Relevant to the discussion of the American dream being "impossible" for younger generations, here are the key findings from the largest study of American Millionaires ever conducted, comprising 10,000 people:
- According to the survey, 8 out of 10 millionaires invested in their company’s 401(k) plan, and that simple step was a key to their financial success. Not only that, but 3 out of 4 of those surveyed also invested outside of company plans.
- Three out of four millionaires (75%) said that regular, consistent investing over a long period of time is the reason for their success. So, the story about the young computer genius who developed an app that earned millions overnight is the exception, not the rule.
- Even when millionaires don’t have to worry about money anymore, they’re still careful about their spending. Ninety-four (94%) percent of the people studied said they live on less than they make, and nearly three-quarters of the millionaires have never carried a credit card balance
- These millionaires also said they spend $200 or less each month at restaurants. And 93% of millionaires use coupons all or some of the time when shopping.
- The overwhelming majority (79%) of millionaires in the U.S. did not receive any inheritance at all from their parents or other family members.
- According to the survey, 8 out of 10 millionaires come from families at or below middle-income level. Only 2% of millionaires surveyed said they came from an upper-income family.
- In fact, only 15% of millionaires were in senior leadership roles, such as vice president or C-suite roles (CEO, CFO, COO, etc.). Ninety-three percent (93%) of millionaires said they got their wealth because they worked hard, not because they had big salaries.
- Only 31% averaged $100,000 a year over the course of their career, and one third never made six figures in any single working year of their career.
- Almost two-thirds of millionaires (62%) graduated from public state schools, while only 8% went to a prestigious private school.
- The top five careers for millionaires include engineer, accountant, teacher, management and attorney.
