid, but needs to put against a cost per square foot or something. “In 1980, the median size of a new home in the U.S. was 1,595 square feet. Nearly 40 years later, the median size of newly constructed homes was 2,386 square feet (2018).”

[@plee989]

$250 a month for 40 years at 10% return comes out to $1,398,651.85. Even the contributions are greater than $94,000.

[@rebeltheharem7028]

100K for a single person can barely do it. Barely. But for a family, you need at least 200K. Sure you can move somewhere where 100K still lets you go live the middle class life... but... no one lives in those places...

[@CuttyKitty1]

As a single person, you pay about half of it in taxes. 100K is not nearly sustainable. I am thinking of moving overseas.

[@dirtymike3329]

Yes, it can

[@GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend]

I'm in Australia and converted to US salaries I'm on 70k - that's after 2 promotions and after that 3 raises. Just 5 years ago I would have been insanely comfortable on this salary, but currently with this price of living and our home rates skyrocketing I have to budget so tightly to keep saving. It's nuts.

[@mrxiong2567]

I am the prime example. I can't even afford a house.

[@viritrilbiaslayerofargus.6691]

He means New York and California.

[@Jumpman67]

The first amount on the graph at 13:30 is wayyyyy off. All of the amounts are off but that one is crazy off. If you deposit 250 a month over 40 years it would be 120k if there was no interest involved at all.

[@Dudeguy36]

The inflation happened in the 70s when Nixon took us off the gold standard and the government started devaluing its own currency

[@mhodge0890]

Speak for yourself I live below my means and I’m living good

[@robert7209]

$1625 a month is nearly impossible to achieve in so many areas now

[@timahawk3220]

😂😂 I make 4k a month and I’m poor Af u said $1,625 that’s cheap rent. Are u serious?

[@summmmmmable]

I make a lot of sense to current market. A lot of companies are hiring but they’re looking for the same employees, and that’s the reason why a lot of people are getting a 6 figures jobs and a lot of people are jobless! Always invest on yourself!

[@rafaelmateodev]

Americans need to demand frugality from the government, so we don't have to be so frugal ourselves. :)

[@VincentChan]

ooo what do you mean?

[@NOBODYATALL1111]

We need to revisit the American dream. Consume less, live simply, it’s beautiful.

[@blogdesign7126]

Stop issuing Government bonds or go back to the Gold Standard which one is this.

[@SENSEF]

​@@VincentChanStop wasting tax dollars so we can be taxed less and keep more of our own money.

[@marlon82mc]

Move to a lower-cost-of-living area, pay off your consumer debt, and live below your means! Then you can do *A LOT* with $100K a year.

[@LGH27]

Buttttt in lower cost of living areas are lower wages.....

[@marlon82mc]

@@LGH27 Lower, not lowest cost of living area...

[@Don_Chizzy]

I do just fine in Michigan making 100k a year but I also don’t have any kids so I’m sure that plays a part.

[@mhodge0890]

Don’t do a high yield just open a brokerage account

[@pensacola321]

People need to stop talking about the American Dream and the Middle Class. We have a poor class, a working-class, an affluent class and the wealthy. You can make money in the United States, but it is difficult and nobody is going to give you anything. By no means a dream. What you do have in the US is a shot at your dream.

[@BSGSV]

Yes, I agree with your class buckets. People are very slow and reluctant to admit things change.

[@seriejohnson698]

Dream, win the lottery.

[@Toonicefit]

Speaking of blue bottle coffee. My ex used to work there and before she quit, she took a bunch of free coffee cards and gave me 20 of them….. then broke up with me a month later lol

[@thumpr1]

But maybe people are buying too much as well... We all have too much Stuff or new expensive electronic toys... You have those who buy the huge expensive house, or huge expensive decked out car/truck.. I don't sign up for full cable, or all the streaming services.. have a basic car, paid off my house after 22 years and now can save a lot more, not living beyond my means as so many seem to do (granted not everyone does, but so many do)...

[@jamesching2179]

spending is the problem! people confuse and make excuses between WANTS and NECESSITIES!

[@JohnSmith-qe6fb]

I make under 60k and do just fine. No yacht or Mercedes, but I make do.

[@coedshowers]

it cant bills are too much...

[@VincentChan]

how much are your bills?

[@StrategikMedia]

It's like 300k in the Bay Area. It's really nuts

[@lazyanole]

In the section about wage suppression. I've seen other reports about how there were record profits at this time. So I dont really buy the story about how fed funds rate changes is the cause of reduced salary. It almost seems like a way of managing company hiring practices around this time changed. Or potentially something else? At least that's my personal impression.

