Historically, the dream of “making it” has been tied to six-figure salaries, million-dollar net worths, and flashy status symbols. But in 2025, that formula is showing its age.
Today, most Americans say that being “rich” has less to do with status symbols and more to do with security. A recent LendingTree survey reported by CNBC found that Americans are redefining wealth in simpler, more practical terms.
1. Living without financial worries
LendingTree found that 54% of Americans say true wealth means covering expenses comfortably without stressing over every purchase. In other words, not needing to check your bank balance before you buy groceries.
2. Feeling financially secure
Another 51% of survey respondents told LendingTree that wealth means having a financial safety net. That could mean consistent income, reliable savings, or simply knowing you can handle an unexpected bill without spiraling into debt.
3. Being debt-free
For 48% of Americans, the clearest path to feeling wealthy is living without debt. No credit card balances, no car loan, no monthly weight dragging down your paycheck.
A six-figure income is no guarantee
Even with 6-figure incomes, many people do not feel wealthy. LendingTree reported that 58% of those making $100,000 or more still say they are not rich. A Bankrate poll cited by CNBC adds more context: nearly half of Americans say they would need at least $100,000 to feel secure, about a quarter say $150,000, and 16% put the bar at $200,000 or higher.
Rising costs of living and ongoing uncertainty mean that wealth today is less about hitting a magic number and more about building stability. As Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster told CNBC, “Getting rich may have once been what many Americans fantasized about, but now, simply living comfortably feels like the new aspiration.”
How to start building real wealth
If Americans are right, being wealthy is not about yachts and luxury. It is about peace of mind. Here are steps that align with this new definition of wealth:
- Kill your debt. Pay down high-interest balances first to free up cash flow and reduce stress. If you have more than $10,000 in unsecured debt, get some professional help. National Debt Relief is a trusted source for free advice and assistance.
- Earn extra income. You can earn income with barely any effort by taking surveys in your spare time. This company's members collectively earn over $55,000 daily.
- Build a cushion. Aim for at least three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. SoFi Checking pays a competitive APY on savings, plus a cash bonus for new members who set up direct deposit. (May change without notice.)
- Automate saving and investing. Consistent contributions to retirement or brokerage accounts matter more than chasing big wins. If you have more than $100,000 in savings, get some advice from a pro. SmartAsset offers a free service that matches you to a vetted, fiduciary advisor in less than 5 minutes.
- Protect what you have. Affordable insurance, estate planning, and careful budgeting all guard your security. Save time, money, and stress while protecting your family? Where there's a will, there's a way.
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Terms apply at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
You may not control inflation or market swings, but you can take charge of your own financial foundation. In today’s world, the richest people may not be the ones with the biggest houses — but the ones who sleep easiest at night.
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