People from all nations and walks of life come to America searching for something. The something that they are searching for is a better life. That better life is either for themselves or for their family. America is often called “the land of opportunity,” but nowadays, that opportunity feels like it’s dwindling. With inflation growing and costs going up, it can be seen as a drawback for the American Dream. 

The question is: is the American Dream bought or achieved? Hard work and perseverance are the secrets to success. Millions have worked their way up the economic ladder through sheer will, education and sacrifice. Stories of individuals starting at rock bottom and building a future keep the dream alive. 

Yet financial restrictions make achievement without riches more difficult. According to a recent estimate, it would cost around $4.4 million throughout one’s lifetime to accomplish the American Dream of purchasing a home, starting a family and retiring comfortably. Millions of Americans struggle to simply live, let alone achieve long-term financial stability.

The truth is that opportunity is not distributed equally. There are individuals born into situations that give them an advantage and others who are disadvantaged by barriers that make moving up the ladder a difficult path to follow. 

Money may be able to move one ahead, but success is built upon hard work. Better lives are formed via education, skill development and wise financial decisions, but all of this is dependent on access. Not everyone has this option. 

For those who do make it, the journey is never smooth. It involves long hours, failures and uncertainty. However, those who persevere and adapt and evolve despite everything prove that while the American Dream is hard to achieve, it’s not impossible.

Despite these challenges, the American Dream is worth pursuing. It may take longer, be difficult and need more sacrifices from others. People are able to create a brighter future for themselves through perseverance and hard effort. The dream is not fully bought but achieved with hard work.