9 Places Millionaires Keep Their Money (2024)

Explore the diverse investment choices that millionaires use to grow and safeguard their wealth. From stocks and mutual funds to real estate, cryptocurrencies, and even businesses, discover the avenues that affluent individuals take to achieve financial success.

Ever wondered, Where millionaires keep their money? There are several different ways for millionaires to keep their money. Some will want to preserve the wealth they built in safe and secure investments such as high-yield savings and CD’s. Others like to see their wealth compound so they’ll invest it.

According to a Private Bank Study by Bank of America a common place for millionaires to keep their money is in stocks, mutual funds, and retirement accounts with over 55% of their wealth held in these investments.

However, there are also a significant number of millionaires who keep their money in real estate.

The most important thing is to diversify your investments and create a well-rounded portfolio. This will help you protect your wealth and grow it over time. Here are some of the most popular places for millionaires to keep their money:

Table of Contents

  • 1. Stocks
  • 2. Mutual Funds
  • 3. Retirement Accounts
  • 4. Private Equity and Hedge Funds
  • 5. Real Estate
  • 6. Commodities
  • 7. Businesses
  • 8. Cryptocurrency
  • 9. Cash and Equivalents
  • What Banks Do Millionaires and Billionaires Use?
  • Bottom Line – Where Millionaires Keep Their Money

1. Stocks

Millionaires and billionaires often want to build a diverse investment portfolio in order to grow their wealth and learn new things. Investing in stocks is one way to do this, but it is important to assess all options and understand the risks before making a decision.

When you invest, one of the smartest things you can do is to spread your money around – Diversify! That way, if one investment tanks, you’ve got others to fall back on.

For example, many millionaires invest in stocks. Some people choose to invest a large percentage of their assets in stocks and funds, but others only invest a small amount. Over time, the stock market has proven to be a great place to grow your wealth.

Of course, there are always ups and downs, and you could lose money in the short term. But if you’re patient and stick with it for the long haul, stocks have the potential to make you a lot of money.

2. Mutual Funds

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Mutual funds are another popular investment among millionaires. Why? because they’re a great way to diversify your portfolio and reduce risk. When you invest in a mutual fund, you’re pooling your money with other investors.

This means you’re spreading out your risk, which can help you weather the ups and downs of the market better. Plus, mutual funds are managed by professionals who know what they’re doing. So if you don’t have the time or expertise to pick individual stocks, mutual funds can be a smart choice.

Some of the more popular mutual fund companies for millionaires include Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard Group. These companies offer a variety of mutual funds that cater to high-net-worth investors.

If you want something similar but with lower fees, look at ETFs.ETFs are investment funds that trade like stocks on exchanges. They offer investors a way to buy a basket of stocks or bonds, or other assets, in a single transaction. This reduces the cost of investing because you’re buying multiple assets at once.

3. Retirement Accounts

Retirement accounts are a great way for millionaires to save for the future and provide themselves with a comfortable retirement.

For most people, saving for retirement is one of the biggest financial goals. And it’s no different for millionaires. Retirement accounts are one of the most popular places for millionaires to keep their money.

There are a few different types of retirement accounts, but some of the most common are 401(k)s and IRAs.

Most high-income earners won’t be able to take advantage of a Roth IRA due to their phaseout limits but their employer may offer a Roth 401k. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, talk to a financial advisor.

According to the IRS, the percentage of millionaires using retirement accounts is growing and now stands at about 45%.

Financial planner and wealth advisor Scott Stratton explains why retirement accounts are so popular among millionaires. “Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are great for saving for the future,” he says.

4. Private Equity and Hedge Funds

Private equity and hedge funds are both types of investment funds. Private equity funds usually get their investments from large organizations like universities or pension funds, while hedge funds invest in whatever they think will earn the highest short-term profits possible.

Hedge fund managers often use pooled funds to pursue several strategies to earn outsized returns for their investors. Generally, people need to meet certain criteria (like having a certain net worth) to be accredited investors of private equity or hedge funds.

The percentage of millionaires that own hedge funds is small compared to the other types of investments, but it has grown in recent years. According to research from EY and Campden Wealth, approximately 10% of millionaires own hedge funds.

5. Real Estate

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A large number of millionaires also invest in real estate. This can be a great way to build wealth and generate income.

Real estate can be a great way to build wealth and generate income. When you invest in real estate, you can make money in two ways.

First, you can earn rental income from tenants. And second, you can sell the property for a profit when you’re ready to cash out.

Of course, there are risks involved with any investment. But if you do your homework and choose wisely, investing in real estate can be a great way to build your wealth over time.

Common types of real estate millionaires own are residential rental properties, commercial real estate, and vacation rentals.

