The top 1% in the US is around $500k/year, but that's not actually what you care about for measuring wealth. Many members of the top 1% are only there for 1 yea

The top 1% in the US is around $500k/year, but that's not actually what you care about for measuring wealth. Many members of the top 1% are only there for 1 year, and of those who make it multiple years, even fewer manage 10+. The number you should care about is net-worth. High net worth from a lifetime of careful financial decisions is much more indicative of success than being in the 1% for a year or two. It requires hard work, planning, and life-long frugality. This is in line with OPs assertion that working hard and planning for the future is uncommon and will get you far. http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/07/news/economy/top-1/index.html http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/07/news/economy/top-1/index.htm...