more disposable income

Is the American Dream dead?

I believe it is, or at least that it should be – the OLD American Dream that is.

This supposed dream that you and I have been sold on as Americans – and even those around the world – that we should strive for, desire and at virtually all cost each HAVE the large fancy multi-bedroom, multi-bathroom spacious home (whether we need it or not)…

 My American Dream Experience

A few years ago in my late 20’s I thought I had finally achieved the American Dream – a 4,980 square foot home with 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, swimming pool, hot tub and hefty HOA fees for access to the community amenities.  Wow, must have been nice you’d think right?

Sure, it was nice…

That is until the monthly bills came in.

• ~$4,000 mortgage payment
• ~$400 utility payment (3 HVAC units, 2 fireplaces, 2 water heaters, pool & hot tub)
• ~$3,000 annual real estate payment (In other states, this payment would be 2-3 times as much)
• ~$200/mo for landscaping
• ~$300/mo for insurance
• ~$600/year for HOA fees (whether we used the facilities or not)
• (I think you get the picture)

…And these expenses don’t include the random repairs and maintenance of the 3 large HVAC systems, 2 water heaters, pool, spa, etc, or the costs (or time) to keep the house clean.  Even with just me, 2 dogs and my wife at the time, we would spend at least one day each weekend just keeping the place clean!  Can you relate to any of this?

It was insane.

I was a slave to the bank and a slave to the house.  If I wasn’t working on repairing something around the house or coordinating with someone else to do it or service or clean something, I was stressing about paying the bills or worrying about some other aspect of the home.  It got old very quick!  As nice of a home as it was – and it was very nice – it just wasn’t worth it.  Trying to keep up with the Jones’ lost its appeal very quickly, but I was stuck paying for it each month…

For me, I realized that the American Dream I had been sold on had become the American Nightmare!

Does this mean you or I can’t have a nice house?  No.

Does this mean you or I can’t live well?  No.

Does this mean that you or I are better off renting a home (vs owning one) so that the landlord takes responsibility for the majority of the expenses to maintain a home?  I don’t believe so, No.  In fact, it is just the opposite of these assumptions.  There is a solution that I’m working on that will solve the majority of these issues and create real freedom from the hassles and expense of traditional home ownership while allowing you and I to live even greater, richer, and happier …

Introducing the New American Dream Project – coming soon!

Is the American Dream dead? The New American Dream Project

I’m on a mission to set people free from this lie and to help them live the New American Dream founded on sound/prudent economics (not the overspending, living above your means to impress the neighbors philosophy) and the ability to live free (and specifically, mortgage-free).

It’s an ambitious project I am just beginning but one that I feel will recreate the meaning behind American Dream.  A project that will directly impact about 25 Americans, but a model that will be able to recreated around the country and the world that will empower and free Americans just like you and me to live happier, more rewarding, more fulfilling lives and with more disposable, spendable income to boot.

To learn more and stay up to date with the latest on this project and how YOU may be able to participate in it, just enter your information in the form here and I’ll keep you posted with the latest news and information- just click here now.

I appreciate you.

– Hans Schoff

(From the road in Colorado, in my mobile office 🙂