Being a millionaire generally includes a house, as it is counted in the total net worth calculation (assets minus liabilities). While some definitions focus only on liquid assets, most commonly, a home's equity contributes to reaching the $1 million mark. Roughly 95% of millionaires own a home.
So, what exactly is a millionaire? For the purpose of this article, we're referring to someone with a net worth of a million pounds or more. Net worth is the total value of your assets, such as your home, car, investments, and savings, minus your liabilities, like mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
A millionaire is an individual whose net worth or wealth is equal to or exceeds one million units of currency.
A millionaire is somebody with a net worth of at least $1 million. It's a simple math formula based on your net worth. When what you own (your assets) minus what you owe (your liabilities) equals more than a million dollars, you're a millionaire. That's it!
At its most basic, net worth is everything you own minus everything you owe. To calculate your net worth, tally the value of all or your assets, including bank accounts, investments, and perhaps the value of your home or vacation home.
To comfortably afford a 400k mortgage, you'll likely need an annual income between $100,000 to $125,000, depending on your specific financial situation and the terms of your mortgage.
It also depends on whether you compare yourself to other people, or to what experts recommend is an ideal net worth. Generally speaking, a $500,000 net worth is good, especially if you're mid-career. But you'll want to increase it as much and as long as you can.
But here's the truth: the wealthiest clients I work with almost never do. They know something most people don't. Paying off your mortgage early gives you a guaranteed return equal to your interest rate… maybe 4%.
About 90% of millionaires build wealth through long-term investing, often focusing on real estate, starting their own businesses, and making consistent, disciplined financial choices like budgeting, saving, and continuous self-education, rather than flashy spending, with a strong belief in controlling their own financial destiny. They prioritize tangible assets and income streams, using strategies like leverage and tax benefits, and avoid excessive spending on depreciating assets like luxury cars.
But what does it mean to be considered a millionaire here? The definition hinges on liquid investable assets—cash savings and debt-free properties valued at over S$1.35 million (US$1 million).
Yes, owning a home can help you accrue wealth, but even if you can afford it there are a number of factors to consider, experts told us.
The four common types of millionaires, based on how they build wealth, are Saver-Investors (frugal savers/investors), Company Climbers (corporate executives), Virtuosos (high-income experts like doctors/lawyers), and Entrepreneurs/Dreamers (business owners or passionate creators). Another classification focuses on asset liquidity: Virtual (high income but little tangible wealth), Asset (wealth tied up in property/business), Liquid (significant cash/investments), and Cash Flow (large passive income streams).
Red flags when buying a house include structural issues (foundation cracks, sloping floors), water problems (stains, musty smells, basement flooding signs, poor drainage), sloppy renovations (fresh paint covering damage, crooked finishes, DIY work), bad maintenance (old roof, deferred upkeep), and listing/market oddities (long time on market, multiple price drops, little info). Always get a professional inspection to uncover hidden issues with major systems like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing before buying.
Tax Benefits & Financial Strategies
Many billionaires strategically purchase homes in tax-friendly states or countries to minimize their tax burden. Some use real estate as a tax shelter, while others leverage it for legal deductions through business expenses, rental income, or property depreciation claims.
The 3-6-9 rule in finance is a guideline for building an emergency fund, suggesting you save 3 months of essential expenses for stable jobs, 6 months for most people (especially those with families/mortgages), and 9 months for those with irregular income (freelancers, sole earners) or high financial risk. It's a flexible strategy to provide financial security, helping you avoid debt or panic withdrawals during unexpected job loss or emergencies, with the exact target depending on your income stability and dependents.
9 Signs of Wealth to Look Out For
Retire at 55 with £500k.
The logic behind a 500K retirement fund is that it's reasonable to expect an average annualised return of around 5% from a balanced and diversified portfolio over the long term.
A salary considered "rich" varies greatly by location and perspective, but generally involves being in the top 1-5% of earners, often requiring $700,000 to over $1 million annually for the top 1%, though some surveys suggest a much lower, yet still high, figure like $500,000+ to feel rich, with public perception often placing it around $275,000-$520,000 for comfort or richness in the U.S. Location is key, with high-cost states like Connecticut needing over $1 million for the top 1%, while less expensive states need significantly less.