3 Things the Wealthy Worry About Most

October 14, 2024 DINARRECAPS8

Christy Bieber Updated Mon, October 14, 2024 Moneywise

2 out 3 millionaires in the US don’t consider themselves rich — here are the 3 things the wealthy worry about most

Most people in America don't believe they're rich. In fact, only 12% of the population thinks they're wealthy, according to recent research from Edelman Financial Engines.

Surprisingly, it's not just low- and middle-income households who don't feel flush with cash. A separate Northwestern Mutual study revealed only 33% of millionaires count themselves among the rich.

With so many millionaires reporting they don't feel great about their finances, it's worth looking at exactly what has this demographic group so concerned.

Here are three top fears of wealthy Americans so you can see how their fears compare to what average Americans worry about.

How Taxes Impact Retirement

For wealthy Americans, their No. 1 retirement concern isn't whether they'll have enough money to retire comfortably or have enough cash to last for life. Instead, Northwestern Mutual reveals their top fear is how taxes are likely to impact their retirement.

Concerns about taxation have prompted 61% of millionaires to create a plan to reduce the share of their retirement savings going to the IRS. These plans include strategic withdrawals, using a mix of traditional and Roth accounts, and claiming tax breaks for charitable deductions.

For Americans who are living on less, obviously running short of money is a more pressing concern than future tax bills. Still, even lower and middle-income individuals should consider how their retirement income will be affected by taxation.

The Senior Citizens League reports around half of all households now face taxes on Social Security benefits. Many older Americans whose income comes primarily from 401(k)s, IRAs or other accounts with taxable withdrawals could easily find themselves among this group. Taxes on withdrawals from these accounts will also cut into the amount of money they have to spend.

Making a strategic tax plan by borrowing the techniques of the rich and choosing a good mix of tax-advantaged accounts is a smart move no matter how big your bank account.

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