posted on 06-06-2019

High Earners, Not Rich Yet (HENRYs)

Updated October 1, 2019

What it is:

High Earners, Not Rich Yet (HENRYs) are young, usually well educated, and highly paid but have not accumulated significant wealth yet.

How it works/Example:

HENRYs often earn $250,000 to $500,000 per year per household, usually placing them in the top 2% of American household income. They are often two-income families and not part of the highest echelons of wealth, but they own many of the country's small businesses. According to one report, they tend to live in modest homes, particularly if they live in high-cost cities. Many are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

A Fortune magazine writer coined the term in 2003.

Why it matters:

HENRYs are a controversial group. They are often self-made, meaning that they have worked their way through school and up the ladder, but they are also in very high tax brackets and were targeted in several elections as having to pay their "fair share" of taxes.

High Earners, Not Rich Yet (HENRYs)

What it is:

How it works/Example:

Why it matters:

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