59% of Americans consider this the No. 1 sign of success — it’s not wealth
- forrest455
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 22
As CNBC recently shared, "When Americans measure success, they’re not often thinking about their net worth or account balances.
Respondents were asked to pick the top three types of success they most valued.

#1 - Happiness — specifically, the ability to spend money on things that make them happy— is the most important benchmark of success.
About 59% of polled Americans say that happiness — specifically, the ability to spend money on things that make them happy — is the most important benchmark of success, according to a new report by Empower, a financial services company.
#2 - Free time to pursue their interests
35% of respondents pointed to having free time to pursue their interests.
#3 - Physical wellbeing
35% of respondents cited physical wellbeing.
Takeaway: Find room in your budget for joy.
Some recommend the 50-30-20 rule, a budget framework that allocates 50% of your income toward essentials like housing, food and utilities, 30% toward “wants” or discretionary spending and the remaining 20% to savings and investments.
Learn more HERE in the full article.
We believe that everyone deserves a clear, confident path to financial security—no matter where you’re starting from. We work closely with individuals, families, and small business owners to create a financial plan that reflects your values and goals, while offering the practical strategies you need to get there.
From retirement income and investments to tax-efficient solutions and legacy planning, we’re here to help you create a plan that protects what you’ve built and helps you achieve your financial goals.
In pursuit of True Wealth, Forrest Millheim, CLTC | Bart Zandbergen, CFP
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