Comparison can cost you—forget “average net worth” and focus on this instead.
[TL;DR] The average net worth for under 35 is $39k, but comparing yourself to averages is a trap. Focus on cash flow and a personalized plan instead.
What’s the difference between the mean and the median net worth?
What is net worth? It is simply your assets minus your liabilities. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you see headlines about the average wealth in the U.S. But you should know that averages can be very misleading. The mean adds everyone's wealth and divides it evenly—meaning a small group of ultra-wealthy households pulls that number way up. The median (the exact middle person) gives a much truer picture of how things are in reality.
Below you have the median and mean net worth broken down by age in the U.S.
You might have noticed that net worth is a timeline.
- When you're younger, your net worth tends to be lower as you pay off student loans and build your career.
- It usually grows during your peak earning years and naturally dips later in life as you tap into those savings for retirement.
Your timeline is completely your own.
How can I grow my net worth?
Growing your net worth comes down to understanding your cash flow and making intentional choices. But NGL, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. Just be patient with yourself; celebrate wins along the way; and know that steady, thoughtful choices today can quietly build a stronger financial future tomorrow. Here are some ways to get started:
Save first
- Set aside an amount every month before determining your guilt-free spending
- Aim for saving 20% or more of your household income toward your goals
Review your budget
- Look to see where your money is going and align it with what matters most
- A 20/60/20 split can help: 20% savings, 60% essentials, 20% guilt-free spending
Manage debt
- Pay off high-interest debt (like credit cards) first to reduce what you owe for good
- Explore refinancing or balance transfers to lower rates and ease repayment
- Limit using credit cards for monthly expenses unless you pay them off each month
Boost your income
- Look for ways to earn more—side hustles, raises, or new roles
- Avoid lifestyle inflation so you can keep and save more of what you earn
Invest for the future
- Put your money to work so it can grow and outpace inflation
- Stay consistent, diversify, and reinvest dividends to build momentum over time
Protect your wealth
- Look to life and disability insurance to shield your net worth from the unexpected
- Enjoy peace of mind knowing a single event won’t undo what you’ve built over years
Plan for the long term
- Start thinking about how your savings will turn into income in retirement
- Consider working with a financial advisor to map out your needs and strategy
Focus on your own path
Comparing your net worth with national averages often creates unnecessary pressure. Instead of chasing arbitrary benchmarks, ask yourself: Am I moving in the right direction?
Whether your next step is building an emergency fund, paying off a credit card, or starting to invest, celebrate that progress. Your confidence will come from having a personalized financial plan that fits your life—not from hitting someone else's numbers. And having a professional in your corner—one who understands you and your life—will only add to that confidence. We’ve got you.
Can I get help growing my net worth?
For help growing your numbers, partner with a pro you can trust. A Northwestern Mutual financial advisor will meet you where you are, ask deeper questions, and listen closely to understand you and your goals. They’ll help reveal any blind spots you might have and help find fresh opportunities that others might miss. So whatever your current net worth, your advisor will help you make a plan to get it where you want it to be. That way, you can feel confident you’re on the right financial path.
See how we can help you build your personalized financial plan.
Posted Jun 23, 2026, 9:11 PM UTC · locked