6. Commodities

Investing in commodities is a great way to diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation. When you invest in commodities, you’re investing in things like gold, silver, oil, and wheat. These are all physical items that have value.

And because they’re physical, they tend to hold their value better than paper assets like stocks and bonds. That means that if inflation does start to rise, your investments in commodities will go up as well.

The downside of investing in commodities is that prices can be volatile and it can be difficult to predict how they will perform. Commodities can also be expensive to trade, and it’s not always easy to find a buyer or seller when you need one.

7. Businesses

The last commonplace millionaires keep their money in businesses. According to SBA.gov, more than 11 million businesses are owned by millionaires.

Owning a business can be risky, but it also has the potential to bring in a lot of cash if you make good decisions. Many millionaires invest in companies or start their own businesses. That way, they can use their expertise and resources to earn more money over time.

8. Cryptocurrency

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Cryptocurrency is becoming an increasingly popular investment, especially among millionaires. Why? Because it’s a great way to grow your wealth.

There are a few different ways to make money in cryptocurrency. You can buy and hold coins, trade coins, or mine coins. And because the market is still relatively new, there’s a lot of potential for growth.

Of course, there are also risks involved. But if you’re willing to take on some risk, investing in cryptocurrency could be a great way to make a lot of money.

9. Cash and Equivalents

Millionaires keep their money in cash and cash equivalents because they’re a safe investment. When you invest in cash, you’re guaranteed to get your principal back. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the ups and downs of the stock market. And if you need to access your money, it’s easy to do so.

Cash is also a good choice for risk-averse people. If you don’t want to take on any risk, investing in cash is a smart move. Because of the fact that banks offer very low interest rates for checking, savings, and money market accounts.

Most wealthy individuals keep a certain amount of cash liquid in case they need it for purchases or future investments. Cash equivalents are also popular investments for millionaires as they are as liquid as cash.

Examples of cash equivalents are investments that can be quickly converted to cash, such as money market mutual funds, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and government bonds.

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What Banks Do Millionaires and Billionaires Use?

Banks that cater to high-net-worth individuals typically offer a wide range of wealth management services, from estate planning to investment advice. They also typically have higher minimum account balances and charge higher fees than traditional banks.

Some of the most popular banks for millionaires and billionaires include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and UBS.

Other examples of banks that may be popular among the ultra-rich include:

  • Private Banks: Private banks are banks that offer specialized financial services to high-net-worth individuals and families. These banks may offer a range of services, including wealth management, investment advice, and estate planning.
  • Investment Banks: Investment banks are financial institutions that focus on providing a range of services related to the capital markets, such as underwriting and trading securities.
  • Online Banks: Online banks are banks that offer traditional banking services through an online platform. These banks may offer higher interest rates on deposits and lower fees than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
  • Credit Unions: Credit unions are non-profit financial institutions that are owned and controlled by their members. Credit unions may offer a range of financial services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment options.
  • Brokerage Firms: Brokerage firms are financial institutions that specialize in buying and selling securities, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Bottom Line – Where Millionaires Keep Their Money

So there you have it: some of the most popular places for millionaires to invest their money. As you can see, there are a variety of options available, including retirement accounts, real estate, commodities, cryptocurrency, and cash and cash equivalents.

No matter what your financial goals are, there’s an investment that’s right for you. So if you’re looking to grow your wealth, start by taking a look at these options.

And each has its own set of risks and rewards. So it’s important to do your research and choose an investment that’s right for you.

Certainly! The article covers various avenues that millionaires utilize to grow and safeguard their wealth. Let's break down the concepts:

  1. Stocks: These represent ownership in a company and are traded on stock exchanges. They offer potential growth but also come with risks. Diversification is key here.

  2. Mutual Funds: Pooled investments managed by professionals, diversifying across various assets. They are less risky due to the spread of investments.

  3. Retirement Accounts: These accounts, like 401(k)s and IRAs, allow individuals to save for retirement with potential tax benefits.

  4. Private Equity and Hedge Funds: Investment funds managed differently—private equity gets funds from large organizations, while hedge funds aim for high short-term profits.

  5. Real Estate: Investing in properties for rental income or selling for profit. It involves risks but can be a stable asset.

  6. Commodities: Investing in physical goods like gold, oil, etc., as a hedge against inflation, although their prices can be volatile.

  7. Businesses: Owning or investing in companies can be lucrative but comes with significant risk.

  8. Cryptocurrency: A digital asset that's gaining popularity for its potential growth but also carries substantial volatility and risk.

  9. Cash and Equivalents: Safe, liquid investments like savings accounts, money market funds, or government bonds that offer stability but lower returns.

As for where millionaires keep their money:

  • Banks: High-net-worth individuals often rely on private banks or institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, UBS, or even online banks and credit unions for various financial services and wealth management.

