10 Ways to Determine if Your Finances Are Better Than Average

You're not alone if you’ve ever wondered how your finances compare to others. It’s human nature to wonder how everyone is doing. In some cases, it can be helpful to know.

Maybe you’ve saved much more than you realized, or maybe you’re further behind than you hoped and are still looking for ways to make extra money.

Even though it's impossible to know exactly how other people save and spend, these are good signs that you’re saving more than the average American.

Emergency funds are all the rage with money gurus, but there’s a reason everyone seems to love them.

Emergencies happen, and 20% of adults report that they experienced a medical emergency in the last year costing between $1,000 and $1,999.

If you have at least one month of expenses saved, you’re on your way to financial peace of mind. With a month's expenses, you could likely cover an unexpected medical treatment or job loss. Unfortunately, many Americans can’t.

You might have heard that most Americans can’t cover an unexpected expense of $400, but that’s not actually the case.

According to the Federal Reserve, 68% of Americans can cover an unexpected expense using cash or its equivalent. If you want to feel more secure, aim for double that amount and save $800 instead.

Ready to up your savings game? Aim to keep three to six months of expenses in a separate emergency fund. After all, nothing feels better than financial security.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 68% of Americans have access to a 401(k). However, of that number, only 51% of employees contribute to their accounts.

If you’re part of the 51% who save money towards retirement each month, you’re saving more in 401(k) than nearly half the population. That’s something to celebrate.

Consider increasing your monthly contribution if you’re ready to save more toward retirement. Or open a traditional or Roth IRA as another retirement savings vehicle.

When you pay yourself first, you set aside savings at the beginning of the month instead of the end. The reason to set aside money first is to ensure that you save it.

If your bank account balance is low by the end of the month, it’s more tempting to spend money instead of saving it. If you already save money when you first get paid, you’re doing a great job. Your future self will thank you.

Budgets often have a terrible reputation, but they’re simply a plan for your money. If you have a budget and stick to it, you’re in better financial shape than many Americans.

When you have a plan, you can meet your current needs and save for the future. Budgets don’t need to be complicated, and many options exist. Find one that works for you and stick to it.

If you regularly increase the money you save each month, you’re probably saving more than most people.

It’s easy to fall into a routine and keep your savings rate the same even as your income increases. But it’s important to stay strong with your savings goals and continue to increase the amount you set aside.

If you don’t, you might have higher living expenses and lower saving balances — not the ideal combination.

There are tons of different accounts where you can store your savings. Some are high-yield savings accounts, while others are investment accounts like 529 plans.

Regardless of the type, all savings accounts have something in common: they help you save. If you have more than one type of account where you save, you’re way ahead of other savers.

Net worth is your assets minus your liabilities. There are many reasons why someone might have a negative net worth.

In fact, student loan borrowers have an average of $27,800 in undergraduate federal student loans. Student loans alone could create a negative net worth.

So if you have a positive net worth, you’re probably not doing too badly. Even if there’s still room for improvement, it’s important to celebrate your financial wins.

It’s shockingly easy to fall into a spending habit. Maybe you’ve had a long day at work and treated yourself to takeout on the way home.

There are countless reasons for mindless spending, but the impact is always the same — less money saved. If you’re intentional about your purchases, your bank probably looks better than most.

Financial peace looks and feels different for everyone. But if you feel calm and secure about your finances, you’re leaps and bounds ahead of the average American.

Many financial factors cause stress, so if you feel a sense of peace about your money, then you’re probably doing something right.

It’s tempting to compare yourself to other people as a way to gauge your progress. But your life and finances are unique.

Instead of focusing on what other people do with their money, check in with your finances. If you like what you see, keep going.

Set goals and start making smart money moves today if you think there’s room for improvement. It’s never too late to change your financial reality.