The average American believes they need hundreds of thousands of dollars to be financially comfortable, but the figures vary by age group. Investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is a simple and effective way to increase net worth and reach financial goals.
A recent survey by Charles Schwab revealed that the average net worth needed to be considered financially comfortable is $839,000. While 28% believe they are on track, 27% doubt they’ll ever reach that goal.
ETFs like the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF offer a low-maintenance investment option. With a history of 10% annual growth, investing $300 per month could lead to $1 million in savings in 36 years.
The Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF is a safer option focusing on large-cap stocks with growth potential. With an average annual return of 16.73%, investing $300 per month could accumulate over $1 million in around 25 years.
The Vanguard Information Technology ETF, with a focus on tech stocks, has the highest risk but also the highest potential earnings. With an average return of 21.58%, investing $300 per month could lead to $1 million in around 21 years.
Investing in the stock market is an effective way to achieve financial comfort. Even small investments can add up over time. Consider the best stocks identified by the Motley Fool Stock Advisor team for potential market-crushing returns.
*Stock Advisor returns as of August 4, 2025.
Read more at Yahoo Finance.: This Is the Net Worth You Need to Be “Financially Comfortable” in 2025, According to the Average American