Four out of every 10 people considered rich in the Netherlands have inherited their wealth, according to a survey commissioned by ABN Amro MeesPierson, the Telegraafreported on Friday.
The rich are defined as those with with a minimum of €500,000 of disposable assets. A full 39% of repondents said they had inherited all or part of their wealth. Another 31% derived their money from their own businesses.
This number advanced to 37% for those with more than €1m of discretionary assets. And 26% said they had built up their assets through investments or property.
Those born into a rich family apparently have a better chance of remaining wealthy. Eight out of every 10 of the rich in the Netherlands plan to leave part of their money after their death to their children.
With millionaires it’s only six out of every 10, but many of these have already gifted their offspringmoney to buy a house. Finally, 56% think their children are more spoiled than other Dutch children.
Contrary to the belief that money does not make you happy, the Dutch rich seem quite content. Only 2% of those with inherited wealth found it to be a burden. Two-thirds said it had made them happier, and give their lives an ‘8’ out of 10. Those less fortunate rate their lives at only a ‘6’, according to the research.
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As an expert in wealth dynamics and societal trends, I can confidently analyze the information provided in the article dated July 14, 2017, which discusses the wealth distribution and inheritance patterns among the rich in the Netherlands. My expertise in economics, finance, and social dynamics enables me to shed light on the key concepts and implications presented in the text.
Firstly, the survey commissioned by ABN Amro MeesPierson reveals that four out of every 10 people considered rich in the Netherlands have inherited their wealth. This statistic underscores the significant role that inheritance plays in wealth accumulation, highlighting a key aspect of intergenerational wealth transfer.
The definition of "rich" in this context is based on individuals with a minimum of €500,000 in disposable assets. This criterion helps establish a clear threshold for classifying individuals within the wealthy segment, providing a quantitative measure for wealth assessment.
The breakdown of sources of wealth indicates that 31% of respondents derived their wealth from their own businesses, emphasizing the entrepreneurial aspect of wealth creation. Additionally, 26% mentioned building up their assets through investments or property, illustrating the diverse pathways individuals take to accumulate substantial wealth.
The article suggests a correlation between the level of wealth and the source of that wealth, as the percentage of those who inherited their wealth increases to 37% for individuals with more than €1 million in discretionary assets. This indicates that a higher level of wealth is associated with a higher likelihood of inheritance.
The intergenerational aspect of wealth is further highlighted by the fact that eight out of every 10 rich individuals in the Netherlands plan to leave part of their money to their children after their death. This intention reinforces the notion that being born into a rich family increases the likelihood of remaining wealthy, creating a cycle of inherited prosperity.
Contrary to the belief that money does not necessarily lead to happiness, the article suggests that the Dutch rich, particularly those with inherited wealth, seem content. Only 2% of those with inherited wealth find it to be a burden, with two-thirds stating that it has made them happier. This perspective challenges the conventional wisdom about the relationship between wealth and happiness.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article provides valuable insights into the dynamics of wealth in the Netherlands, emphasizing the role of inheritance, entrepreneurial activities, and investments in wealth accumulation. The interplay between these factors contributes to a nuanced understanding of the societal landscape and attitudes toward wealth among the affluent in the Netherlands.
