High net worth individuals (HNWIs) are those who have at least $1 million in easily convertible assets like cash, stocks, and bonds. They often manage significant wealth across diverse portfolios.
As per Empower’s financial dashboard, retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans and IRAs comprise 55% of total wealth for many HNWIs. This is a stark contrast to the median household. Pew Research Center reports that these accounts typically represent only 27% of the net worth of households where at least one person owns a retirement account.
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The large percentage of wealth held in retirement accounts is particularly notable given the tax advantages these vehicles offer. Contributions to plans like 401(k)s and IRAs can grow tax-deferred, or even tax-free in the case of Roth IRAs.
For HNWIs, the ability to reinvest earnings into these accounts allows for compound interest to significantly increase the value of their initial investments over time. This compounding effect is a key component in not just preserving wealth but also in seeing it flourish.
Michelle Brownstein, vice president of Empower Private Client Group, highlights that successful wealth accumulation strategies differ from those needed to maintain and enhance wealth. “High net worth investors have figured out that you need a proactive approach to both grow and sustain wealth,” says Brownstein reportedly speaking to CNBC Select. This insight is vital as it reflects the shift from active wealth building to wealth preservation, ensuring that affluent individuals can maintain their lifestyle post-retirement without a drop in their standard of living.
Trending: If the United States had access to today’s high-yield savings accounts rates in 2015, it wouldn’t need to save another penny.
However, the data reveals that while most recognize the importance of a diversified investment portfolio, fewer prioritize maximizing their retirement contributions. This discrepancy may hinder their ability to optimize wealth growth over the long term.
Retirement planning for HNWIs extends beyond simple savings. It involves strategic contributions that consider future expenses, such as health care, which becomes increasingly significant with age. The costs associated with health care, especially long-term care, can be substantial, requiring careful planning and significant resources. This planning is not just about covering basic living expenses but also about managing potential costs and ensuring that any financial strategy is adaptable to changing economic conditions.
For HNWIs, retirement accounts are not merely a means to an end but a critical component of a broader financial strategy that includes tax planning, risk management, and multigenerational wealth transfer. Leveraging these accounts effectively allows HNWIs to not only secure their financial future but also to support broader family goals and philanthropic efforts, enhancing their impact and legacy.
Building wealth takes time and a personalized approach. Consulting with a financial adviser can help you develop a comprehensive strategy that maximizes your retirement savings potential and aligns with your specific goals and risk tolerance.
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This article Can You Guess What Percentage Of A High-Net-Worth Individual’s Portfolio Is Typically Held In Retirement Accounts? originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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