• Name: Sharon Vice, 37
• Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
• Job: Accountant

The American Dream for me consists of being able to comfortably pay the bills, take vacations, own a home and feel good about retirement.

Yes, I feel I have reached this. But it wasn't easy ... at all.

My parents didn't have much. My parents didn't save anything for my college -- I paid for my education myself by working through college. I knew if I wanted to make something of myself, a college degree would help.

I was diligent about not letting expenses exceed my income. Still am. Not being materialistic helps.

Am I financially rich? No! I still work hard and so does my husband. But I am comfortable and happy. I don't make a six-figure income, but my husband and I can pay the bills and then some. I have no debt other than the mortgage on a 4-bedroom house in a very good neighborhood.

We can take our family on nice vacations -- Niagara Falls this summer and Mexico this Christmas. And thanks to consistent saving, even through the scariest of financial times, my retirement savings are looking fantastic.

I have to point out, life isn't all about money. Being content with what you have goes a long way to contributing toward your happiness.

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