What did surprise me was that except for a small percentage of respondents, people would choose “money” and “a fancy job title” over things like “happiness,” “health,” or “friends.” Of course, money can help us attain a degree of happiness, but it seems a strange end goal to me. Encouragingly, “family” was ranked among the top choices for what is “important to your dream.” You can see the complete survey results here or even take the survey yourself, if you’d like.

Interestingly, one word I didn’t see mentioned at all throughout the survey was “freedom.” To me, this is what the American Dream is all about, and is in large part what the country’s first immigrants found so appealing — well, that and lots of cheap land. Prior to the 19th century, most countries were still run like caste systems, giving little chance for success, wealth, or ease to any except those born into a family who already had it. The American opportunity to pursue dreams, avoid religious oppression, and obtain wealth regardless of social class was a beacon to many.

However, a lot of things have changed since those early days. Most countries now respect women’s right to vote. Segregation by race has largely disappeared, and discrimination against different sexual orientations and religions is even beginning to lessen (well, in some places). Most modern countries allow any citizen to own land, create a business, run for political office, and believe whatever they want without fear of losing their rights. True, there is no utopian society on earth, but we are progressing overall, and the opportunity for success — not just in the United States, but globally — is at an all-time high.

Perhaps the survey didn’t mention freedom because we’re so used to it now that we forget we even have it. It seems that somewhere along the way, the Dream has shifted from the freedom to obtain wealth, success, and ease, to actually having those things. Historically speaking, the average person is wealthier than ever, and it’s become increasingly easy to live our dreams, whatever they may be.

But many people are still stuck in caste age thinking, limited only by their beliefs. Some fear that our society is on the brink of disaster. Fiat currency is being devalued in every corner of the globe, and further inflation is inevitable. Employees are losing jobs and many businesses are failing. Our planet is being polluted and its natural resources used up. Health care in the United States is so expensive that insurance is required to get even the most basic care. Some of our freedoms are even being eroded, from unwarranted property seizures, to the illegality of selling raw milk, to the inconvenient and useless “security” procedures at airports.

It seems we have no control over these events and circumstances. Are we doomed, as the pauper of old, to play out our lives with the cards we’ve been dealt and never aspire to do or become more? I say No! With each challenge comes an opportunity to rise above it. Further, I believe that the “New World” that was once America, now encompasses the entire globe. The Land of Opportunity is all around us. With the advent of the Internet, it also sits right in our lap.

People will always be willing to give you something in exchange for something else of equal or greater value. I’ve created an online business that provides value to music teachers, and they gladly pay me each month for the service I provide. Most of these teachers live in the United States, but many of them live in other countries including Australia, Singapore, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, Panama, Brazil, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and dozens more.

This business has allowed me to live my American Dream, which at some point may include a big house and fancy car, but for right now, it’s international travel, time to pursue my passions, improve myself, spend time with my family, and help others achieve their dreams. I’m hoping that the book I’m currently writing about how to create an online business will help accomplish that last one.

People everywhere are looking for valuable solutions to their problems. Do you have a solution that could help someone — anyone — somewhere in the world? If so, then you may have an opportunity to start living your American Dream. There is no need to limit yourself to your country of birth, nor to the social class in which you were raised. Borders between countries are imaginary lines, not much different from the lines that stand in between our dreams and our living reality. You can cross those lines and start living your dreams today. No passport required.

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Note: I wrote this article to be published at the same time as several other bloggers who all decided to write about the topic of the “American Dream.” Please see the other posts on this topic below.

• Nancy from Family on Bikes – What is the American Dream?
• Lisa from Around the World in Easy Ways – An American Dream Fairy Tale
• A King’s Life (hers) – Redefining an American Dream
• A King’s Life (his) — Livin’ the not-so-American Dream
• Talon from 1 Dad, 1 Kid, 1 Crazy Adventure – The American Dream
• Lisa Wood from New Life on the Road – Living the Australian Dream
• Lainie from Raising Miro – Erosion of the American Dream
• Bohemian Mom — The Illusion of the American Dream
• Kimberly from Fulltime Families — Trapped in the American Dream
• Family Travel Bucket List — Bye Bye Miss American Dream
• The Great Family Escape — The Real American Dream
• Melissa from Break Out of Bushwick — Good Morning, America, Let’s Occupy Wall Street!
• Livin On The Road – To dream a little dream of … travel

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Our house appraised for $238,000 just a couple months ago, but unfortunately, we didn’t get an offer that high. Because of the current market and time of year, we ended up selling it for $215,000, and after closing costs, we’ll have to pay a couple thousand to get out. But that’s how it goes. There are several reasons that we’re glad to get out from under a mortgage, even if we have to pay to do so.

