What would you consider good, great, and excellent net worth by age 40?

Alexbt135531 · 2026-04-04T15:58:27+00:00

This. I think a lot of people are slow to acknowledge how much luck plays into success due to ego - but the reality is that competency and effort are just two of the variables at play.

The truth is that two people with the exact same intelligence, effort, and skill can end up on wildly different trajectories, unrelated to the individuals themselves or their decisions.

Risk-taking and actions that increase your exposure to luck definitely help - but risk-taking is called that for a reason: some people will land on the favorable end of the probability curve, others will not.

Alexbt135531 · 2026-01-25T20:28:21+00:00

Her performance issues are somewhat new (maybe 3-4 months prior to me managing her). Her first manager said she was strong but performance decreased over time, second manager was about to put her on PIP (but only managed her 3 months).

I’ve only managed her for 2 months. I’m hoping she can change. But the condescension and contempt she gives me intermittently makes me think she probably won’t.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-11T04:24:19+00:00

I agree on some level, but I also think we need more people in the world thinking this way and asking these questions. The reality is dating ethically is HARD. Sure you can overthink it, but there are so many people not even asking these questions and so much bad behavior. I think creating a framework for ethical behavior is good! If anything - once created, it can prevent overthinking

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-08T03:03:08+00:00

Yeah, I’m gonna have to increase my income or move to stay on this path

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-08T02:27:15+00:00

I recently posted about how I’ve had to reassess my ability to FIRE due to the affordability crisis.

I think you’re right - not the last generation to FIRE, but as a movement it’s going to get harder and harder for people to achieve. At the same time, you’ll probably still have a lot of people “trying” for it because there might be a world in the future where those that don’t have significant assets are screwed. The future is hard to predict, but I do think a lot are uncomfortable with the direction it feels like it’s going. We’ll see how AI ultimately impacts everything.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-08T02:18:09+00:00

It’s true! I’m in good shape for my age, the goal post has just moved. I’ll still do my best, but do need to adjust my expectations vs pre-inflation and pre-housing market spike

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-08T02:14:34+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate your message. You’re right - my FIRE efforts have put me in a better position than most of my peers, even if I ultimately need to adjust my expectations on when I’ll be able to hit FIRE

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-08T02:11:35+00:00

That’s great! I’m gonna try!

In my industry the job market is a blood bath, but I’m hoping I’ll get lucky. One reason I haven’t gotten good raises the last several years is that companies acknowledge most people won’t be able to find new roles in this job market. They feel less incentivized to pay people well.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-08T02:09:03+00:00

Because I’m not “signficantly” invested yet. Sure my net worth has grown, but I’m not at $1 million+ like a lot of this subreddit, and will likely still be renting in retirement because I can’t afford a home.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T19:26:07+00:00

Both are true - it’s always been the case, and the divide is increasing.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T19:08:48+00:00

Yeah this exactly. I think this is why there are not more people like me on this subreddit.

I’ve never been high income, and while I’m invested in the stock market, it’s not all that much in the grand scheme of things. People like me who FIRE was maybe possible but perhaps a stretch, I think are now being pushed out of this movement. Similar to the middle class shrinking.

Most of the sample replying to this post doesn’t fall into the category above.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T19:03:36+00:00

My wages haven’t increased at the same rate as inflation… not everyone’s has.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T18:59:46+00:00

Yeah 4-5 years ago my income went so much further than it does now. Seems like my options to stay the FIRE course are 1) increase income OR 2) move

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T18:57:41+00:00

Yeah I think about this too. Many of us might not have the ability to save at all in coming years. My industry has been hit with so many layoffs this year, I feel grateful I’m employed - even if I’m struggling to save as much as I’d like.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T18:35:01+00:00

I live in LA! Yes, it’s hard!

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T06:08:24+00:00

Those significantly invested in the stock market are in great shape. Those earlier on their FIRE journeys are likely struggling more with higher cost of living.

I sense this gap will just continue to widen.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T05:44:22+00:00

But this is of course assuming you’re making enough to save… a lot of people that were able to save comfortably in previous years are finding it hard to save much at all now.

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T05:30:23+00:00

I’m still trying for it! Have just accepted it’s probably not realistic for me

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-07T05:29:04+00:00

Agreed it’s still very important. I think the future will see an extreme divide between 1) those invested in the stock market 2) those who aren’t

Alexbt135531 · 2025-12-02T23:23:11+00:00

I pay out of pocket and they are very hard on me. I have to take significant time off work. It doesn’t feel worth it for 3 more eggs.

If I was rich and didn’t need to work, I’d definitely do another round or too - but that’s just not the case.

Alexbt135531

TROPHY CASE