You're Wealthy

^{The Weekly Habit}

^{Last week we asked our 1300+ audience which platform dominates their screen time. It appears that Instagram (29.4%) was #1, followed by TikTok (17.6%) and Twitter/X (15.2%).}

^{The Top 1% of High Earners}

We need to re-think how we classify the top 1%.

Personally, I believe it’s far more helpful to compare ourselves through peer groups vs. the broader public which includes anomalies like the Rockefeller’s and Jeff Bezos.

Am I Wealthy?

The average income for the 90th-99th percentile is $183,511.

Yes, if you or your household earns more than $184k you are in the top 10% of American earners and will grow your wage 8x faster than those who earn below you.

The Problem

The data set. Broad comparisons aren’t as effective.

Think about it, a $2M net worth or $300k income in Arkansas is a lot different than New York. Break it down further, rents in Manhattan on average are 31% more expensive than Hoboken. Yet, both of these renters will tell you they live in NYC.

See state by state income data here.

Peer to Peer Comparison

As noted in a previous blog, high income does not lead to a high net worth, but it most certaintly can help.

Most 20, 30, and 40 year olds don’t recognize they’re in the top 10%, 5%, and even 1% of American income earners.

The Perks Of Comparison

Nobody needs another lecture behind the dangers of comparing your finances to a colleague or neighbor.

However, that’s one of the best benefits behind a financial advisor (a good one). They give you an inside scoop, through the facts, on how other families like yours manage their finances.

My Key Takeaway

Part of the vision at Habits includes access to anonymous financial data so you can compare amongst relatable peer groups.

Until then, ask a financial advisor who works with families like yours.

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Got a question for me? Share it here!

Thanks for reading, Habits fam. See you back here next week for more.

-JB

Got feedback? Hit reply and tell me what you think…I’m always looking to level up.