What “Wealth” Really Means in 2025
Hi there! Ever wondered how people in the UK actually feel about money? HSBC UK’s fresh eye‑pooper, “Your Money’s Worth: Defining Wealth in 2025,” gives us the scoop: £213,000 is the bar most folks consider “wealthy.” That’s a whopping six times the country’s average paycheck.
1⃣ The Big Gap Between How Much We Earn and How We Think We Earn
- On average, people are under‑estimating their earnings by ~30% compared to everyone else.
- For the high‑rollers in the top 4% of earners, the gap is even wider.
- Only 10% of those pulling in £100,000+ feel “wealthy.”
- Across the UK, just 1% shout out “wealthy.”
- High earners set their own “wealth” threshold at roughly £724,000.
2⃣ The “Squeezed Middle” Dilemma
- A top‑4% earner still sees themselves as being in the upper 52% of the UK population.
- They’re right above average, yet still feel like the middle of the pack.
- HSBC’s Premier crew: five times the savings, triple the inflows and outflows compared to typical customers.
- Despite the numbers, many still label themselves as “squeezed middle.”
3⃣ Regional Differences: London vs. Northeast
- Londoners think you’d need £289,000 or more to be considered wealthy.
- In the Northeast, the average goes down to about £80,000.
Bottom line? The middle of wealth is a shifting target—especially for the higher earners. If you’re chasing that “wealth” label, you might need to re‑define your own yardstick.
Higher earners aiming high in terms of goals
HSBC UK Reveals the Gap Between Dreams and Reality for High Earners
HSBC UK’s latest snapshot shows that even those earning big dollars often feel a little off‑balance when it comes to reaching their financial aspirations. Out of the elite earners, just 44% feel they’re on track, while the average person’s confidence dips to a stark 21%. Yet optimism remains high: 95% of high earners think their goals are doable, compared with 85% of the general crowds.
What High Earners Set Their Sights On
- 48% aim for a comfortable retirement
- 30% plan to buy a home
- 20% want big home improvement projects
Even the affluent arena faces hurdles:
- 27% feel pulled toward immediate expenses
- 11% worry about low savings
- 14% are rattled by unpredictable income
Credit: The Secret Sauce for Big Earners
HSBC UK data reveals that Premier customers are almost twice as likely to also own a credit card versus the regular customer base. The fine print? Leveraging points and perks is the main driver. Also, 1 in 10 Premier-qualified users regularly tap into overdrafts, while 1 in 6 from the general population do the same.
Expert Take: Re‑defining Wealth
Vicky Reynal, Financial Psychotherapist, says “It’s a paradox: high earnings, lofty goals, but a lingering sense of scarcity.” She explains that rising living costs, insufficient savings, and relentless social comparison trap many into feeling less wealthy than they truly are.
Reynal recommends reconciling wealth with personal achievements, cutting the noise of comparison, and prioritizing controllable financial moves. By doing so, people can step boldly toward the future they’ve been dreaming of.
Investments key indicator of wealth for more than half of Brits
What Does “Wealth” Really Mean These Days?
When folks put their hands on the money‑talk, most of us still picture a private jet or a sleek yacht. In a recent HSBC UK survey, 51 % of the general population claimed a private jet was the ultimate sign of riches, while 48 % fanned the dream of a yacht. But the story changes once you start pulling in the folks who are already raking in the big bucks.
High Earners Think “Rich” Is More Than Wheels and Water
- Investments turn out to be a top‑notch marker of wealth for everyone—49 % of the general crowd say it matters. Even more so for high earners: 55 % of those making over £100K brag about having investments. Compare that to just 18 % of the general population, and you’ll see a clear divide.
- Other high‑earning expectations? Retiring early (48 %) and frequently traveling abroad (45 %) also pop up, indicating a shift from material symbols to lifestyle choices.
Gen Z: The New “Rich” Generation
When it comes to the younger crowd, things are a bit more “mind over money.” 49 % of Gen Z (18–24 yrs) say wealth is about non‑material factors, while only 35 % of 35‑44‑year‑olds share that view. For the high‑earning 18‑24‑year‑olds, a strong work‑life balance is a big hit: 33 % see it as a real indicator of wealth, and 41 % are aiming for that balance within the next two years.
Gen Z also loves talking about cash. Nearly half of all 18‑24‑year‑olds admit they enjoy chatting about money—though the chatter drops to a mere 3 % among those over 55.
- Investing? 43 % of high‑earning Gen Z already have an investment portfolio, while 17 % of the wider sample are eyeing that move.
Quotes from the Top: Xian Chan, Head of Premier Wealth
“Wealth isn’t just about bills in the bank; it’s how we feel, the goals we chase, and the security we sense.”
“Early planning is your ticket to prosperity. Think of investing as the steady drumbeat that keeps your future humming.”
“Even a small, regular savings habit is a game‑changer.”
“At HSBC UK we’re here to help you redefine what wealth means for you—and start building that path whether you’re already cruising toward riches or just getting your feet wet.”
HSBC UK’s New Premier Offer: Not Just a Wallet Upgrade
The latest report shows high earners are going beyond money, into a holistic wealth experience. HSBC’s upgraded Premier package boasts:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage—no more worrying about that “what if” medical glitch.
- Exclusive lounge access—because jet lag deserves a fancy seat.
- Personalized wealth management tailored to your specific ambitions.
Whether you’re a seasoned wealth builder or just starting to make your first move, HSBC wants to make sure you’ve got the tools to scale your own definition of success.
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