5 Signs You've Made It Based on Net Worth Data
Two people can have the same net worth and completely different financial lives. One sleeps fine while the other is one repair bill away from panic. What differentiates their existences, and how do you know when you're on the right side of those criteria?
Making it financially means you can afford your life today and have enough put away for the future. These five signs show when you’ve reached that point.
1. Your Retirement Savings Are on Track
Retirement accounts are usually the biggest piece of most people's net worth, so how much you have saved relative to your age indicates if you're actually financially secure.
Fidelity suggests aiming for these retirement savings milestones.
Age 30, equal to your annual income
Age 40, three times your annual income
Age 50, six times your annual income
Age 60, eight times your annual income
Age 67, 10 times your annual income
For example, if you earn $80,000 a year, Fidelity’s guideline suggests having about $240,000 saved for retirement by age 40.
The guideline assumes you save 15% of your pretax income annually beginning at age 25, including employer contributions, and retire at 67. Your target may be different depending on when you retire and how you want to live.
2. Debt Isn’t Eating up What You Own
More than half (53.5%) of households carried unsecured debt in 2024, according to the Census Bureau. The median balance among those households was $10,000. Credit card debt was the most common type, with a median balance of $5,000 among households carrying it.
Paying down a mortgage builds home equity. But paying down credit card, medical and other unsecured debt drains money that could otherwise go toward investments and savings.
3. Your Home Isn’t Your Only Source of Wealth
Homeowners had a median net worth of $449,800 in 2024, according to the Census Bureau. Even after removing home equity, their median wealth was $162,500. Renters had a median net worth of $9,320.
The house wasn’t the only thing separating the two groups. Homeowners also had considerably more wealth elsewhere. The more money you have saved and invested outside your home, the less your finances depend on what the property is worth.
4. A Major Expense Would Not Be Devastating
A $500,000 net worth may look great on paper. But if it’s tied up in your house and retirement accounts, a faulty catalytic converter could still make you pull out a credit card.
In 2025, 55% of adults had enough emergency savings to cover three months of expenses, according to the Federal Reserve.
Being able to weather an emergency without adding debt is one of the clearest signs that you’ve made it financially.
5. Your Net Worth Is Around $839K
Americans said it takes an average net worth of $839,000 to feel financially comfortable, according to Charles Schwab’s 2025 Modern Wealth Survey. Respondents also said a net worth of $2.3 million would be considered “wealthy."
The exact amount will depend on your expenses and where you live. If your net worth is approaching or well past $839,000 and you can pay your bills, handle an emergency and stay on track for retirement, you’ve probably made it financially.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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