The Rich Get Ready to Reinvest

THE RICH GET READY TO IS THE REST THE U. S. READ Y TO F OLLO W ? Although many affluent Americans are still taking a “wait and see" approach to their finances, signs of recovery are clear. According to a new study from Merrill Lynch, affluent Americans may have accepted that “economic uncertainty is the new normal," but there is hope on the horizon. GROWING CONFIDENCE %24 94% think they are better prepared to cope with economic vitality than in previous years. 45% can take advantage of investment opportunities. 32% 26% will have less debt or have expect career advancement. lowered their debt. FAITH IN THE STOCK MARKET IS RETURNING Affluent Americans now feel safer about investing than when the recession was still at its worst. 2010 50% 2012 30% In 2010, 50% of affluent Americans called themselves "conservative investors." In 2012, only 30% consider themselves conservative investors. This growing confidence also extends to their retirement savings, a key indicator of trust. ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, 48% of higher-income citizens are willing to invest retirement money in stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds. "This year, investors with more than $100,000 in assets say that their anxiety has dropped dramatically and they are more likely to be risk-takers." Comparably, only 21% of middle-class Americans currently are willing to do so. Despite This Optimism 54% 77% are “highly concerned" about rising health care costs. 44% of wealthy Americans are worried about being able to meet their financial goals. consider health care the number one threat to reaching their financial goals. SOURCE: MERRILL LYNCH credit sesame %24