[@michaelbest7872]

This video shows the obvious... That a $100,000 salary CANNOT buy the "American Dream," as mentioned. Vincent gave many reasons too. While business can generate more money through the hard work of their workers, what we are finding out is that the profits many businesses earned have not been shared with its workers, so that the workers can afford the American Dream. Profits mostly are put in the business owners and investors pockets, and not equally shared. Let me be more specific. A CEO of a company can spend-waste over 4 billion (B... BILLION) dollars to buy a sports team. Fine, but telling its hourly workers who most earn poverty wages to NOT to work overtime, THAT is called GREED, among other things! If a company is financially successful, it's employees should be as well. Unfortunately, that is not how things are done, and I get that.

[@gabrieln58]

Ohhh the "system" is the cause! Not the overspending of a childish generation.

[@michaelbest7872]

@@gabrieln58 Huh?

[@rkw2917]

Certainly depends on where you live, but yeah, 100k is not today considered a high salary anywhere in the western world

[@bradleypowers3580]

Only about 18% of American workers make $100,000 or more. You are in the 82nd percentile at 100k. Yes, it's a high salary. Just about anywhere. The problem isn't making 100k. It's the consumer habits. The debt obtained. The payments you have to make. The eating out, cup of coffee at a fancy coffee shop rather than making it at home, etc. 100k with little to no debt puts you in great, great shape. If you can't not only live free but also save a ton at 100k, you are the only one to blame.

[@timahawk3220]

@@bradleypowers3580it’s not high enough. Stop with the illusion that it is. Limiting your mindset cause h don’t know any better

[@timahawk3220]

@@bradleypowers3580I only have 100k cash do u know my grandma home care is 10k a month and 12k a month if she did nursing home. 100k will go in a blink of an eye. Stop reducing yourself to poverty and open your mind to the abundance mindset. 100k is simply not enough unless u want to live poor. Simple! Granny pays 120k a year for home care. The house I want doe payment is 100k the repairs on a home can be 100k so just stop

[@gabrieln58]

Spending above the possibilities is one of the causes. You need the new iphone? NO. You need to step up in every new fashion trend? No. You need to eat outside a lot? No. Newest generations spend a lot more than older generations. They saved more, way more of their paychecks.

[@derekbowman7600]

His point is the ratio of general living costs has increased in relation to median income. People don’t have as much to put in their savings compared to earlier generations.

[@bsmi1361]

The goal is to invest enough to retire

[@VincentChan]

100%! do you have a number that youre aiming for?

[@jasonreviews]

have high paying business or move to cheaper country learn to be self sufficient off grid farmer and forget the rat race.

[@mbank3832]

I live with my mommy so my rent is 0 ^_^

[@VincentChan]

haha nice, this is the best time to save and invest as much as possible :)

[@atenas80525]

THUMBS DOWN - tired of the class warfare garbage

[@wicky201]

Not a fan of Dunkin. 😂

[@VincentChan]

i wasnt either haha but dunkin ice coffee is slept on! great value

[@wicky201]

@@VincentChan I'll take that. Your new pic reminds me of an old Rodney Dangerfield pic. I'll email you.

[@ninjaundermyskin]

If you have a wife in California, $100k is poor, and you'd be better off buying a Glock9

[@arandomyoutubechannel2940]

Facts

[@dirtymike3329]

There’s so much BS in this video

[@ares106]

This reminds me of average guys that claim they are incels because they will only accept dating supermodels.

[@VincentChan]

Wait what?

[@ares106]

@@VincentChan If people sent very high standards for the American Dream, it's no wonder they can't achieve it even with 100k incomes.

[@FlockofSmeagles]

​@@VincentChan He's saying lower your expectations.

[@blahblah2779]

@@ares106 of course. The problem isn’t the fact that the government and corporations are destroying the dollar. The problem is us for wanting to live a comfortable life with the few dollars we earn. GTFOH. Just know is a matter of time before the people come and torch you. Enjoy it all while it lasts.

[@JohnDoe-mx9ut]

The average guy has no standards, but it shouldn't be surprising that some people hold themselves up to a higher standard for personal finance.

[@gundam146]

Bruh the only way to do this is have a full time job and live under a bridge 😂😂

[@atenas80525]

Really dislike the class warfare crap - most employers are small businesses just trying to do better, don't make them out to sound like some evil overlord paying as little as they can and trying to "steal employees" from someone else - that's just more cultural marxism. Your videos are really questionable to begin with, don't push it with your class warfare nonsense

[@jkaduda]

Degrees are not essential anymore Eat healthy to reduce probability of hefty hospitalization costs You can leverage a decent income to buy a rental/business home.....the rent you earn can pay off most of your mortgage. Invest in ETFs and Index Funds under Roth. Max your 401k Seek side hustles through skillups to earn extra income to cover basic overheads Save and invest consistently and live below your means