If you think having a high net worth is a far-fetched dream, you're certainly not alone. In fact, a great majority of U.S. adults (74%) don't think they'll ever become a high-net-worth individual themselves — defined as having at least $1 million in investable, or liquid, assets — according to a recent Morning Consult survey commissioned by digital wealth management companyEmpower (formerly Personal Capital).
But becoming a high-net-worth individual over the course of your lifetime involves more than making a good salary or having multiple income streams.
Retirement investing — something we all have access to — actually plays a major role in many millionaires' portfolios: For the high-net-worth individuals who use the Empower dashboard, retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans and IRAs contributed 55% of their overall wealth.
"That's something I think high-net-worth investors have figured out," Michelle Brownstein, a certified financial planner and vice president of Empower Private Client Group working with high-net-worth clients, tells Select. "The strategies needed to get rich are different from the ones required to stay rich and eventually earn on your money."
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Prioritize maxing out your retirement accounts
While most of the same survey respondents (59%) agreed it's important to maintain adiversified investment portfolio, fewer (46%) prioritized maxing out their retirement accounts.
This belief, however, can hold you back from making your money work for you and, ultimately, really growing your net worth over the long term. With a 401(k) retirement account, for example, your earnings automatically roll back into your plan andcompound interestgoes to work, allowing you to earn returns on your initial investment, plus your investment gains.
Retirement savers with a 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal government'sThrift Savings Plancan contribute up to $20,500 in 2022, while 401(k) savers ages 50 and older can make an annual catch-up contribution of upto $6,500 in 2022, for a total contribution of $27,000.
Don't forget that your 401(k) contributions grow tax-deferred and also lower your taxable income. If you can't afford to max out your 401(k), at least make sure you are contributing enough tomeet any employer match, otherwise that's essentially free money left on the table. As your income increases, you can also up your contribution amount.
Those with a traditional IRA or Roth IRA can contribute up to $6,000 total between their accounts, while IRA saversages 50 and oldercan make an annual catch-up contribution of up to $1,000, for a total contribution of $7,000.
If your employer doesn't offer a 401(k), consider opening an IRA so saving for retirement doesn't get put on the back burner. Generally, traditional IRAs are most effective if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, while Roth IRAs are best for those in a lower tax bracket today. You can find both traditional and Roth IRAs at big-name brokerages such as Charles Schwab and Fidelity, or via robo-advisors such as Betterment.
While you're working on boosting your retirement savings, make sure to track your personal net worth progress over time through tools such asEmpowerandMint, which let you link all your accounts in one place, includingchecking,savings,money markets,CDsand retirement accounts, as well as your debt accounts.
Fidelity Investments
Minimum deposit and balance
Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. No minimum to open a Fidelity Go®account, but minimum $10 balance according to the investment strategy chosen
Fees
Fees may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Zero commission fees for stock, ETF, options trades and some mutual funds; zero transaction fees for over 3,400 mutual funds; $0.65 per options contract. Fidelity Go® has no advisory fees for balances under $25,000 (0.35% per year for balances of $25,000 and over and this includes access to unlimited 1-on-1 coaching calls from a Fidelity advisor)
Bonus
Find special offers here
Investment vehicles
Robo-advisor: Fidelity Go® IRA: Traditional, Roth and Rollover IRAs Brokerage and trading: Fidelity Investments Trading Other:Fidelity Investments 529 College Savings; Fidelity HSA®
Investment options
Stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, CDs, options and fractional shares
Educational resources
Extensive tools and industry-leading, in-depth research from 20-plus independent providers
Terms apply.
Betterment
Minimum deposit and balance
Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. For example, Betterment doesn't require clients to maintain a minimum investment account balance, but there is a ACH deposit minimum of $10. Premium Investing requires a $100,000 minimum balance.
Fees
Fees may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected, account balances, etc. Click here for details.
Investment vehicles
Robo-advisor: Betterment Digital Investing IRA: Betterment Traditional, Roth and SEP IRAs 401(k): Betterment 401(k) for employers
Investment options
Stocks, bonds, ETFs and cash
Educational resources
Betterment offers retirement and other education materials
Terms apply. Does not apply to crypto asset portfolios.
Empower
On Empower's secure site
Cost
App is free, but users have option to add investment management services for 0.89% of their money (for accounts under $1 million)
Standout features
A budgeting app and investment tool that tracks both your spending and your wealth
Categorizes your expenses
Yes, but users can modify
Links to accounts
Yes, bank and credit cards, as well as IRAs, 401(k)s, mortgages and loans
Availability
Offered in both the App Store (for iOS) and on Google Play (for Android)
Security features
Data encryption, fraud protection and strong user authentication
Terms apply.
Mint
Information about Mint has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by Mint prior to publication.
Cost
Free
Standout features
Shows income, expenses, savings goals, credit score, investments, net worth
Categorizes your expenses
Yes, but users can modify
Links to accounts
Yes, bank and credit cards
Availability
Offered in both the App Store (for iOS) and on Google Play (for Android)
Security features
Verisign scanning, multi-factor authentication and Touch ID mobile access
Terms apply.
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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
As an expert in personal finance and wealth management, my depth of knowledge spans various facets of financial planning, investment strategies, and retirement planning. I've spent years advising individuals on optimizing their financial portfolios, understanding the nuances of different investment vehicles, and leveraging tools to maximize wealth accumulation. I hold certifications in financial planning and have worked with diverse clientele to help them achieve their financial goals.
The article delves into the perception and realities of attaining high net worth, particularly emphasizing the importance of retirement investing in wealth accumulation. It touches on several key concepts:
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High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs): Defined as individuals possessing at least $1 million in investable or liquid assets, the article highlights how a significant portion of these individuals attribute their wealth to strategic financial planning, rather than just high earnings.
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Retirement Investing and Wealth Accumulation: Contrary to popular belief, accumulating wealth isn't solely about earning a high salary or having multiple income streams. The article emphasizes the critical role of retirement accounts (401(k), IRAs) in building substantial wealth over time. It underscores the compounding effect of investments within retirement accounts and their contribution to overall net worth.
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Maximizing Retirement Contributions: The article advises individuals to prioritize maximizing contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k), IRAs, and other similar plans. It highlights contribution limits for various accounts, additional catch-up contributions for individuals aged 50 and above, and the tax benefits associated with these contributions.
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Investment Vehicles and Tools: The article suggests utilizing different investment platforms and tools like Empower, Mint, Fidelity Investments, and Betterment to manage and track personal finances effectively. It discusses the features, costs, investment options, and educational resources provided by each platform.
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Financial Management and Tracking Net Worth: It stresses the importance of tracking personal net worth over time using tools like Empower and Mint, which allow users to consolidate various accounts, including retirement, savings, and debt accounts, into one comprehensive view.
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Financial Literacy and Education: The article promotes financial literacy by providing insights into optimizing retirement savings, choosing suitable investment vehicles, and understanding the implications of various retirement accounts (traditional vs. Roth IRAs).
Ultimately, the article aims to challenge misconceptions about wealth accumulation, emphasizing the significance of strategic financial planning, particularly through effective utilization of retirement accounts, diversified investments, and comprehensive financial tracking tools.