How much money it takes to be wealthy in 2025, according to annual survey | FOX 35 Orlando

How much money it takes to be wealthy in 2025, according to annual survey

FILE-In this photo illustration, a man holds money in his hand. (Photo Illustration by Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Most people strive to build generational wealth, whether through investments, savings, or other financial endeavors. 

Yet, knowing the actual amount of money one needs to be wealthy is a bit tricky to determine, but a Charles Schwab annual survey takes a closer look at the kind of monetary success needed to be among the nation's financial elite class. 

RELATED: Here's how much money Americans have to make to feel rich, according to survey

The financial services company released a survey exploring Americans’ perspectives on saving, spending, investing, and wealth. The Modern Wealth Survey is an online study conducted for Charles Schwab by Logica Research that polled approximately 2,200 adults between the ages of 21 to 75 years old from April 24, 2025 to May 23, 2025.

What does it take to be wealthy?

Why you should care:

According to the Charles Schwab survey, Americans believe you need an average net worth of $2.3 million to be considered wealthy.  Sixty-three percent of respondents said it takes more money to be wealthy this year compared to 2024, with the three reasons cited being inflation (73%), a worsening economy (62%), and higher taxes (48%). Another 43% of Americans cite higher interest rates and the impact on borrowing as another reason it requires more money to amass wealth. 

RELATED: How much money does it take to be financially successful? Depends on who you ask

What it takes to be financially comfortable

Dig deeper:

When asked in the Charles Schwab survey the amount of money needed to be financially comfortable, respondents said they believe it takes $839,000, representing an increase from $778,000 reported in 2024, but down from the $1 million Americans cited in 2023. 

Americans place equal value on happiness and wealth

Local perspective:

When respondents were asked in the survey what it means to be wealthy, they placed an equal value on happiness as they do wealth. 

Approximately 83% admit feeling wealthy pertaining to the quality of their relationships, their happiness (83%), and the amount of free time they have (81%). 

Survey shows financial comfort and wealth feel achievable for savers, investors, and planners

The other side:

Most Americans in the survey are optimistic about acquiring financial comfort and wealth, but other respondents admit that meeting these goals might be farfetched. 

Forty-eight percent said they are either already financially comfortable or are on pace to be, while 25% said they think achieving financial comfort is possible but will require life changes.

When it comes to working to become wealthy, 35% of respondents said they are either on track or are already wealthy, while 26% say they can get there but admit it would require significant changes to their lifestyle.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Charles Schwab annual survey on wealth. A survey consisted of 2,200 people from April 24, 2025 to May 23, 2025.  This story was reported from Washington, D.C. 


 

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