How Does Your Wealth Stack Up Against Your Peers? Here's the Net Worth You'll Need To Be Among The Richest 10% At Each Age
When it comes to money, it's easy to fall into the comparison trap—especially in the age of social media flexing and financial "glow-ups." But let's be real: comparing your net worth to someone twice your age isn't exactly useful. The real question is, how do you stack up against people your age?
Net worth is a key measure of financial standing, calculated by subtracting what you owe (liabilities) from what you own (assets). Assets include cash, investments, real estate, and valuable possessions, while liabilities cover debts like mortgages, student loans, and credit card balances. The higher your assets and the lower your debt, the stronger your net worth.
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According to Federal Reserve data, here's what it takes to land in the top 10% of net worth in the U.S. at different age groups:
• Ages 18–29: $281,550
• Ages 30–39: $711,400
• Ages 40–49: $1,313,700
• Ages 50–59: $2,629,060
• Ages 60–69: $2,808,600
• Ages 70+: $2,547,700
Across all age groups, reaching the top 10% of net worth in the U.S. requires at least $1.94 million.
These numbers might seem discouraging or motivating, depending on where you stand. But hitting the top 10% isn't about luck; it's about consistently making smart financial moves. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, here are some key strategies to build your net worth over time.
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1. Knock Out High-Interest Debt
Debt is the biggest drag on net worth. Prioritize high-interest balances like credit cards first, then move on to lower-interest loans. If your student loans have a low rate, it may make sense to invest instead of rushing to pay them off.
2. Max Out Retirement Contributions
If your job offers a 401(k) match, take it—it's free money. Even beyond that, contributing to tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs or HSAs can boost your wealth without giving extra cash to the IRS.
3. Cut Back on Spending That Doesn't Add Value
You don't have to give up your favorite coffee or stop traveling, but tracking your expenses will show where your money is disappearing. Small tweaks—like canceling unused subscriptions or negotiating bills—can free up cash for saving and investing.
4. Invest, Even If It's Small at First
Leaving all your money in a savings account won't grow your wealth. The earlier you start investing in stocks, index funds, or real estate, the more time your money has to compound.
See Also: Have $200K saved? Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth
5. Buy a Car You'll Drive for a Decade
Cars are one of the fastest depreciating assets. Instead of upgrading every few years, buy a reliable vehicle and drive it as long as possible. That alone can save you thousands you can put toward building wealth.
Financial expert Suze Orman advises car buyers to spend the least amount possible on a vehicle that meets their needs, finance it for a short period, and maintain it for as long as possible. She practices what she preaches, having owned her current car for over 12 years.
6. Get Professional Financial Advice
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