Stuff Does Not Equal Happiness

For example, we’ve realized that beyond basic necessities, owning stuff does not make you any more happy than you already are. In fact, it can take away from your happiness because you then have that “stuff” to worry about, maintain, and dispose of when you’re done with it. I look back amazed at how much time I have spent in my life purchasing, using, maintaining, and getting rid of stuff – stuff that I didn’t even really need, and that ended up detracting from the things that really matter to me. Then there’s the added stress of hoping it doesn’t get stolen, or damaged, broken, or lost, and then replacing it when it does. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Our house is (was) moderately sized by American standards. 1960 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and a good-sized yard. But for the four of us, it’s really probably more than we need. Sure, we’ve dreamed about renting out some gorgeous mansion in Costa Rica with a grand view, swimming pool, and acres of gardens to wander around in, and that might be fun for a while. But I think we could be just as happy in a little apartment, where we’re closer to the community and have more chances to interact with the local people. Maybe we’ll try both. But I don’t think size matters as much as we’re led to believe. The biggest place we stayed in Panama was a 700 sq ft 2 bedroom house with one bathroom, and it was good enough, really. Do you realize how big our American houses (even the smaller ones) seem to people in other countries?

Obsessed with Size

In America, we are obsessed with the size, quantity, and “niceness” of our possessions. We work so hard to obtain what we think we need. And when our income rises to the next level, we instantly want to upgrade everything we have to bigger and better. We get a bigger TV, a bigger house, a nicer and newer car, and fancier vacations. Then if we get more money, we get an even bigger TV, an even bigger house, more expensive clothes and toys, etc. Why? Does it make us feel more important? Do we want to impress our family and friends? Do we just like having nice things? Or is it just what we do in America because that’s what everyone else does and we don’t want to stand out?

If we have become dissatisfied with our lives and think more or better stuff will make us more happy, I will tell you – that is a lie. Filling your life with more and better stuff may be fun for a while, giving you a temporary sense of pleasure, but it will only last until the next best thing comes along (which it always will), and in the end, you will only have… more stuff to deal with. And that leads to bondage – owning stuff can sap our time, energy, and money, and even leads some into debt. Why can’t we be content with what we have?

I want freedom. Freedom from the bondage of excess material possessions. Sure, I’ll own things that make sense. I’ll still own some clothes, a computer, and other things I enjoy and actually use. But I don’t buy into the idea that the attainment of fancy things is one of the end goals in life or the hallmark of success. Nor do I want to become so attached to my possessions that I’d be heartbroken if they were gone. It’s just “stuff”, and you can’t take it with you when you die, anyway. (My personal belief is that nothing belongs to us anyway, but to God, and we’re just stewards over it.)

Renting Beats Buying

I also don’t want to own a house – at least not right now. Being the furthest thing from a handyman as you can get, I would rather rent, and have someone else take care of maintaining the place. And when I’m ready to move on, or if I get tired of a place, I can leave without worrying about selling a house or having my money tied up there. In Costa Rica, we’re going to be renting furnished places as well (which are in abundance), so we don’t have to own or carry around furniture. This also gives us a nice change of scenery when we change locations, so we don’t get tired of seeing the same furniture pieces and art everywhere we go.

Do the math and you may be surprised that despite what you’ve been told, there is less financial benefit to buying a house than you may think, unless you plan to stay there the rest of your life, or at least long enough for it to appreciate a great deal. Realize that you will almost certainly spend much more on payments than you will ever get back out of the house if you sell it.

In some ways, you could still say that buying is better than renting since a portion of your mortgage payment is going toward principal and you can get that money out with a second mortgage or by selling the house (if you’re lucky). In this way, there’s at least a chance you’ll get some of your money back. But if you compare the total you spend over the years in mortgage payments, taxes, maintenance, repairs (stress), and time, to how much you’d spend renting a similar place, the benefit of “ownership” becomes less appealing. This is especially so when you factor in the 12% + other fees you pay for closing costs when you sell – hence the need for appreciation. And don’t think that real estate doesn’t depreciate. It does. So in some circumstances, you could even end up losing money and being in debt by trying to “own” a home.

Of course, if you don’t ever plan to sell the house, then it will be great to have a place to live your entire life (if you want to stay in the same place that long) and eventually no mortgage payment, although you’ll still have property taxes and utilities. At that point, it’s probably better than renting (although maintenance costs will go up as well). But remember, a house can never be considered an investment, unless you’re also renting it out or making income from it in some other way. Otherwise, a house, along with other possessions, is also just “stuff”.

I may buy a house again someday, if I find a place I want to stay a long, long time. But right now, I value the freedom of mobility more than responsibilities and hassles of home ownership. And I’m excited to own only the things I need and use regularly, and no more.

Less physical clutter leads to less mental clutter, which leads to greater mental clarity, which leads to greater peace. I’m starting to feel the weight lifting already!

Additional Resources:

• Washington Post: 5 Myths about Home Ownership
• MSN Article: Why Own When You Can Rent?
• Article: Your Possessions Own You
• www.mnmlist.com

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