Friday, December 19, 2025

Most millionaires don't consider themselves wealthy.

By most traditional measures, having a net worth of $1 million should put someone firmly in the "wealthy" category. Yet a growing number of millionaires don't see it that way. Just one third (36%) of the nation's wealthiest citizens -- those with at least $1 million in investable assets -- consider themselves wealthy, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2025 Planning and Progress study.

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More from the article ...

... Further, nearly half (49%) of American millionaires say their financial planning needs improvement, citing the possibility of outliving their savings, the impact of taxes in retirement, and potential long-term care needs as their top financial concerns.

This gap may be surprising, but it highlights how rising costs, longer lifespans, and shifting expectations have redefined what it means to feel rich in modern America.

Why $1 million doesn't feel like a lot of money anymore

One reason most millionaires don't consider themselves wealthy is because our definition of wealth has changed over time.

"Being a millionaire used to mean you had done really well and made it,'" said Tom Mathews, CFEd, CPA, and author of "How Money Works." "Today, it really just means you've crossed an outdated line."

Mathews explained the problem isn't necessarily that people have less money today, but rather, they have less certainty and control around their finances. ...



#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-12-19 03:42 PM

In many parts of this country, that $1M can easily be represented by the equity in your home and a retirement account that's not much to brag about.

I can see why those folks don't consider themselves wealthy.

My definition of wealthy? When I can stop working. I could do that now if I was willing to reduce my standard of living. Not happening.

I can wait........

#2 | Posted by eberly at 2025-12-19 04:22 PM

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