In a recent LinkedIn post, Ryan Gomez, CFP® addresses the pervasive feeling of being financially behind, particularly among younger professionals. He argues that societal and social media pressures often create unrealistic expectations about wealth accumulation and life milestones, leading many to feel inadequate despite their actual progress.
Gomez, CFP® highlights the disconnect between the curated realities presented online and the statistical averages of financial achievement. He points out:
“The average age to hit a $1M net worth is 57, not 21. The average age to buy a house is 38, not 23. You’re not as behind as you think… Instagram makes it feel like everyone else is crushing it by 25. News flash: They’re not.”
Challenging the Comparison Trap
According to Ryan Gomez, CFP®, the constant comparison fueled by platforms like Instagram is a significant source of anxiety for many. He observes that high-earning individuals often underestimate their own financial standing when measured against these distorted benchmarks.
Gomez, CFP® shared an anecdote about a 31-year-old Account Executive earning $220,000 OTE (On-Target Earnings) who felt he should have already achieved millionaire status, be married with children, and own a home in an expensive market like the Bay Area. In reality, Gomez, CFP® asserts, this individual was financially ahead of the vast majority of his peers.
“Comparison is just stealing his joy,” Gomez, CFP® stated, emphasizing how this mindset detracts from an individual’s ability to appreciate their own achievements.
Focusing on Foundational Financial Habits
Ryan Gomez, CFP® stresses that true financial progress lies in consistent, foundational habits rather than chasing perceived external milestones. He identifies several key actions that contribute more significantly to long-term wealth than often acknowledged:
- Maxing out 401(k) contributions
- Building a dedicated down payment fund
- Investing commission checks rather than succumbing to lifestyle creep
As Gomez, CFP® puts it:
“These matters way more than just about anything else.”
Debunking External Influences
The financial planner also cautions against comparing oneself to others whose financial situations may be artificially inflated or subsidized. He points to examples such as friends accumulating debt for lavish trips or receiving substantial financial gifts from family for down payments, and even a roommate who finances a luxury car at a young age, leading to significant monthly payments.
Gomez, CFP® argues that these scenarios do not reflect genuine, self-sustained wealth building. He encourages individuals to recognize the often-hidden costs and dependencies in such situations.
The Power of Compounding Over Time
A core tenet of Ryan Gomez, CFP®’s message is the long-term impact of compounding. He notes that for most people, the majority of wealth is built later in life, a direct result of giving capital sufficient time to grow.
“Most people build the majority of their wealth after 50. All because because their money has had time to compound,” Gomez, CFP® explained.
He concludes his post with a call to action focused on personal agency and planning:
“Build your own timeline, create a plan around it, & let rest takes care of itself.”
By reframing financial success around individual timelines and consistent habits, Ryan Gomez, CFP® aims to alleviate the pressure many feel and encourage a more grounded approach to wealth accumulation.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ryan Gomez, CFP® on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 1, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →