Half of US adults say they’re falling behind financially. How to catch up and get ahead

Core Insights - A significant portion of U.S. adults, 53%, feel financially behind, with 28% stating they are falling "far behind" according to a Navigator survey [1] Age Group Earnings Overview 20s - Median salary for workers aged 20 to 24 is approximately $41,392, while those aged 25 to 34 earn about $59,800, indicating that earning over $60,000 places individuals above half of their peers [3][4] - The 20s are seen as a crucial time for building savings and investment habits, with the potential for compounding growth over time [4][5] 30s - Workers aged 35 to 44 have a median salary of $72,020, marking this age group as a peak earning period [8] - This decade often brings increased expenses related to family and home, making budgeting and savings critical [9][10] 40s - The median annual salary for those aged 45 to 54 is $71,604, indicating stability rather than growth [12] - Individuals are encouraged to focus on expense control and aggressive saving to prepare for retirement [13][14] 50s and 60s - Earnings typically decline in the 50s, with a median salary of $68,744 for those aged 55 to 64, while wealth often peaks during this time [18][20] - Wealth preservation becomes a priority, with recommendations to invest in assets that hedge against inflation, such as gold, which has seen a significant price increase [21][22] Investment Strategies - Utilizing apps like Acorns can help younger individuals start investing with spare change, promoting early investment habits [5][6] - For those in their 40s and beyond, working with a financial advisor can potentially enhance net returns by about 3% over time, significantly impacting long-term wealth [15][17] - Gold IRAs are suggested as a tax-advantaged way to invest in gold, appealing to those looking to protect retirement funds against economic uncertainties [23][24]