Laura Bruce described six typical types of millionaires "personalities" from the results of a Phoenix Cos. survey.

Satisfied Savers (24% of Total)

- Average age: 60
- Built wealth through hard work, by living below their means and taking moderate risks
- Financially savvy
- Lost relatively little in the bear market
- Know how to make their money work for them
- Enjoy making a difference through charitable efforts

Status Chasers (18% of Total)

- Average age: 55
- Achieved wealth through work and some inheritance
- Want it all but haven't been able to achieve their major goals yet
- Define wealth as a level three times their current net worth
- Pessimistic about their own financial future
- Less financially knowledgeable than their counterparts
- Think of financial situation daily as a source of concern

Altruistic Achievers (17% of Total)

- Average age: 54
- Achieved wealth through work, some inheritance, good investments, owning a business, and living below their means
- Self-made, driven to succeed, work hard, take risks
- Use their wealth to help the less fortunate
- Lack the time, interest and know-how to manage finances; rely on professional management
- Lost the most in the bear market
- Only one-quarter plan to retire completely

Secret Succeeders (17% of Total)

- Average age: 55
- Self-made: built fortunes through working in professional and managerial positions, making one or two particularly good investments and not spending
- Live below their means
- Suspicious of showing their wealth -- fear they'll lose it
- Among the least charitable
- Group includes the greatest percentage that admit they'll do whatever it takes, including compromise principles, to stay ahead
- Not especially financially savvy, but having financial control is key
- Somewhat optimistic about their financial futures

Disengaged Inheritors (13% of Total)

- Average age: 58
- Received and built their wealth largely through inheritance, and living below their means
- Second-wealthiest and second-oldest group
- Lack the goals and drive to succeed
- Think about their financial situation the least out of apathy and ambivalence
- Not charitable, generally unhappy
- Least financial know-how of the high-net worth segment

Deal Masters (11% of Total)

- Average age: 49
- Have amassed the greatest wealth, self-made, self-reliant
- Built wealth by setting goals, working hard, being persistent, taking risks, relying on their own financial know-how
- Segment comprises the largest number of small business owners
- "Winner takes all" attitude
- Confident and optimistic
- Enjoy the challenge of making money
- Think about financial situation daily -- source of challenge, fun, and happiness
- Lost the least in the bear market
- One of the least charitable groups
- Living their dream, little inclination to stop working
- 62% would rather be stressed than have nothing to do

I think my journey will lead me to one of the "Satisfied Savers." Save on ...