Telling young people they'll be Millionaires

Adults telling youth they'll be millionaires is something that has become a minor pet peeve of mine. It seems like a huge projection from adults and also creates unrealistic expectations for young people. It just makes it that much harder when they step out into the world and get knocked around. I don't think telling young people they'll never amount to anything is a good alternative either.

So, tell me, adults telling kids they'll be millionaires. Good or bad?

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I mean if inflation keeps up, eventually we'll all be millionaires. So it's not a complete lie. 

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This, plus being a millionaire is not as big of a deal / status thing as it used to be in the past. Lots of people can reach that goal by mid / late 30s these days.

 

If you tell a 10 year old that they will become a millionaire by 40, they likely have a good chance due to inflation. $1M in 2053 is worth $326,648 today at 3.8% per year inflation. In 2073, $1M is worth $154,929 today (millionaire by 60).

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

My point is that the statement itself creates unrealistic expectations. Fortunately, thanks to inflation, everyone can be a millionaire by 2073.

 

No it doesnt. Anyone with a decent career and an understanding of investing/saving can hit that in their 40s easy and especially in their 50s. The path is there, it's just math. 

 

What's bad:

- You are so gifted you can change the world

- You will become so rich

- You will become so successful

- You can have it all

- Do this job, it pays well

What's good:

- You can accomplish anything if you work hard enough at it and really prioritize it

- Life is about trade offs, recognize this early and focus on what matters most to you

- Pursue a career in a field that makes you happy, but know you have to pay the bills and make enough to save money

- You can become rich, but you will have to bust your ass for it

As for 'becoming a millionaire' what is this, 1983? All these kids should become millionaires with basic careers and basic financial savyness by the middle of their careers. Just follow the damn Dave Ramsey method and youll get there

 

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