About 14% of American households make $200,000 or more every year, according to the U.S. Census. But many of them, dubbed “HENRYs,” or High Earners, Not Rich Yet, still don’t feel rich. More than 60% of people with salaries over $300k a year struggle with credit card debt. These figures could be signs of the inescapable nature of lifestyle creep, which is the phenomenon of unconsciously spending more as a person earns more. Watch the video above to learn how those spending habits can leave even high earners feeling like they’re on a never-ending hamster wheel. 0:41: Correction - This video has been updated to reflect that about 14% of U.S. households earn $200,000 or more annually, according to the U.S. Census. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:52 Getting on the hamster wheel 4:08 Why high earners don’t feel rich 8:35 Getting off the hamster wheel Produced, Shot and Edited by: Charlotte Morabito Additional Camera: Kaan Oguz Animation: Emily Park, Jason Reginato Intern: Kae Park Senior Director of Video: Lindsey Jacobson Additional Footage: Getty Images, Marie Incontrera » Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC » Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision » Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more. Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up for Smarter by CNBC Make It's new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work. Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off the regular course price of $67 (plus tax). Offer valid through September 2, 2025: https://cnb.cx/4nUBgbA Connect with CNBC News Online Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/ Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC #CNBC Why Even High Earners Are Living Paycheck To Paycheck
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