Political commentator and activist Angela Rye is peeling back the curtain on the hidden costs of the so-called American Dream.
In a candid appearance on the Native Land Podcast, Rye revealed that despite being financially literate, she still ended up house poor, weighed down by an unaffordable mortgage, surprise fees, and the harsh realities of systemic economic barriers.
“The mortgage? Too high. Surprise fees? Always lurking,” Rye said. “And the American Dream? It came with hidden costs no one warned me about.”
Rye, known for her outspoken advocacy for racial and economic justice, explained that even with all the right knowledge — budgeting, saving, and smart financial planning — homeownership didn’t bring the security she expected. Instead, it exposed how financial literacy alone can’t overcome a rigged economic system.
“Here’s the truth: budgeting isn’t the cure when the system is the disease,” she said, challenging the popular narrative that personal finance fixes structural inequality. “And no, you’re not broke because you skipped avocado toast.”
Her message strikes a chord with a growing number of Americans, particularly millennials and Gen Z homeowners of color, who are finding that financial education isn’t enough when wages stagnate and the cost of living continues to soar.
Rye’s reflections shine a light on the broader issue of access versus affordability — owning a home might be possible on paper, but sustaining it is another story.
The Native Land Podcast episode has sparked conversations across social media, where Rye’s honesty is being praised as both validating and necessary. Many listeners noted how often marginalized communities are told they just need to “budget better,” when in reality, they’re navigating a financial system never designed for their success.
One person commented:
“🔥This hit deep. Thank you for calling it what it is — a systemic issue, not a personal failure. Too many of us carry shame for financial struggles when the truth is, we’re navigating a broken system designed to keep us behind. Conversations like this are necessary, and your voice brings both clarity and hope. 🙏🏽💯”
Another commented:
“I will add that people need to avoid living above their income. It’s humbling but it will save you from a lot of stress.”
