Americans are wealthier than ever despite financial anxiety
Despite complaining about record debt levels and a rising cost of living, the average American household is richer than it's ever been.
According to Federal Reserve data, the cumulative net worth of U.S. households rose by $2.8 trillion to a record $163.8 trillion in the second quarter. It was around $47 billion higher than the pre-pandemic peak set in 2019.
A key measure of financial well-being—known as net wealth as a share of disposable income—rose to 785%, the highest level in two years.
This figure tracks a household’s net worth relative to its disposable income, or the amount of money remaining after taxes and other mandatory charges.
Americans have seen their net worth grow dramatically over the past year, thanks to a rising stock market and elevated home prices. It’s estimated that around 65% of U.S. households own their home.
While Americans are saddled with record debt—everything from credit cards to student loans—net liabilities represent only a small fraction of household net worth.
According to Fed data, U.S. household debt as a share of GDP has declined steadily since the housing bubble and is currently at its lowest level in more than 20 years.
According to Lazard chief market strategist Ronald Temple, “American households have never been wealthier, and the level of growth of net worth still far surpasses any other economy globally.”
The apparent disconnect between household net worth and feelings of financial well-being may stem from a phenomenon known as “phantom wealth.”
Why financial anxiety is on the rise
As Creditnews recently reported, not all Americans equate a high net worth with being financially secure.
This is because so much of Americans’ wealth is tied up in illiquid assets like home equity and 401(k) accounts, which represent values that can’t be spent immediately.
Phantom wealth is a phenomenon that seems to inflict the younger generations the most. As The Wall Street Journal reported, phantom wealth is preventing Millennials from fully enjoying their financial success, even though they’re wealthier than their Baby Boomer parents were at their age.
Yet, other indicators suggest Americans’ financial struggles aren’t just psychological.
According to a PYMNTS report, 48% of Americans earning more than $100,000 a year live paycheck to paycheck. This figure is a staggering 36% for income earners above the $200,000 mark.
More than one in five (22%) high-income earners blamed elevated family expenses for their financial troubles, while 15% said their biggest problem was overspending on things they don’t need.
A separate study conducted by Payroll.org found that 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck as of 2023—an increase of 6% from the previous year. These people, in particular, struggle to save or invest in the future after paying their monthly expenses.
The studies suggest that, regardless of how much wealth they’ve accumulated in assets such as stocks and real estate, many Americans can’t seem to get their finances in order.
More from Creditnews:
- Americans finally get relief from soaring grocery prices, but there’s a catch
- U.S. housing affordability is worse than the peak of the 2006 housing bubble
- Auto lenders sound the alarm on rising delinquencies
- CRE delinquencies are spreading beyond the office sector
- Americans spend over $300,000 on rent before buying a home, new study finds
- Worst of both worlds: Homes have become smaller and much more expensive