"Affluent, Feeling Average" shows the reasons why financial success doesn't always feel like enough.
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 6, 2026 / Zoe Financial, a digital wealth platform that connects people with vetted financial advisors nationwide, released a new report called "Affluent, Feeling Average". The research paper looks at why many Americans who have done well financially still don't feel rich. The report found that even though people say it takes $2.3 million to feel "rich" and $839,000 to feel "comfortable", when they reach these numbers, they still describe themselves as average, not wealthy.
"After talking to thousands of clients over the years, we've learned that people who are financially successful don't always feel like it, so we wanted to understand why," said Andres Garcia-Amaya, CFA, CEO & Founder at Zoe Financial.
Key findings from the report include:
The "upper middle class" has tripled in size since 1979, which changes how rich people feel compared to those around them
Many people's wealth is tied up in their home or their 401(k), so it doesn't always feel like money they can use
The shift from pensions to 401(k)s has quietly moved more financial risk onto individuals
Four specific factors separate feeling rich from simply having money
In addition to the report, Zoe Financial created an interactive net worth comparison tool, with the intent to help people identify gaps. The calculator uses real income and net worth data to show where people actually stand by age, instead of relying on guesses.
"One of the biggest takeaways is that more wealth isn't always the answer. Most people just need a clearer picture of where they stand and what their money can actually do for them. That's the gap a good advisor should help close," Garcia-Amaya added.
The "Affluent, Feeling Average" report is free to download at https://findanadvisor.com/whitepapers/affluent-feeling-average.
About Zoe Financial
Zoe Financial is a digital wealth platform with a mission to help people grow and protect their wealth. Zoe combines technology with hands-on human support to match each client with a financial advisor suited to their specific situation. Zoe's matching service is free of charge, and clients pay their advisor only if they choose to move forward. Learn more at https://findanadvisor.com/.
Disclosures:
Zoe Financial, Inc. ("Zoe Financial") is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Zoe Financial provides investment advisory services and access to independent registered investment advisers through its platform. The information provided by Zoe Financial is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell any security. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Clients should consult with their own financial, tax, or legal professionals before making any investment decisions.
Zoe Financial connects clients with independent, fiduciary financial advisors who have been screened for credentials (CFP, CFA, or CPA), a minimum of five years of experience, clean regulatory records, and absence of commission-based compensation. Advisors are further assessed on subject-matter expertise, investment process, and client experience before admission to the network.
Zoe receives a referral fee (15-35% of the advisor's fees) only upon a successful client match. This vetting process does not guarantee advisor performance, suitability, or future conduct. Clients should conduct their own due diligence before engaging any advisor. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice.
Data cited in this release comes from Charles Schwab's 2025 Modern Wealth Survey, the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, and an American Enterprise Institute analysis of Census ASEC data.
CONTACT:
Carolina Padilla
press@zoefin.com
SOURCE: Zoe Financial
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:
https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/new-report-reveals-why-so-many-well-off-americans-still-feel-average-1202182
