The Freedom of Not Chasing Money

We live in a society enthralled by accumulation. From glossy advertisements extolling luxury lifestyles to social media feeds saturated with images of opulence, the message is clear: your worth is measured by your net worth. Yet beneath the surface of impressive economic metrics lies a pervasive anxiety. How is it that Americans enjoy a financial freedom index of 80 points, nearly double the global average, yet more than three-quarters feel unsettled about their personal finances?

The Paradox of Freedom and Security

On paper, the United States boasts an enviable institutional framework. Strong property rights, minimal regulatory burdens, and open markets position this nation in the top decile of global economic freedom. Yet surveys in 2025 reveal that 77% of U.S. adults admit they are not completely financially secure—an upward trend from 75% in 2024 and 72% in 2023.

We see a stark disconnect between macro-level empowerment and individual experience. This critical gap between macro-level freedom and subjective security fuels frustration, chronic stress, and the perpetual chase for more. People increase their income targets each year, convinced that the next pay bump will finally settle their fears, only to find the finish line moving farther away.

The Moving Goalposts of Wealth

What do Americans believe they need to feel secure and comfortable? The numbers are staggering—and escalating:

• $839,000 to be financially comfortable in 2025, up from $778,000 in 2024
• $2.3 million to be considered wealthy, an almost unfathomable figure for the average household
• $150,000 annual income cited by 26% as the threshold for feeling secure

More than half of adults—55%—say they would need to earn $200,000 or more to feel truly free. Meanwhile, 39% believe $500,000 per year is the sweet spot. The pursuit of these ever-higher benchmarks consumes our mental and emotional bandwidth, leaving little room for genuine fulfillment.

The Erosion of Purchasing Power

Even when incomes rise, inflation chips away at our ability to meet fundamental needs. A $100,000 salary in January 2020 today has the buying power of only $80,400—equivalent to $124,353 in April 2025. This hidden purchasing power erosion functions like an invisible tax, silently devaluing our efforts and breeding discontent.

When every dollar stretches less far than it did a few years ago, we chase raises, promotions, and side gigs simply to stand still. The treadmill spins faster as we sprint harder, and few ask whether the journey itself is worth the exhaustion.

Who Feels the Pressure?

Financial anxiety does not impact everyone equally. Gender, income level, and generation all shape the contours of our fears.

Women report lower feelings of security than men—20% versus 26%—while only 12% of households earning under $50,000 feel completely secure compared to 42% of those earning above $100,000. Generational patterns reveal Gen X hardest pressed, with 35% needing $150,000 or more to feel safe, versus 20% of Gen Z.

Redefining Freedom Beyond Income

When asked to define economic freedom, many cite concepts unrelated to salary figures. Participants evoke images of autonomy, flexibility, and relief from debt. For 27% of Americans and U.K. adults alike, being debt-free tops the list of what true freedom means.

• Having the independence to do what I want
• Owning my time without financial constraints
• Being free from the weight of loans and credit

This shift suggests that freedom arises not from endless accumulation but from the absence of crippling obligations. When debt vanishes, the mind breathes.

The Promise of Financial Literacy

Education stands out as a beacon of hope. Only 49% of U.S. adults answer basic financial questions correctly, yet progress is underway. Twenty-seven states now require personal finance courses for graduation, up from nine in 2020. Building robust financial literacy requirements in schools can empower future generations to manage budgets, understand inflation’s impact, and cultivate healthy saving habits.

Financial knowledge is more than an academic subject—it is a tool that unlocks agency. When individuals grasp interest rates, tax implications, and investment strategies, they step off the treadmill of endless chasing and into a life guided by informed choice.

Embracing a Life Aligned with Values

True freedom emerges when we measure success by what enriches our lives, not our bank accounts. Rather than fixate on arbitrary dollar signs, consider personal values: time with loved ones, creative pursuits, service to others, and mental well-being.

• Set clear non-financial goals—time, health, relationships
• Create an emergency fund to reduce anxiety
• Automate savings to build wealth without constant vigilance
• Invest in experiences that foster growth and joy

These practical steps foster resilience. By prioritizing what truly matters, we reclaim our time and attention from the relentless pursuit of more.

Ultimately, the freedom of not chasing money lies in defining prosperity on our own terms. It demands courage to step off the societal race track, trust in our ability to adapt, and wisdom to invest in intangible assets. When we recalibrate our ambitions around purpose and well-being, financial targets become tools, not shackles.

As we shift from chasing numbers to nurturing what sustains us—relationships, creativity, curiosity—we discover a profound liberation. True wealth is not a static figure in a bank account, but a state of mind where security stems from preparedness, values, and the freedom to choose a life of meaning.