Reliving the American dream

For the vast majority of Americans, living the American dream resonates a successful life. This concept, introduced by historian John Truslow Adams, has inspired people to reach for their destiny through hard work and freedom of choice. However, with a whopping $130,000 a year, the estimated annual cost for the average family of four according to USA Today, is the American dream a dying platitude?

Several middle-class Americans today think that living the American dream is getting harder each day. CNNMoney's American Dream Poll and ORC International showed that six in 10 respondents said that the dream is unreachable. They have every reason to despair since they have gone through one of the worst recessions in recent history. And while most Americans are on the rebound, many are still suffering the recession aftermath. For them, the struggle to return to their normal lives continues.

Image Source: npr.org

Yet, difficult as it sounds, there is still much to do to recapture the dream. According to a TIME Magazine article entitled “How to restore the American dream,” there are ways to do this, but they involve arduous adjustments. One of which is embracing globalization and technology now more than ever. Another key path is moving up from doing mere consumption to making profitable investments. A third solution is having better education and training for the workforce, including job retraining and employee development.

It is time ordinary Americans rethink their perception of what the American dream is today because the notion has evolved with time since its conceptualization. Americans have to navigate through painful changes, just like what the corporate world has done.

Restoring the American dream is not easy, but there is always a way to start and sustain it in the long run. Find more related stories by visiting this Pete Scamardo blog/a>.

Gift cards: Too impersonal or most appreciated?

According to a survey by BankRate, 84 percent of Americans have received a gift card and 72 percent have given a gift card to someone. At the end of 2014, about $124 billion have been loaded onto gift cards.

Despite the growing sales of gift cards, many are still against their use. The holidays, they say, are all about “showing family and friends that you care for them.” There is value in the effort made to look for a gift and in the thoughts put into giving it to someone. Instead of saying “here’s $25 you can spend on WalMart,” the giver can instead be saying “I remembered how you’ve been collecting trinkets like this so I decided to add another one to your collection.” This is also like saying that the giver keeps the receiver in their thoughts and cares a lot about them.

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On the other hand, gift cards are still appealing to others. Adults who want something particular are often too shy to ask someone else to purchase it for them. Gift cards, meanwhile, allow friends and family members to contribute to their budget for that item and ease the guilt of spending too much. Additionally, many people (three out of four, according to online retailer Rakuten) confess to disliking or not being able to use the gifts that they received.

Gift-giving is an activity with no guarantees. Sometimes all the effort put in by the giver isn’t appreciated by the recipient. Other times, even the simplest of gifts could mean a lot to someone. All of this highlight the importance of sharing feelings outright. For at least once every year, people have the opportunity to say “I love you, I appreciate you, I’m thankful that you’re with me.” The gift is merely the icebreaker.

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REPOST: 7 secrets of packing a car for holiday travel

People always worry about packing enough for when they travel. This article from Observer-reporter.com shares some simple tips to pack for a road trip.
 

When planning a holiday road trip, finding creative ways to utilize vehicle space is essential. Here are some resourceful tips for making the best use of any vehicle storage capacity. | Image Source: observer-reporter.com

When it comes to packing a vehicle for holiday travel, the guy with the red suit and the white beard is the unquestioned master. For those who don't possess a magic sack with unlimited storage capacity, packing a vehicle for a family holiday trip is a critical logistical skill. Those who master it tend to have holiday adventures that are festive and fun. Those who don't can end up frustrated and frazzled and find themselves on the naughty list.


If a holiday road trip is on your schedule, here are some tips that can help it go smoothly:


Make a list and check it twice


Prior to the trip, make a comprehensive list. Prioritize according to the things you must take and the things that might be nice to have. When packing time comes, you won't forget any essentials and you will have already decided what things you can do without if there isn't enough space.


Plan for safety


Winter travel presents hazards. Although you won't be starting from the North Pole, you still could need items like tire chains and a tow strap, depending on your destination and the areas through which you will travel. Even with limited space, it is always important to have jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, a fully charged cell phone and a car charger. If you have a roadside protection plan included with your car insurance, make sure you have that information readily available. Also, you might want to have a backup service like AAA. If you break down on a holiday or a weekend, sometimes it can be difficult to connect with actual humans when you call those 24-hour emergency numbers.


Find extra space


Almost every vehicle has nooks and crannies that are easy to overlook. Many cars have room under and behind seats. Some have a shelf behind the back window where you can stash a few items, as long as you don't obstruct the rear view. If your vehicle has a spare tire compartment in the bottom or side of the trunk, remove the cover and you will likely find enough extra space for a few small items.


Pack smart


USA Today advises, “Many travel experts … agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.” Also, remember to fill hollow spaces like those in shoes and boots. Pack them with socks, personal care items, or a rolled up shirt or jacket.


Organize the trunk


Hard-sided luggage offers better protection for fragile items, but it doesn't allow much flexibility in tight spots. Two medium-size bags will likely fit better in the trunk than one large suitcase. In general, put heavier, bulky items on the bottom and toward the front of the cargo area. Keep more fragile items like electronics at the top.


Be casual

Traveling is stressful. Make it easier on yourself by resolve to have a laid-back, relaxed attitude, and leave dresses, suits, hair curlers, dress shoes and blow dryers at home. If you think something needs to be on a hanger, then reconsider taking it. It will save space in the car and help you remember that your focus is on a fun, calm, casual trip.


Take it slow


Travelsense.org notes that winter driving is much more fatiguing than summer, so plan for slower speeds and more rest stops. The human cargo you carry is far more valuable than any of the possessions you've jammed into your vehicle. As Santa has proven for hundreds of years, the key to holiday travel is to arrive safely at your destination.


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