The Washington Post recently reported that the number of millionaires in the U.S. has reached a record high — with 1 in 6 families now holding a net worth of over $1 million. I was encouraged by this news for about two sentences.

The article went on to say that this group still feels “undeniably middle class.”  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, $1M today stretches only as far as $480K did 30 years ago. To feel — or spend — like a millionaire did in 1996, you’d need a net worth of at least $2.1M.

I completely understand that budgets are feeling pinched right now, especially as rising gas prices threaten to fuel further inflation.

But can we please have a “glass half full” moment? What’s so wrong with being middle class?

Middle class today looks nothing like middle class 30 years ago. You likely carry a smartphone more powerful than a 1996 supercomputer, have access to more information than any library on earth, and can video-call your grandchildren from anywhere in the world. Cars are safer, medicine is better, and we have the ability to work remotely — something unimaginable to most in 1996 — these are gifts that don’t show up on a net worth statement, but they are very real.

And who’s to say what brings happiness anyway? Research consistently shows it’s rarely the number in your account — it’s the relationships, the purpose, the feeling that you’re moving in the right direction. That’s worth more than any inflation adjustment.

With all the negative press these days, I’m going to cherish this little nugget of news.

Have a wonderful week!
Barbara

 
April26, 2026

Source:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/04/13/more-american-millionaires-than-ever/

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