I Asked ChatGPT How Much Money You Actually Need To Feel Rich — Here’s What It Said
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Most people would love to be in a position where money is no longer a concern. To have the ability to go shopping or go out to eat and not worry about what something costs. But how much money does it take to be in that position? Is it a million dollars in the bank, or is it more than that?
According to a recent Charles Schwab survey, Americans say it takes roughly $2.3 million in net worth to actually feel wealthy, while they’ll need $839,000 to feel financially comfortable. However, the feeling of being rich comes more from financial stability and freedom than just a number.
To learn more about how much money a person actually needs to feel rich, I decided to ask ChatGPT to see what it had to say.
The Role of Cost of Living
When considering what it truly takes to feel wealthy, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone’s perception is different. While one person might feel rich with $1 million, another might only need $200,000 to have the same feeling. Part of this difference is due to lifestyle choices, but a significant factor is the cost of living.
Someone living in California will face much higher expenses than someone in Iowa. From housing costs to taxes and even childcare, everything will be more expensive. Therefore, it makes sense that the person in California would need more money in the bank to feel rich.Â
Feeling Rich Beyond the Numbers
Feeling rich isn’t just about your income or how much money you have in the bank. There is also an emotional and lifestyle side involved. This includes any of the following:
- Security: Understanding that if an emergency happens, you won’t be stressed out about money.
- Freedom: Having the ability to make choices about where you live, when you work or how you spend your time.
- Peace of mind: Not having debt or other financial pressures keeping you up at night.
- Enjoyment: Having the money to travel, eat out or enjoy hobbies without feeling guilty.
How To Build a Sense of Wealth
ChatGPT finished by discussing ways a person can build a sense of wealth. They recommend you start by tracking your net worth. This can be a better gauge of your progress financially than just growing your paycheck.Â
It’s also important to prioritize financial security before anything else. If you have debt, develop a plan to eliminate it as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure you have an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses. Having this safety net will have a psychological impact on whether you feel rich.
You should also prioritize investing for the future instead of chasing luxury spending. Does this mean you shouldn’t treat yourself? Of course not. But your focus should be on doing what you need to build long-term wealth.
Finally, practice gratitude and do less comparing. Be thankful for what you have and appreciate that instead of trying to compare yourself to your friends or colleagues. That’s where the real sense of being rich will be visible.
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