Where do you stand financially compared to others your age — and where should you be if you’re pursuing FIRE?
This guide covers both: real net worth data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, and FIRE-specific targets for each age bracket.
Average vs. Median
Median = the middle person (50th percentile). Average = total divided by number of people. Averages are heavily skewed by the ultra-wealthy — always look at the median for a realistic picture of "typical." Throughout this guide, we prioritize median figures.
Table of Contents
Net Worth by Age: The Complete Table
Data from the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (most recent available), inflation-adjusted to 2025 dollars:
| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Average Net Worth | Avg/Median Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,500 | 4.7× |
| 35–44 | $135,600 | $549,600 | 4.1× |
| 45–54 | $247,200 | $975,800 | 3.9× |
| 55–64 | $364,500 | $1,566,900 | 4.3× |
| 65–74 | $409,900 | $1,794,600 | 4.4× |
| 75+ | $335,600 | $1,624,100 | 4.8× |
Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2022, adjusted to 2025 dollars.
The Average Is Misleading
The average-to-median ratio of 4–5× tells you everything: a small number of very wealthy households pull the average way up. The median is what a typical household actually has. If you're above the median, you're doing better than half of Americans your age.
Net Worth Percentiles
Where does your net worth rank among all U.S. households?
| Percentile | Net Worth | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | −$950 | Bottom 10% — negative net worth (debts exceed assets) |
| 25th | $12,500 | Lower quarter — minimal savings |
| 50th (Median) | $192,700 | Middle — typical American household |
| 75th | $656,200 | Upper quarter — solid financial position |
| 90th | $1,900,000 | Top 10% — considered "wealthy" by most definitions |
| 95th | $3,700,000 | Top 5% |
| 99th | $13,700,000 | Top 1% |
All households, all ages. Source: Federal Reserve SCF 2022.
FIRE Targets by Age
These targets assume you’re pursuing FIRE with $50,000/year expenses and a goal of retiring between 40–50. Adjust proportionally for your own spending level.
| Age | Median American | On-Track for FIRE at 45 | On-Track for FIRE at 50 | Already at FIRE ($50K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | ~$10,000 | $50,000 | $30,000 | $1,250,000 |
| 30 | ~$35,000 | $200,000 | $130,000 | $1,250,000 |
| 35 | ~$80,000 | $500,000 | $340,000 | $1,250,000 |
| 40 | ~$130,000 | $1,000,000 | $700,000 | $1,250,000 |
| 45 | ~$200,000 | $1,430,000 ✓ | $1,050,000 | $1,250,000 |
| 50 | ~$250,000 | — | $1,250,000 ✓ | $1,250,000 |
FIRE at 45 uses 3.5% SWR (28.6×). FIRE at 50 uses 4% SWR (25×). Assumes 7% real returns and consistent savings.
The Gap Is Enormous
A median 35-year-old has $80K. A FIRE-track 35-year-old targeting retirement at 45 has $500K. The difference: a 50%+ savings rate and consistent index fund investing from day one. This gap is exactly why the savings rate is the most important number in FIRE.
Net Worth at 25
Median net worth: ~$10,000 FIRE target: $30,000–$50,000
At 25, most Americans are just starting out — many have negative net worth from student loans. If you have any positive net worth at 25, you’re ahead.
What to Focus On at 25
- Eliminate high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans)
- Start investing immediately — even $500/month in a three-fund portfolio compounds enormously by 45
- Maximize employer 401(k) match — it’s an instant 50–100% return
- Build a 3-month emergency fund
At 7% real returns, $500/month starting at 25 becomes $1.2 million by 50. Starting is everything.
Net Worth at 30
Median net worth: ~$35,000 FIRE target: $130,000–$200,000
Benchmarks at 30
| Status | Net Worth | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Behind | Negative–$20K | Student loans and/or limited savings |
| Typical | $20K–$50K | Around nationwide median |
| Above average | $50K–$100K | Good saver, some investment growth |
| FIRE track | $100K–$200K | High savings rate, well-invested |
| Ahead of FIRE track | $200K+ | May have hit Coast FIRE |
The $100K milestone at 30 is significant — it proves you can save and invest, and compound growth starts to become meaningful. Charlie Munger called the first $100K “a bitch” but noted the payoff: at 7% returns, $100K becomes $200K in 10 years without adding a single dollar.
Net Worth at 35
Median net worth: ~$80,000 FIRE target: $340,000–$500,000
At 35, FIRE practitioners are typically in their highest earning + saving years. Compound growth from investments made in their 20s starts accelerating.
