3. Modern-Day Serfs

The number of U.S. billionaires surged from 66 in 1990 to over 800 in 2025, highlighting extreme wealth growth at the very top. The billionaires are soon becoming trillionaires. It took $150,000 to be in the Top 1% in 1990. Now it’s over $900,000 in the top tier states. In 1990 anyone earning the median income could afford a median priced house. Now only 28% can and the percentage is rapidly declining.

The income needed for a middle class life in 1990 was $74,000 (adjusted). Now it’s as much as $200,000 in the states where the jobs are. The Top 10% earn over $200,000 and are more financially stressed than you may think. The bottom 90% average $40,000. They live like serfs on somebody else’s farm.

The biggest risk is not forgoing a salary, it’s watching the years go by while living in scarcity and hardship. Everybody ends up at the same finish line, it’s the ride that counts. The only way out is to assume responsibility for your situation and start doubling-down on risk. Or create a life away from the unwinnable race that requires minimal money and more self-reliance. Or both.