Mornings with Dave & Jen

The cost of the “American Dream”?

Photo: WYXL 97.3 Lite Rock

The cost of the “American Dream”?

The “American dream” has always been just a dream for many Americans.

Can you afford it?

USA Today has the findings of Investopedia’s annual study on the cost of achieving it…total price tag?  $4.4 MILLION dollars!

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Retirement:  $1.6 million saved to retire comfortably
  • Owning a home:  $930,000 over the course of your life
  • Raising two kids:  $832,000
  • Owning new cars:  $811,000 (that’s NEW, not used)
  • Yearly vacations:  $179,000
  • A BIG wedding:  $44,000
  • Having pets:  $37,000

How is it possible?

Well, if you work from 18 to 65, that’s an average of around $100,000 a year, which is way more than most people make…but they say it’s achievable for couples with two incomes.

This is the “living your best life” scenario.

The more modest version is if you worked hard enough, you could buy a house, put some money in the bank and leave your kids better off.

Sadly, for many, that’s becoming more and more out of reach, too.

Are you “on track” with your goals?

Dave & Jen Podcasts

Wegmans: Merry Christmas! 🎄

Merry Christmas from Ithaca’s Wegmans

Avoiding online AI scams

How to avoid online scams

Cortland Rep’s Summer 2026 season

Cortland Rep’s Summer 2026 season is a show-stopper

Hammondsport singer Lynn Winters

Hammondsport’s Lynn Winters new Christmas LP “Hope” is out now

Etsy Expert Dayna Isom Johnson

Great last minute gift ideas from Etsy

More Podcasts

Recent Headlines

5 hours ago in Community, Crime, Lifestyle, Local, Regional

Ithaca man faces multiple charges after traffic stop in Owego

Timothy Bell was pulled over in Owego last week for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and not having his headlights on after dark.

6 hours ago in Business, Community, Lifestyle, Local

LBA Pancake breakfast Sunday to support Lansing Food Pantry

On January 3, the Lansing Business Alliance (LBA) is holding a pancake breakfast in support of the Lansing Food Pantry.

11 hours ago in Community, Lifestyle, Local, Regional

Homer FD announces calling hours, services for former chief

Calling hours for Former Chief Mahlon Irish Jr. will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Homer Fire Department from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

11 hours ago in Community, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, Local

Ithaca YMCA to receive over $6 million for pool work and related improvements

On December 29, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $6.26 million in funding for the Ithaca Y through the NY SWIMS initiative.

11 hours ago in Community, Lifestyle, Local, Regional

Older residents can schedule free tax prep in Tioga County

On January 2, local certified volunteers will begin taking appointments for free tax preparation in Tioga County.