How Many US Households Have Over $1 Million in Assets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the statistics regarding U.S. households with significant wealth, specifically those earning over $1 million annually and those possessing at least $1 million in assets. The conversation explores the accuracy and implications of these figures.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the accuracy of the claim that only one in every 400 U.S. households earns more than $1 million a year, suggesting it seems low.
  • There is a suggestion that the statistic regarding income may refer to pre-tax earnings.
  • One participant finds the statistic that one out of every 15 U.S. households has at least $1 million in assets to be reasonable, linking it to retirement spending capabilities.
  • Participants discuss the demographics of millionaires, noting that many are nearing retirement age and transitioning from wealth accumulation to spending.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the accuracy of the income statistic, with some finding it low while others accept the asset statistic as reasonable. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the income figure.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the definitions of "households" or the specific criteria for the asset measurements, leaving assumptions about the data sources and methodologies unaddressed.

jobyts
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http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/05/23/136461536/whats-a-millionaire?sc=fb&cc=fp

Only one in every 400 U.S. households makes more than $1 million a year. But one out of every 15 U.S. households has at least $1 million in assets. (This measure includes things like stocks, bonds and investment properties, but it doesn't count equity in the home you live in.)

Are these numbers correct? One in every 400 US households make more than $1 million a year? One out of every 15 U.S. households has at least $1 million in assets?
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Seems a bit low! I bet that is before tax too!

Are you saying there are more than 1 household out of 400 that make more than 1 million a year?
 


jobyts said:
Are you saying there are more than 1 household out of 400 that make more than 1 million a year?

my bad, I was referring to the 400 number :D
 
The 1 in 15 number sounds reasonable. The vast majority of millionaires in the US are within a few years of retirement - at the end of building up their wealth and at the beginning of drawing it down. Assets of $1M will allow you to retire spending around $35-40K per year.
 

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