If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind financially, you’re not alone. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans describe their financial situation as only fair or poor.
Now, I understand that there are probably a good number of people who are genuinely struggling financially. However, I’m also sure there are tons of people who feel like they’re behind because of social media and the unrealistic expectations it creates.
Specifically, a Bankrate survey from 2024 showed that Gen Z feels they need to make $200,000 per year to feel financially secure.
That’s pretty crazy considering $200,000 jobs aren’t exactly easy to come by.
The good news is that there are subtle signs throughout your daily life that show you’re doing better financially than you think.
1. You Can Fill Your Gas Tank Up
Going back to my high school and college days, this was a huge struggle for me. Scraping $5 together to get a few gallons of gas was brutal. In high school, I would take on extra chores around the house just to earn a few extra bucks.
While in college, I rode the bus or walked as much as possible. Reducing my use of the car helped ease the anxiety of constantly worrying about gas money.
Now that I’m in my 30s and have a well-paying job, I don’t even think about filling up my gas tank. When I need gas, I simply stop and get it. No more waiting until payday, no more recycling cans for a few extra dollars, and no more stress at the pump.
Looking back, that’s a pretty good sign that I’m doing better financially than I used to be.
2. You’re Not Eating the Cheapest Meal Possible
Back when I was in college, a buddy of mine had $80 in his bank account and wasn’t getting paid for another three weeks because he was paid monthly.
The only solution he could come up with was eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Cup Noodles, and canned beans for three straight weeks until payday.
While that’s an extreme example, there are still many people who struggle to put food on the table or feel forced to eat the cheapest meals possible just to get by.
So if you’ve moved beyond that stage of life and can afford a balanced meal without worrying about every dollar, you’re doing pretty well.
3. You Can Handle a Vet Bill for a Sick Pet
Personally, I have two French Bulldogs, which are more like children than dogs if you ask my wife and me.
While we love them to death, they’re what we call “frequent flyers” at the vet. They’re always getting sick, getting hurt, or needing something checked out. And those costs can add up quickly.
If you’re able to take your pet to the vet right away and pay the bill without relying on a credit card or experiencing major stress and anxiety, that’s a strong sign of financial stability.
4. Your Net Worth Is Growing
If your net worth is growing month after month, you’re doing fantastic financially.
This growth can come from paying down debt, consistently saving money, investing, or a combination of all three.
A growing net worth is usually a sign that you’re spending less than you earn. If you continue doing that year after year, your wealth can grow into something truly remarkable.
5. You Don’t Rely on Credit Cards for Everyday Expenses
A recent study found that 53% of Americans carry credit card balances to cover essential living expenses.
That’s a scary statistic when you consider that many of those balances are accumulating interest rates of 20% or more.
If you’re able to cover your monthly expenses without relying on credit cards, you’re already ahead of a large portion of the population. In fact, it’s another sign that you’re doing better financially than you think.
6. You Have an Emergency Fund
Lastly, if you have a fully funded emergency fund, you’re doing great.
According to Bankrate, only 27% of Americans have enough emergency savings to cover six months of expenses.
That means nearly three out of four people haven’t reached this milestone.
If you’re part of that 27%, congratulations. You’re financially prepared for life’s unexpected events and are ahead of a significant portion of the population.
Conclusion
Conclusion
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the immense financial expectations that social media leads us to believe are normal.
However, as we’ve shown above, you don’t need a $200,000 salary to feel financially secure.
There are many subtle signs throughout everyday life that reveal how financially stable you really are.
Instead of comparing yourself to someone else’s highlight reel on social media, compare your life to where you were a year ago—or even back in your high school or college days.
You may discover that you’re doing better financially than you think.
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