At what salary do people first experience financial security?

People often assume they will feel financial security once they reach a certain income level, but new research suggests this threshold is far higher than many expect, and even more complex than it appears. According to a study conducted by the American financial portal Bankrate, which was reported by CBS News, individuals in the United States generally believe they need an annual income of around $186,000, approximately €160,000, to start feeling financially secure. However, this figure is rarely achieved by most people. What’s more surprising is that this number tends to rise faster than actual earnings over time. As CNBC reports, the higher someone's income, the higher their perception of what constitutes “enough.” Financial security does not solely depend on income, it also involves savings, debt levels, and lifestyle choices. Many people mistakenly equate financial stability with wealth, but experts argue that true security comes from having control over one’s finances. According to findings from CNBC and Bankrate, people typically associate financial security with three key factors: being able to pay monthly expenses without difficulty, having an emergency fund, and consistently saving for the future. In other words, financial security is less about luxury and more about feeling in charge of one’s money. The difference in how two people with the same salary perceive their financial situation can be dramatic. One person might live paycheck to paycheck due to high debt or expensive habits, while another with a lower income could feel significantly more secure because of lower costs and regular saving. This phenomenon has been widely noted by media outlets such as CNBC and CBS News, which highlight how people frequently confuse financial security with wealth. The former refers to stability, while the latter implies excess. There is no definitive point at which financial security begins, but experts suggest that several milestones play a crucial role. One of the most commonly cited markers is having enough savings to cover three to six months of living expenses. Once individuals have this buffer, stress levels drop noticeably. Additionally, being free from consumer debt and being able to allocate a portion of each month’s income toward savings or investments contributes significantly to the sense of security. For this reason, financial advisors increasingly emphasize not just “how much you earn,” but also “how much you keep” after all expenses. One of the most intriguing findings from the Bankrate study is that many people set their expectations too high. They believe they won’t feel financially secure until they reach a much higher income than is actually necessary for a stable life. Economist Sarah Foster from Bankrate explains that inflation and constant comparison with others create the illusion that more money is always needed. This helps explain why people often experience the same financial worries again after a raise or promotion, despite earning more. In Slovenia, although the studies primarily focus on the U.S., the core message applies universally. Financial security is more closely tied to whether individuals can consistently meet their obligations, cover unexpected expenses, save for the future, and live without constant fear of the next bill. Because of this, some people begin to feel financially secure at average salaries, while others may never achieve this even with substantially higher incomes. The question remains: at what net monthly salary would you first feel financially secure?