The article emphasizes the importance of diversification in investments to protect and grow wealth over time. Each investment avenue has its pros and cons, so it's vital for individuals to assess their financial goals, risk tolerance, and conduct thorough research before investing.

9 Places Millionaires Keep Their Money (2024)

FAQs

Where do millionaires keep most of their money? ›

Here are the six most popular places or investments that millionaires invest in.
  • Cash and Cash Equivalents. Many, and perhaps most, millionaires are frugal. ...
  • Real Estate. ...
  • Stocks and Stock Funds. ...
  • Private Equity and Hedge Funds. ...
  • Commodities. ...
  • Alternative Investments.
Jun 21, 2023

Where do millionaires keep their money if banks only insure 250k? ›

Millionaires can insure their money by depositing funds in FDIC-insured accounts, NCUA-insured accounts, through IntraFi Network Deposits, or through cash management accounts. They may also allocate some of their cash to low-risk investments, such as Treasury securities or government bonds.

Where do you keep your money if you're a millionaire? ›

Bonds. Millionaires and billionaires are all about security, and investing in bonds provides a predictable return. Bonds are debt securities. So, when an investor buys a bond, they are essentially lending money to the entity that issues the bond, which can be a corporation, a municipality or the Federal government.

Where do most millionaires stay? ›

About 5.5 million millionaires live in the US, a wealth report by Henley & Partners said. Unsurprisingly, New York City has the most millionaires. It's followed by the Bay Area and LA. But a "millionaire remix" means more wealthy people are heading to Austin and West Palm Beach.

What bank do millionaires use? ›

12 private banking accounts the ultrarich use
InstitutionBest forMinimum assets for investment
Bank of America Private BankPhilanthropists$3 million
Chase Private Client CheckingHigh earners$150,000
Citi Private BankGlobal financial services$5 million
First Tech Premier Rewards BankingCredit union customers$250,000
8 more rows
6 days ago

Where do rich people stash their money? ›

Where do the super-wealthy hide their riches? The white sandy beaches of Bermuda probably spring to mind, or else the private banks of Switzerland. In fact, the world's most affluent are increasingly piling their wealth into American states, some with a population smaller than Devon.

Is it bad to keep more than $250,000 in one bank? ›

Bottom line. Any individual or entity that has more than $250,000 in deposits at an FDIC-insured bank should see to it that all monies are federally insured. It's not only diligent savers and high-net-worth individuals who might need extra FDIC coverage.

Can you have millions in a bank account? ›

These limits can be imposed per account or as an aggregate across all your accounts. For example, you might be capped at $1 million for a single deposit account and $3 million across all of your accounts. Depending on your bank, the limits may be higher, lower or nonexistent.

Is it safe to keep millions of dollars in the bank? ›

A bank account is typically the safest place for your cash, since banks can be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured institution, per ownership category. Banks that are insured by the FDIC often say “Member FDIC” on their websites.

Where does Elon Musk keep his money? ›

Musk holds Tesla shares and options totaling about $120 billion — the majority of his wealth.

What are the three things millionaires do not do? ›

The 10 things that millionaires typically avoid spending their money on include credit card debt, lottery tickets, expensive cars, impulse purchases, late fees, designer clothes, groceries and household items, luxury housing, entertainment and leisure, and low-interest savings accounts.

What kind of car do millionaires drive? ›

While some wealthy Americans drive luxury vehicles, an Experian Automotive study found that a whopping 61% of wealthy people with household incomes of more than $250,000 don't drive luxury brands. Instead, they drive less showy cars, such as Hondas, Toyotas and Fords, Ramsey said in an article.

Where do most millionaires keep their money? ›

Many millionaires keep a lot of their money in cash or highly liquid cash equivalents. They establish an emergency account before ever starting to invest. Millionaires bank differently than the rest of us. Any bank accounts they have are handled by a private banker who probably also manages their wealth.

What is the richest city in the United States? ›

1. New York City, New York. It comes as no surprise that the wealthiest city in the world, New York City, ranks first in the list with its 349,500 millionaires – a number that grew by 48 per cent between 2013 and 2023.

Where do the rich put their money to avoid taxes? ›

One popular charitable medium today is called a donor-advised fund. Rich people put their money into these funds, and “advisers” who manage the account eventually give away the money — eventually being the key word. Even if the money hasn't gone to a good cause yet, donors can take the tax deduction right away.

Where do most billionaires put their money? ›

they allocate their assets in a wide variety of things, such as:
  • properties (commercial / residential)
  • business assets.
  • off-shore holdings.
  • stocks, bonds, mutual funds.
  • commodities such as gold.
  • hard assets.
  • soft assets.

What creates 90% of millionaires? ›

Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate. More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined.

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