I think a lot depends not only on a person's net worth, but also on their socio-economic background. If you have wealthy relatives who'll help you out if you need it and who'll leave you money when they die, you'll have more financial security even if on paper you look to have the exact same economic situation as the next person. For example, you'll be a lot less worried about funding your children's education if you know your parents have been putting money into a college fund since their grandchild was born.