Having These Assets Could Mean You're 'Upper Class'

The upper class is a financial tier many strive to hit. According to Pew Research Center, households earning above $169,800 annually are raking in "upper-class incomes" as of September 2024. But income isn't the only factor that might earn someone a spot in this elite group. All the money in the world won't guarantee you long-term wealth if you throw it around with reckless abandon. There are several telling signs that mean you're officially "upper class," and many of them involve spending money to enrich your life while still holding onto a significant portion of your cash flow.

There are a few important assets you'll frequently find in the war chests of upper-class consumers. An emergency reserve, for instance, is a crucial component in any household's financial strategy. If you're not sure whether you have enough money in your emergency fund, one indicator is that you can cover as much as six months' worth of regular expenses if you lose your main source of income. Upper-class savers often succeed in accumulating this amount, while middle- and lower-class earners may be lagging behind. On top of emergency savings, anyone who also has money set aside for other future needs is almost surely in the upper crust. Retirement assets, a standard brokerage account trading with a decent volume of capital, and even a cash savings moat that's separate from emergency funding can all be indicators that you're approaching — or are already in — the upper class.

For most, an emergency fund is a luxury. For the elite, it should be non-negotiable. Setting money aside for when times get tough will keep you financially afloat and help you stay levelheaded if all your plans go to pot. If you lose your job, get injured and can't work, or suddenly have to prioritize additional time or money to take care of a loved one, this reserve could ensure you don't end up burning out trying to make ends meet.

Saving for retirement is a big deal as well. Experts suggest planning to spend roughly 75% of your pre-retirement income on funding your continued lifestyle after leaving the workforce. This will require some foresight, as even the Social Security Administration has acknowledged Social Security checks only cover about 40% of an average person's income. Gallup found in June 2025 that 40% of Americans have no retirement savings at all. So, if you're already setting aside cash for retirement, that's a pretty sure-fire sign you're on track to join the upper class. 

Many upper-class individuals also make general purpose investments or maintain high-yield savings accounts. Buying into the stock market or putting money into growth assets like property are great ways to help your extra capital expand in value in the long term. And while having the cash to make those investments doesn't guarantee anyone a place in the upper class, realizing you'll probably need funds in the future and having the strategic mindset to put them in the right place now certainly does.