“Although many people say owning a home, having a successful career, and becoming wealthy are important to them, they do not place the same value on these achievements as freedom, meaning, and family,” said the latest American Dream report from the Archbridge Institute.

“’Freedom of choice in how to live’ and ‘having a good family life’ are the most essential achievements for all age, education, ethnic, income, and political groups. Just 15% of Americans overall view ‘becoming wealthy’ as essential to the American Dream,” added the survey of 2,100 adults jointly done with NORC at the University of Chicago and its AmeriSpeak panel.

Over time, the American dream has changed in the eyes of the nation, and economics often plays a big role in changing the meaning. This year was no different, said Archbridge.

For example, concerns about President Donald Trump’s international trade tariffs weighed heavily on some of those surveyed. Some 58% said the tariffs will limit their chances of achieving the dream.

And younger Americans, much more than others, said that the dream is out of reach.

“The American Dream is the single greatest unifying narrative in our nation’s history,” said Gonzalo Schwarz, president and CEO of Archbridge. “It is encouraging to see so many millions of Americans retain their core belief in the American Dream as the pathway to a better life. However, we must continue to support the American Dream — economically, psychologically, and culturally — for it to flourish, and our elected officials have a pivotal role to play too,” he added.

Key findings from the report shared with Secrets:

— Only 30% said the American dream is out of reach.

— Americans are less optimistic about their fellow citizens, with only 51% believing that most people can achieve the American dream.

— “Freedom of choice in how to live” (83%) and “having a good family life” (80%) are the most important achievements associated with the American dream. Other factors include retiring comfortably (72%), owning a home (52%), having a successful career (45%), and making valuable contributions to the community (34%).

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— A majority of parents are optimistic about their children’s opportunities. However, nearly a quarter of parents worry that their children will have fewer opportunities than they did, a trend that has increased over the past three years.

— When asked about advancements in artificial intelligence, most people are ambivalent about the effects of technology on the American dream. About half (51%) of U.S. adults think AI will not affect their pursuit of the American dream, 31% of people think it will have a negative effect, and 16% think it will have a positive effect.