15 Signs You’re Doing Well Financially When You're Over 40

Life after 40 comes with unique financial pressures — career plateaus, planning for retirement, and raising kids can all feel overwhelming. Some 40-somethings are even still shelling out for daycare.

But the good news? Financial success at this stage isn't about perfection. It's about steady progress, smart money management, and reflecting on how far you've come. After all, you're probably not eating ramen for dinner and sleeping on futons anymore.

If you're hitting some of these financial milestones below, you're likely doing better than you think.

Whether it's a 401(k), IRA, or another investment plan, you regularly set aside money for your future self. 

Hopefully, you're maximizing the employer-match contribution since it's essentially free money — bonus points if you know your plan's vesting schedule and contribution rate.

Once you hit 50, you can make extra contributions to your retirement accounts. If you're taking advantage of these catch-up contributions, congrats. You're supercharging your savings to set yourself up for an extra-cozy retirement.

Unexpected expenses are among life's biggest headaches. Having a rainy day fund with three to six months' worth of living expenses means you're prepared to weather just about any storm without relying on credit cards or other high-interest loans.

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Financial stability doesn't require being completely debt-free, but it does mean keeping your debt under control — especially credit card bills.

Whether you're paying down charge cards or steadily chipping away at a mortgage, you know how much you owe, have a plan to pay it off, and are making consistent progress.

Budgeting isn't about restriction — it's about intention. If you understand where your money goes each month, you can adjust your spending where needed and be in a solid position to reach your long-term financial goals.

Whether it's paying off your home, saving for a dream vacation, or funding your child's college, you have significant goals and track your progress toward them. 

Such measurable progress shows you've mastered the art of long-term planning — and the discipline to save money.

Luxury is a subjective term. Maybe it's a chocolate croissant and a fancy coffee since you usually just drink Keurig at home. Or perhaps it's going to the spa for a pedicure.

Life's little extra pleasures are within reach for you, and you can enjoy such indulgences worry-free because you know your overall budget is in solid shape.

A strong credit score opens doors to lower interest rates, better financial opportunities, and, in some instances, more employment opportunities. If your score is in great shape, it's one clear sign of responsible money management.

Whether you plan to claim Social Security at 62, wait until full retirement age, or delay until 70 for maximum benefits, having a clear strategy is a crucial step in your long-term financial planning.

If you can delay claiming benefits until age 70 or have another strategy worked out, you're likely in great financial shape.

Guidance from a professional can help you refine your goals, adjust your investment portfolio, and keep you on track for a comfortable retirement. If you've partnered with a planner for expert guidance, you're giving yourself an edge.

From life insurance to disability and health insurance, proper coverage ensures you're prepared for worst-case scenarios.

Protecting your income and assets is an excellent indicator of financial stability, especially if you only take out the coverage you need and look for blanket (multi-purpose) policies that can cover more than one scenario.

For some, holding a mortgage may be a deliberate move for tax benefits. But for many, paying off the mortgage is the ultimate financial milestone.

Without a monthly housing payment, you have more freedom to save, invest, and enjoy life's experiences.

Having an estate plan doesn't mean you're old or worrying about dying. It means you're a wise money manager and want peace of mind.

An estate plan ensures your assets and belongings are distributed according to your wishes and that you can bequeath financial security to your next of kin.

You've mastered the art of minimalism and know that sometimes, less is more. You spend less than you earn, which is one of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do for your finances.

If you consistently save and avoid lifestyle creep, you're likely in excellent financial health and setting a solid example for your kids to follow.

Whether contributing to a 529 plan, teaching them about investing, or ensuring they know about higher-interest savings options, you're making smart money moves for your kids and talking to them about finances.

Equipping your kids with this know-how sets them up to thrive financially.

By your 40s, financial stability isn't about being debt-free and having everything figured out — it's about knowing your priorities and goals and making steady progress.

If any of these signs of financial success resonate with you, congrats. You've made some smart money moves.

If some areas are still a work in progress, it's not too late to adjust your strategy to correct any financial mistakes. The best decisions you can make today are ones that set you up for a better tomorrow.