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Good News: You Might be Richer than You Think

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May 2025

Pause for a second — how would you define “wealth”? What does being rich truly mean to you?

For some, it’s the image of private jets, designer clothes, and luxury vacations. For others, it’s about freedom — the ability to choose how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Pop culture often equates wealth with excess, while in reality, true financial success often hides quietly behind modest lifestyles and disciplined planning.

So, the real question for many hardworking Americans isn’t “how much is enough?” but rather, “am I actually wealthy?”

By definition, wealth means having an abundance of valuable resources or possessions — but in practice, it’s about stability, security, and peace of mind.

Recent studies reveal that to be among the top 10% of income earners in the U.S., you’d need to make around $190,000 annually. But to reach the top 10% in net worth? You’d need about $5 million in assets.

The takeaway is clear: building lasting wealth isn’t just about earning more — it’s about managing what you have wisely and making it work for you.

When choosing a wingman on the road to riches, choose wisely

Not all financial advisors are alike. While many can claim to be proficient with investments, the word to look for when searching for a pro is "fiduciary." A fiduciary is a subset of financial advisors who carry a legal obligation to act in the best interest of each client - even over commissions and quotas.

What to do: Ask your advisor about their specialties and ensure they have experience in the areas where you need the most help. Your advisor should be a good match for your unique financial situation.

Secure a qualified fiduciary today

A short quiz could help you identify a licensed fiduciary who specializes in the instruments or strategies most relevant to you. Answer three short questions to begin your search for a licensed financial advisor today. Who knows: the label "rich" could apply to you sooner than you think.

Take our free retirement quiz to get matched with a vetted financial advisor who can help you transition to a smarter investment strategy.

Visit veridian-advisory.com to browse local financial advisors with high ratings and dozens of client reviews.

The danger of ‘do-it-yourself’?

While many successful people are knowledgeable in their own careers, not all types of knowledge translate to investment acumen.

For example, many people can, in theory, cut their own hair. But almost everyone goes to a skilled barber or hairstylist instead.

Investments are the same. Although many people can manage their own investments, almost everyone with a healthy portfolio enlists the help of a financial advisor.

Just like a bad haircut, there are real consequences to a do-it-yourself approach, especially considering how tumultuous the 2020s have been for the market so far.

“It is much more expensive to make a mistake than the price you pay to have money properly managed,” said Winnie Sun, president and founder of California-based Sun Group Wealth Partners (CNBC).

Even if you’ve had success with do-it-yourself investing so far, it doesn’t hurt to schedule a free consultation with a financial advisor to see if there are any serious risks in your investment strategy.

To save some time calling around, use this form to connect with financial advisors in your area who specialize in your goals and portfolio size.

As uncertainty grows, financial advising becomes more popular

As Americans turn to safer investment vehicles to grow their portfolios during uncertain times, getting help from a financial advisor is becoming more and more popular.

The field is expected to grow 13% in the next decade, far outpacing other financial sectors.

“Finding a financial advisor isn’t something you can be pushed to do,” said Sun (CNBC).

“You’ll know when the time is right.”

To see what’s out there, visit FinancialAdvisor.net and type in your zip code to see ratings and reviews from local financial advisors.

Click Your State to Get Matched With Financial Advisors Who Serve Your Area
After you choose your state and answer a few questions, you can compare up to three advisors that serve your area and decide which to work with.

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Financial needs change over time, and we want to provide the best advice for your stage of life. Our services are available to those 18 and older.

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This is not intended to provide legal advice, tax advice, accounting advice or financial advice (Other than referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States). This is not a financial planner, broker or tax adviser. The Service is intended only to assist you in your understanding of financial organization and decision-making and is broad in scope. Your personal financial situation is unique, and any information and investing strategies obtained through this may not be appropriate for your situation. Accordingly, before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy, you should consider obtaining additional information and advice from your accountant or other financial advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances.

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