Adrian Volenik

Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 4:01 PM4 min read

When a Reddit user recently posted a rant claiming that net worth is more important than salary, it sparked a heated debate. The post criticized people who flaunt six-figure incomes but have little to show for it. The author questioned the value of a high paycheck if it all disappears to debt and lifestyle costs. “Who cares what you make if you are still broke,” they wrote.

The poster argued that plenty of six-figure earners live paycheck to paycheck and flex their income despite being buried in debt. “I would rather make 50k a year and have 250k NW, than 150k a year and be in debt,” they wrote, adding, “Having high NW displays financial discipline and competence.”

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Some people agreed, pointing out that income is only one part of the story. “I worked with a guy who made over 100k,” one commenter wrote. “Refused to save anything, not even 401(k). He bought anything and everything he wanted. He’s still doing it.”

Others pushed back, saying a high salary gives you more options and flexibility. “Give me the high salary and low net worth. Much easier to fix,” one person said.

Another argued, “That 150k [salary] can erase debt and build a 250k NW a hell of a lot faster than the 50k / 250k one can increase.”

A more detailed reply laid out how someone earning $150,000 could contribute aggressively to retirement, get employer matches, and outpace someone with a smaller income within a few years. “You could waste ALL of your 126.5K minus taxes and end up with a quarter mill in 5 years,” the commenter explained.

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Despite disagreements, one consistent theme emerged: discipline matters more than raw numbers. “If you have an uncontrollable spending problem, it doesn't matter how much you make,” a user wrote. “You can make 1 million a year and if you still spend 1.2 million you're an idiot.”

Another summed it up this way: “Net worth isn't always a sign of discipline but your post is well taken. If I made a million dollars per year for one year it doesn't make you rich.”