Beyond the Mirage: Rethinking the American Dream and Financial Equity

On this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Ashlyn Brooks—financial content writer about how understanding your financial starting point is essential to building a more secure future. We explored the realities behind affordability, the shifting nature of the American Dream, and why personalized financial literacy is more important than ever.

💡 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Don’t make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances—today’s choices carry long-term consequences
 🔹 Inherited disadvantages and lack of access aren’t destiny—mindset can shift the narrative
 🔹 Your demographic doesn’t define your potential—your choices, mindset and awareness do
 🔹 Why the American dream feels out reach today. It's not laziness, it's the cost of entry that's changed.
 🔹 Social media often presents a financial mirage.
 🔹 Financial literacy isn’t one-size-fits-all.
 🔹 Ask the uncomfortable questions

Connect with Ashlyn Brooks:

• Website (here)

Resources mentioned:

• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth (Amazon)

Bio: 

Ashlyn is a Texas native who spent the first few years of her career as a heavy civil field engineer for a construction company. After embracing her love for writing she gained employment in a startup but later sought out the freedom of business ownership. She has worked in private equity, technology, software and finance. She has led content strategy, authored case studies, articles, and optimized existing content to capture audiences and enhance brand voice.

In her free time, she works on her personal content and is currently writing her first book. Apart from her career, Ashlyn is first a devoted wife and mother with a love for Sunday night football and impromptu golf rounds.