My Girlfriend Guessed My Net Worth…and it Blew My Mind

My girlfriend and I were playing the card game rummy in bed one night when we started talking about what our lives might look like in the future.  We had only been together for about four months but agreed that it had felt like decades.  I was prompted to ask her what she thought my net worth was after hearing her talk about a grand wedding, million dollar homes, extravagant vacations, etc.  She plainly said, “I don’t know.  $30-$40 million.”

I was speechless.  I was so taken aback that I couldn’t finish the hand we were playing.  My net worth has never been anywhere near $30-$40 million.

Now, don't get me wrong. My girlfriend is amazing. But she's also 27 (ahem, a slight 18-year age gap) and, at the time, hadn't really delved into the world of finance. Hearing that number come out so casually, as if we were talking about the price of a latte, was a serious wake-up call. It made me realize how skewed perceptions of wealth can be.

I started googling stats on average net worth, average household income, etc.  She was surprised to see that a net worth of $1-$2 million qualified as wealthy (Thankfully, I’ve always been above those marks since I retired in April 2020.).  

She worked in a spa when we had the conversation.  She was able to get hired for an entry level role at a leading financial institution a few months later.  She realized how absurd she was to think that I had $30-$40 million after she started learning more about the industry.

But this experience got me thinking: Am I the only one who's still surprised by these kinds of wealth perceptions in 2025? How many people, regardless of age, have a distorted view of what it truly takes to build financial security?

It's easy to get caught up in the highlight reels we see online, to believe that everyone is living the "millionaire lifestyle." The truth is, building a solid financial foundation takes planning, discipline, and a healthy dose of reality.

That's where I come in. As a financial coach, I help people of all ages and backgrounds understand their current financial situation, set realistic goals, and create a roadmap to achieve them. Whether you're dreaming of a comfortable retirement, a down payment on a home, or simply want to gain control of your finances, I can help you navigate the complexities of the financial world. In the end, you’ll understand the “why” behind the money moves that you are making.