Despite six-figure salaries, many professionals experience stress, self-doubt, and uncertainty about their financial future. Wealth strategist Anthony H. Williams explains why.
Across the United States, a growing number of professionals earning $200,000 or more are facing an unexpected emotional reality: they don’t feel wealthy, secure, or financially confident. Instead, many describe feeling stuck – despite having incomes that far exceed the national average.
Recent studies highlight the scale of this disconnect. According to The Times, more than 75% of high-income taxpayers do not consider themselves rich, even while occupying top tax brackets. In the U.S., this dynamic is often labeled the “HENRY” problem – High Earner, Not Rich Yet – referring to individuals who appear financially successful on paper but lack long-term stability or confidence.
The reasons go beyond spending habits. Lifestyle inflation, rising costs, opaque financial decisions, and career pressure all play a role. And without a strategic plan, income alone doesn’t translate into peace of mind.
Meet Anthony H. Williams, CFP®: A Trusted Guide for High Earner
Anthony H. Williams is the founder and CEO of Vivid Advisory, a Harlem-based financial planning firm that specializes in helping high-income professionals gain clarity, structure, and long-term confidence in their financial lives.
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over 10 years of experience, Williams has guided hundreds of clients – including attorneys, physicians, executives, and business owners – through major career transitions, investment decisions, and life planning. His firm focuses on serving professionals who earn well but still feel unsure whether their financial lives are truly working for them.
“High income creates opportunity, but only strategy creates progress,” Williams says. “That’s the core challenge. My clients aren’t careless – they’re often overwhelmed. They’ve built incredible careers, but they still question whether they’re making the right financial decisions.”
The Real Reason High Earners Feel Stuck
One of the most common causes of financial stress among high earners is lifestyle inflation. As income grows, so do expenses: upgraded homes, private schools, childcare, eldercare, travel, and the social pressure to maintain a certain standard of living. What often gets lost is discretionary cash flow and the breathing room to make long-term decisions without fear.
“Most people aren’t overspending on luxuries – they’re overspending on life,” Williams explains. “When income rises, expectations rise with it. And because high earners are seen as successful, it’s hard for them to admit they’re financially anxious.”
Another major issue is financial delegation without understanding. Many successful professionals work with advisors or use digital tools, but don’t have a clear grasp of how everything connects.
According to Investopedia, only 37% of affluent millennials feel confident about their investment decisions, despite having significant earning power. Without clarity, doubt persists – even among the most capable.
Williams emphasizes that reactive money decisions – choosing products, chasing market trends, or deferring to external voices – often lead to confusion, not progress. He works with clients to build financial fluency alongside financial strategy.
A Strategy-First Approach to Building Confidence
Vivid Advisory’s model is rooted in comprehensive financial planning, not product sales. For Williams, every client engagement starts with listening, not selling. The goal is to help clients understand their full financial picture, clarify their goals, and build a system that supports both career growth and personal priorities.
His approach blends technical precision with personal relevance. Many of his clients are women navigating promotions, firm changes, business expansion, or family planning. They don’t just want numbers – they want answers to life questions: Can I afford a career pause? Should I buy property? Is my retirement track realistic?
“These are complex decisions with emotional weight,” Williams says. “And the truth is, wealth decisions should support life decisions – not compete with them. My job is to create a framework where clients feel confident, not just informed.”
Helping High Achievers Build Long-Term Security
As economic uncertainty continues, with inflation, market swings, and rising interest rates impacting households at all income levels, the need for structured planning is more urgent than ever. High earners are realizing that income is only one part of the equation. Without thoughtful planning, even the best paychecks can lead to exhaustion and instability.
Looking ahead, Williams is focused on expanding Vivid Advisory into a national platform for first-generation wealth builders and high-performing professionals. His mission is to help clients use their income as a tool for creating long-term freedom – not just short-term status.
“Success without structure is exhausting,” he says. “At some point, income stops being the answer. What people really want is a plan that lets them feel in control – and that’s what we build together.”