What FIRE-Track Looks Like at 35
- 401(k) + IRA: $200K–$350K in retirement accounts
- Taxable investments: $50K–$150K in index funds
- Emergency fund: 6 months of expenses
- Debt: Zero (possibly including mortgage)
- Savings rate: 40–60% of gross income
If you’re at $350K+ at 35, you’re likely already past Coast FIRE — meaning compound growth will handle the rest even without additional savings.
Net Worth at 40
Median net worth: ~$130,000 FIRE target: $700,000–$1,000,000
This Is Where FIRE Diverges from Average
The gap between a median American and a FIRE practitioner becomes dramatic at 40:
| Category | Net Worth at 40 | Path |
|---|---|---|
| Median American | $130,000 | On track for traditional retirement at 65 |
| Above average saver | $300,000–$500,000 | Could retire at 55–60 |
| FIRE practitioner | $700,000–$1,000,000 | On track for FIRE at 45–50 |
| Aggressive FIRE | $1,000,000+ | Approaching FIRE now; may already be at Barista FIRE |
At $1M and $40K annual expenses — you’re already at Barista FIRE. Another 3–5 years likely gets you to full FIRE.
Net Worth at 50
Median net worth: ~$250,000 FIRE target: $1,250,000+ (if not already retired)
By 50, many FIRE practitioners have already retired. Those still working are typically either:
- Late starters (began FIRE journey at 35–40)
- Higher spenders pursuing Fat FIRE ($2.5M+)
- Enjoying their work and accumulating beyond their FIRE number
Traditional vs. FIRE at 50
| Goal | Net Worth Needed | Withdrawal Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional retirement at 65 | $750K–$1M (SS supplements) | 4% at 65 |
| Early retirement at 55 | $1.25M–$2M | 4% |
| Already FIRE’d at 45-50 | $1.25M–$2M | 3.5–4% |
| Fat FIRE | $2.5M+ | 3.5–4% |
How to Calculate Your Net Worth
The Formula
$$\text{Net Worth} = \text{Total Assets} - \text{Total Liabilities}$$
Assets (What You Own)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Retirement accounts | 401(k), 403(b), Traditional IRA, Roth IRA |
| Investment accounts | Taxable brokerage, HSA investments |
| Cash | Savings accounts, checking, CDs |
| Real estate | Home value (Zillow estimate − mortgage = equity) |
| Other | Business value, vehicles (KBB value), crypto |
Liabilities (What You Owe)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mortgage | Remaining balance on home loan(s) |
| Student loans | Federal + private |
| Auto loans | Remaining car loan balance |
| Credit cards | Outstanding balances |
| Other debt | Personal loans, medical debt |
For FIRE: Focus on Investable Net Worth
Your total net worth includes home equity, which can't easily fund retirement spending. Your investable net worth (retirement + brokerage + cash, minus debts except mortgage) is what determines your FIRE number. A household with $800K total net worth but $400K in home equity only has ~$400K funding their retirement.
Where to Go from Here
- Calculate your FIRE number: FIRE Calculator →
- Understand how much you can withdraw: The 4% Rule →
- See age-specific retirement targets: How Much to Retire at 55/50/45/40/35 →
- Boost your savings rate: Savings Rate Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net worth for Americans under 35 is ~$183,500, but the median is only ~$39,000. For a 30-year-old specifically, the median is approximately $35,000. FIRE practitioners at 30 typically have $100K–$200K, driven by high savings rates and early investing.
Median American net worth at 40 is ~$130,000. Common rule of thumb: 2–3× your annual income. FIRE practitioners targeting retirement at 45–50 aim for $700K–$1M at 40, which represents 14–20× annual expenses of $50K.
Net worth = Total Assets − Total Liabilities. Add up everything you own (retirement accounts, investments, cash, home equity) and subtract everything you owe (mortgage, student loans, credit cards, car loans). For FIRE purposes, focus on "investable net worth" — exclude home equity since it doesn't fund daily expenses.
By Federal Reserve data: $1M net worth is top ~10% of U.S. households, $2.5M is top 5%, and $13.7M+ is top 1%. For FIRE purposes, "enough" is more relevant than "wealthy" — $1.25M in investable assets supports $50K/year spending indefinitely via the 4% rule.
Annual Expenses × 25 in investable assets (not including home equity). For $50K/year spending: $1,250,000. For $80K/year: $2,000,000. This is based on the 4% safe withdrawal rate. Social Security benefits supplement this, so some traditional retirees at 65 may need less.