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6d ago

Americans Pursue Six-Figure Incomes as 77% Report Financial Insecurity

Persistent inflation has pushed many Americans to seek incomes well above the national median to keep pace with rising living costs

Defining for yourself what it means to feel financially secure can depend on many factors, including your current income, how much debt you have, where you live, your age and whether you have children.
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About 77% of respondents to a new Bankrate survey claim they are not "financially secure."
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Overview

  • A Bankrate survey finds 77% of adults do not feel completely financially secure in 2025, up from 75% in 2024 and 72% in 2023.
  • Nearly half of respondents say they need an annual income of at least $100,000 to feel financially secure or comfortable.
  • Twenty-six percent of adults put their security threshold at $150,000 or more, including segments that require incomes between $200,000 and $499,999 or over $500,000.
  • Gen Xers lead income expectations, with 35% saying they need at least $150,000 compared to 26% of millennials and 20% of Gen Z.
  • Over half of participants report needing to earn more than their current salaries to keep up with rising prices and lifestyle changes.