Americans Need $186K For Financial Security

It's a well-known fact that few Americans are making the kind of money they feel they need to live comfortably. According to Bankrate’s annual Financial Freedom Survey, just 6% of Americans who know what they need to feel secure say they are already earning that amount. Meanwhile, about 2 in 5 (37%) believe they’ll eventually reach that income, but 31% think it’s unlikely, and 18% believe it will never happen in their lifetime.

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The Cost of Living Comfortably

For the second year in a row, Americans report needing a major six-figure salary — over $186,000 a year, on average — to live comfortably. This is more than double what the average full-time, year-round worker typically makes, which is around $79,000 according to the Census Bureau. The aspiration is not to live in luxury but to achieve a state of financial ease and security.

However, the path to this financial comfort is riddled with challenges. Prices have risen almost 21% since the pandemic, meaning an additional $210 is needed for every $1,000 previously spent on typical consumer goods. Housing and college affordability also continue to pose significant hurdles. In almost half of U.S. states, a six-figure salary is now required to afford a typical home. College tuition prices are also perceived as excessively high, contributing to the financial strain on American households.

The Growing Financial Insecurity

Financial insecurity is a growing concern. Only 1 in 4 Americans feel completely financially secure, a decrease from the previous year. Moreover, 30% of Americans say they are not completely financially secure and likely never will be, up from 26% last year. These figures highlight a troubling trend of increasing financial anxiety.

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This insecurity spans across various demographics. Americans with postgraduate degrees and those earning $100,000 or more annually feel somewhat more secure. In contrast, those earning under $50,000, baby boomers, and parents with adult children are among the most likely to believe they’ll never achieve financial security.

Aspirations vs. Reality

The average American feels they need to earn $520,000 a year to feel rich, an 8% increase from the previous year. This figure reflects the growing gap between aspirations and reality. With income gains lagging behind rising costs, many Americans are stuck in a cycle of financial dissatisfaction. Men, Midwesterners, and Black Americans have reported the highest increases in the income they feel is necessary to be considered rich.

Interestingly, while Gen Zers are the most optimistic about eventually earning the income they need, baby boomers are the most pessimistic. This generational divide highlights differing perspectives on financial security and the feasibility of achieving it.

Americans' perceptions of financial security and the income needed to achieve it vary widely. While the desire for financial stability is nearly universal, the means to achieve it are less clear. Financial literacy, prudent budgeting, and realistic savings goals are crucial for navigating these challenges.

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Every American's financial journey is unique, shaped by individual circumstances, career choices, and lifestyle habits. However, common strategies such as living within one's means, saving consistently, and making informed financial decisions can help bridge the gap between current income and financial aspirations. The road to financial security may be long and challenging, but with careful planning and perseverance, it is within reach.