# There Is More Wealth Out There Than You Realize
Government statistics reveal that the median net worth in the United States is about $200,000. Nevertheless, media representations often focus on financial hardships, fostering an idea of a looming retirement crisis. What is often missed is the considerable wealth that has been built up over the past decades through prudent saving, investing, and reaping the benefits of a persistent bull market. This paves the way for the rise of what can be termed everyday middle-class multi-millionaires.
### Why “Middle Class” and “Multi-Millionaire” Can Exist Together
The idea that middle-class households can also be multi-millionaires might appear paradoxical initially. This misunderstanding typically stems from the common definition of wealth, which many strictly associate with income. A 2025 Bloomberg piece on eligibility for free college financial aid concentrated solely on income without factoring in assets or net worth, highlighting this essential misalignment in defining wealth.
When talking about the middle class, the term usually pertains to income levels. By estimates in 2025, the median household income was around $80,000, with the upper threshold for a family of three at nearly $188,400. In contrast, to be part of the top 10% of earners in 2024, one needed to make at least $235,000, especially in high-cost areas where a family of four might require $300,000–$350,000 just to sustain a perceived middle-class standard of living.
### Personal Finance Aficionados Think in Terms of Net Worth
For proponents of financial independence, wealth is more aptly described by net worth—assets less liabilities. Unlike income, which demands significant effort and incurs heavy taxes, investments permit a more subtle, consistent growth of wealth. As people age and become less willing to trade time for money, net worth increasingly mirrors their financial standing. With enough time, discipline, and smart investing, the idea of becoming a middle-class multi-millionaire becomes feasible without a high salary.
Consider the case of Luis DV, a consulting client who has kept his income below $100,000 throughout his more than 30-year career yet has reached a net worth of about $4.8 million. His family’s overall assets amount to $6,090,000, greatly augmented by real estate holdings and regular contributions to retirement accounts.
### Breakdown of Net Worth
Luis’s wealth is mostly derived from real estate investments, illustrating how long-term ownership of assets can foster wealth growth. He has also made substantial contributions to retirement accounts, particularly his Roth IRA, which will enable tax-free withdrawals in the future. His net worth composition demonstrates the effectiveness of diligent asset management:
– Ranch: $1,950,000 (32%)
– Rental Property 1: $1,188,300 (20%)
– Rental Property 2: $947,300 (16%)
– Luis’s Roth IRA: $1,386,237 (23%)
– Luis’s IRA: $257,920 (4%)
– Wife’s Roth IRA: $360,367 (6%)
### The Advantage of Being a Middle-Class Multi-Millionaire: Total Income Is Actually Much Higher
Luis’s experience illustrates how total income can surpass basic salary due to various income sources. His aggregate income, which includes rental revenue and retirement benefits, nears $365,000, allowing him to support a sizable family of six effectively.
The worth of pension and disability benefits further enriches his financial landscape, demonstrating that a more nuanced view of income uncovers a different perception of wealth that goes beyond traditional evaluations.
### Importance of Long-Term Asset Ownership
The phenomenon of middle-class multi-millionaires is expected to expand as more people invest judiciously over time. Luis has dedicated over thirty years to careful financial planning and investment, positioning him for a secure future.
His ultimate objective is to pay off his mortgage by utilizing diverse income sources alongside strategic withdrawals from retirement accounts while continuing to work for the foreseeable future.
### Final Thoughts
To attain multi-millionaire status, individuals should consistently save and invest in historically appreciating assets like real estate and stocks. By possibly assigning part of their savings to alternative investments—such as venture capital or cryptocurrency—middle-class earners can steadily accumulate wealth.
The takeaway is straightforward: substantial wealth is within reach for middle-class Americans through disciplined saving and investing. If adequately maintained, the potential to build wealth can be achieved by a large segment of middle-income earners. Those seeking to chart their course to financial independence should pursue resources and guidance, especially in grasping the distinction between income and net worth.