How Much Money Do You Need To Be Rich? How Much Money Do You Need to Feel Financially Secure? (Spoiler: It’s More Than You Think). This video explores how much money Americans feel they need to live comfortably. The average American feels they need over $186,000 to feel financially secure, which is more than double what the average worker makes. Most Americans believe they will never be able to make this much money. Even those who feel financially secure say they need a six-figure salary. Financial security is defined as not having to worry about money.