Net worth by age: Where do you stand in 2025? (10 19 25)

How does your net worth compare to others in your age group? New data calculated by Team Clark shows median net worth by age in 2025. Plus, learn what’s driving the numbers, and tips for growing your wealth over time.

Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:

💵 Net Worth by Age: Where Do You Stand in 2025?

The stock market has been on a tear. The S&P 500 has surged approximately 75% since the end of 2022. When markets are soaring like this, people naturally tend to check their investment balances and calculate their net worth more frequently. If you’ve been doing the same — logging into your 401(k), tallying up your accounts, and wondering how you stack up — you’re not alone.

But here’s the challenge: The most reliable data on American household net worth comes from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which is only published every three years. The latest survey was conducted from February 2022 through April 2023 (and released in October 2023), making the data nearly two and a half years old at the newest.

Given the significant market gains since the data was collected, we wanted to provide updated estimates of where net worth benchmarks likely stand today.

Money expert Clark Howard doesn’t think you need to obsess about your net worth — especially relative to others — but he does think you should calculate your net worth at least once a year to know where you stand.

Curious how your net worth compares — and what you can do about it? The full article breaks down median net worth by age, with the latest data adjusted for recent changes in the stock market, housing prices, and inflation. See a detailed chart showing net worth from age 18 through 80+, and get insights into how wealth typically grows at different life stages. The article also explains how to calculate your own net worth, what these benchmarks mean for your financial goals, and how to use them to track your progress over time.

📚️ Recommended Reading
Make a will

You don't have to be wealthy to need a will. If you have children, pets, or any assets at all, dying without one can create an emotional and financial mess. Learn how to create a simple will today. Read more.

Backdoor Roth

You make too much money for a Roth IRA, but that doesn't mean you're locked out of tax-free retirement growth. High earners are using a simple, two-step "backdoor" maneuver to get their money in. We break down exactly how this strategy works and reveal the one critical tax rule you must understand to avoid a costly mistake. Read more.

RMD

The IRS will hammer you with a big penalty if you miss this age-specific deadline. Here’s everything you need to know. Read more.

✅ Poll: What’s Your Take?

Every week, we'll ask a new question to get your take on the latest financial trends and topics.

Last Week’s Poll Results

We asked: “How often do you check in on your overall retirement savings progress?” Here’s how you answered:

  • Daily / Weekly: 46.1%

  • Monthly / Quarterly: 43.9%

  • Once a year (or less): 7.2%

  • I try not to look!: 2.8% 

💬 Ask an Advisor

In this recurring Q&A, we share questions that have been answered by Clark Howard or Wes Moss on the podcast. Submit your question today!

Maria in Delaware asks: I live a pretty boring financial life, but I have recently come down with a case of FOMO. It seems like everyone has a financial planner. Should I hire someone?

Wes Moss says: I think what you're experiencing is actually a virtue of your life stage. You're nearing retirement, you have a substantial $1.2 million saved, and the stakes feel high. While you think it's FOMO about the person, I believe it's actually the fear of not having a clear, written plan. You're looking around at your friends who seem "locked in" with their finances, and that's where the anxiety comes from. Now, I'm a financial advisor, so I'm going to tell you I believe in my industry. Warren Buffett says if you ask a barber if you need a haircut, the answer is always yes, right? But the truth is, the peace of mind a good fiduciary can give to you is absolutely invaluable. While you say your situation is "boring," it's $1.2 million — it's all the money you have! That makes it complex enough. Given your situation, I think you should give it a shot. There's very little downside. Talk to the folks at Vanguard about their Personal Advisor Services. See how you like that and if it gives you the clarity you're truly looking for. You don't have to have an advisor for the rest of your life, but trying it out could be the very thing that dampens that anxiety and takes away your financial FOMO.

💸 Money Tip of the Week

Try a generic grocery product: Why pay more for national brand names? Clark has a long-standing piece of advice: Choose the store brand. The generic or private-label versions are often the same high quality. If you don’t like it, switch back! Here are 20+ ways to save money on groceries.

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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