Many people want to be like “Mike,” but many more want to be rich. Achieving financial security and building wealth is a common aspiration many individuals share. 

While “mass affluent” may not be familiar to everyone, it refers to a significant segment of the population that falls between the middle class and the truly wealthy. 

In this essay, we will delve into the mass affluent, explore the characteristics of mass-affluent individuals, and provide practical strategies for attaining financial success and joining their ranks. 

By understanding the principles and tactics the mass affluent employs, you can embark on a journey toward long-term financial security.

Understanding Mass Affluent Market

Mass affluent households constitute the largest group of affluent consumers in the United States. These individuals possess liquid assets greater than $100,000 but less than $1 million. 

While they are considered part of the middle class, they have above-average income and an above-average amount of liquid assets. 

To be classified as mass affluent, individuals must have a household income exceeding $75,000 and possess liquid assets between $100,000 and $1,000,000.

Characteristics of Mass Affluent Individuals

Age, Education, and Marital Status: Mass affluent individuals tend to be older, more educated, and married. Many belong to the baby boomer generation and have pursued post-graduate degrees. Their advanced education often contributes to their higher income levels and excellent financial knowledge.

White-Collar Workers: Most mass affluent individuals are white-collar workers who have diligently saved and invested in building significant retirement funds. Their career choices and dedication to their professions have been pivotal in their financial success.

Enjoying a Comfortable Lifestyle: The mass affluent are known for enjoying a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. They possess the financial means to travel, engage in leisure activities, and experience the finer things in life. This high standard of living distinguishes them from the average middle-class individual.

Strategies for Becoming Mass Affluent

Consistent Saving and Investing: One shared belief among the mass affluent is that they are likely to become millionaires through consistent saving and investing. This approach entails setting aside a portion of their income regularly and investing it wisely in a diversified portfolio of assets. Individuals can gradually accumulate wealth over time by adopting a disciplined saving habit and making informed investment decisions.

Real Estate as an Asset Class: Real estate has long been recognized as valuable for building wealth. It offers utility, steady income through rental properties, and the potential for long-term growth. The mass affluent often allocate a portion of their investment portfolio to real estate investments. Real estate investment can be pursued through various avenues, including traditional property purchases or innovative crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise and CrowdStreet.

Leveraging Financial Management Platforms: To optimize financial accounts and build wealth, leveraging online platforms can be highly beneficial. One such platform is Empower, which offers a range of tools and resources to help individuals manage their finances effectively. Empower provides a portfolio fee analyzer to assess investment fees and identify potential cost-saving opportunities. Additionally, their retirement planning calculator assists in creating a comprehensive retirement strategy. Individuals can make informed decisions and streamline their financial management processes by leveraging such platforms.

Differentiating Mass Affluent and High Net Worth Individuals

Although the mass affluent enjoy a comfortable level of affluence, it is essential to differentiate them from high-net-worth individuals. 

High net-worth individuals possess even more significant assets, typically exceeding $1 million. The distinction lies in the scale of wealth rather than the underlying principles of financial security and growth. 

Both groups share similar aspirations and strategies, albeit at different levels of wealth accumulation.

The Impact and Scale of the Mass Affluent Segment

The mass affluent segment plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, accounting for approximately 26% of total households, translating to about 32.3 million households. 

This substantial demographic reflects the increasing importance of the mass affluent in driving economic growth and stability. Their collective influence will shape market trends and consumer behavior as their numbers grow.

Mass Affluent and Social Perception

Unlike the truly wealthy, mass affluent individuals are not generally targeted by hate groups or subjected to extensive social criticism. 

They are often perceived as a working-class group who have earned wealth through hard work and dedication. This sets them apart from the upper class, who are sometimes criticized for their perceived unfair advantages. 

However, it is essential to note that while mass affluence signifies a higher level of financial well-being than the middle class, it does not equate to being part of the upper class.

Different Definitions of Mass Affluent

The concept of mass affluence can vary depending on the specific criteria employed, such as income, investable assets, and net worth. 

One standard definition of mass affluent by income is earning at least 50% more than the median household income of the surrounding area. 

For instance, if the median household income is $72,000, earning at least $108,000 annually would classify an individual as mass affluent.

Conclusion

Becoming mass affluent necessitates adopting strategic financial planning, disciplined saving and investing, and building a diversified net worth. 

By following the principles and strategies employed by the mass affluent, individuals can work towards achieving financial security, enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, and experiencing long-term wealth accumulation. 

It is essential to recognize that building wealth is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and informed decision-making. 

By taking proactive steps and leveraging the right resources, you can pave the way for a brighter financial future and join the ranks of the mass affluent.