What the American Dream is to Me

The American Dream can be perceived in many different ways, depending on the person. Some may say it's all about owning your own land, or perhaps having a family. Others may say it's all about freedom since we are "land of the free". To me it's so much more than that though.
My American Dream isn't only about having a family and a house like some may argue, but it also includes being successful and financially stable. What's so great about having a house and a family if you don't have the means to keep them? My American Dream includes having the ability to enjoy every aspect of these freedoms. This means being able to buy the things you want, and when you need them because you are financially stable. In order to be financially stable, you need to be successful. Need this be at work, with stocks, or at school in order to succeed later in life.
Americans from earlier times should have realized this side of the American Dream when it first came about. Back in the 1920's, Americans were investing in stock, getting wealthy from it, and completing their American Dream by buying a house. What they didn't realize then was that they first needed to be financially stable and careful with their money. Had they learned this, they may have been lucky and made it through the next decade with some financial support. Unfortunately this was not the case for most. The Struggling Life A Decade Later

We must remember that though we are "the land of the free", we must prepare for the worst. This means having a support for our dreams and making our own way for our dreams to be possible. No matter what the American Dream is to you, just make sure you take the steps to protect it.