How Do Millionaires Do It?

According to Slate magazine, there are now 8.9environment. These are the philanthropists. Think:
million American households with assets over $1David Rockefeller.While these millionaires vary
million, excluding their homes and retirement funds.considerably from one another, they all have one
Dr. Larry Samuel of the consulting group Culturething in common: planning. It has been said that
Planning breaks them down into five basic groups:-those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Whether you
Thrillionaires. These millionaires live on the edge,are a millionaire or aspire to be one, planning is the
consuming conspicuously. They're more likely toway to achieve your financial and life goals.As with
be found rolling the dice in Las Vegas than takingmost endeavors, planning is essential when it
a family vacation. While they're not impulsive, theycomes to deciding what should happen when you
take calculated risks. Think: Donald Trump.-are gone and how to deal with that eventuality.
Coolionaires. These millionaires live in the culturalWill the kids be taken care of? What if my
centers and support fine art, architecture, andspouse remarries? Will I pay too much in taxes or
other expressions of creativity. They probablyexpenses? What if my family fights over my
acquired their wealth through a combination ofestate? If you start now, you can make that
innate talent and an extraordinary amount of hardeventual transition smoother and less traumatic
work. Think: Steve Jobs, founder of Appleemotionally and financially for you and your
Computer.- Realionaires. These unassumingfamily.A qualified estate planning attorney can help
millionaires live ordinary lives. They do not like toyou set up a plan that will put your mind at ease.
spend money unnecessarily. However, they doTaking care of matters now can avoid big
spend money on their priorities, like education.messes down the road when you are
These millionaires may be the "Millionaire Nextincapacitated or after your death. You will know
Door" as described in the book by Drs. Stanleythat things are taken care of and you can
and Danko a few years back. They are hardconcentrate on more important things, like
working and down to earth. Think: Warren Buffet.-creating memories with your family.William K.
Wellionaires. They value their spiritual, mental, andHayes is a member of the prestigious American
physical health. They are open to new ideas andAcademy of Estate Planning Attorneys and has
methods, which may be how they acquired theirbeen engaged in the practice of law for the last
wealth. Think: Mark Hughes, founder of Herbal31 years. The Hayes Law Firm specializes in
Life.- Willionaires. Their wealth is often inheritedTrusts, Probate and Asset Protection Planning for
and they view it as a sacred trust. They viewprofessionals and small business owners.
their wealth as a responsibility to better their