What does it mean to be part of the 1%, and how does your net worth compare?

Group 1 - The term "1%" refers to the wealthiest households in the U.S., specifically the top 1% of households by net worth [1][3] - Net worth is defined as the value of all owned assets minus any debts, highlighting the importance of wealth accumulation over time rather than just income [2] - As of the first quarter of 2025, the top 1% holds approximately 30.8% of U.S. wealth, equating to about $49.4 trillion, with an average net worth of around $38 million [3][4] Group 2 - The median net worth of households in the top 1% is estimated to be about $13 million, indicating a significant skew due to ultra-wealthy individuals [4] - Wealthy households tend to own a substantial portion of stocks, with the top 1% owning half of all corporate equities and mutual funds in the U.S. [5] - Economists use the 1% as a benchmark to illustrate income inequality and wealth distribution, emphasizing the access to resources and opportunities that this group possesses [6] Group 3 - The median U.S. household net worth is approximately $192,900, making the median net worth of the top 1% about 67 times higher than that of the average American [6] - Individuals can calculate their net worth by subtracting total liabilities from total assets, which includes various forms of wealth [7][8] - The focus should be on steadily increasing net worth through consistent saving and investing, rather than comparing to the top 1% [9]