I've seen what happens to average American households who don't learn how to manage their money for the short and long-term. Overcoming this is how I came to the Personal Finance community. I believe in Financial Independence, however I don't believe that it is possible for everyone to achieve. However, I do believe that no matter how much you make, you can train your brain to make decisions and take concrete steps that will walk you out of the stress and strain of chronically not having enough. Having enough money in your life to not only survive but to thrive is what the American Dream was really about, after all.