15 Common Retirement Advice Rich People Don't Follow

Ever heard the one about the millionaire who followed all the typical retirement advice? Yeah, me neither. Retirement planning, like a fine wine or an old cheese, is not one-size-fits-all. While your average Joe might be squirreling away in a 401(k), the wealthy often dance to a different retirement tune.

1. Diversify Beyond the Stock Market

It’s not just stocks and bonds for the elite. They’re also eyeing art, vintage cars, and maybe a vineyard or two. A study by Knight Frank showed that high-net-worth individuals hold a significant portion of their wealth in alternative assets.

2. Don’t Rely Solely on 401(k)s and IRAs

While most are busy maxing out their 401(k)s, the rich are playing a different game. They use a broader range of tools, from real estate to private equity. As there is stark differences in retirement savings habits between income groups.

3. Buying vs. Renting Property

The mantra “buy, don’t rent” isn’t a golden rule for the affluent. Many wealthy individuals prefer the flexibility of renting, especially in volatile markets. Data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances indicate a varied approach to property ownership among the wealthy.

4. Continuous Investment in Education

Learning doesn’t retire at 65. The rich often continue to invest in their education. Also, they often see retirement as a time to explore new interests, learn new skills, and even start new businesses.

5. Networking and Relationship Building

For the wealthy, retirement isn’t an end to networking. Building relationships continues to open doors to new opportunities which makes them psychologically healthy.

6. Early Retirement Isn’t Always the Goal

Retire? Please.The concept of retiring at 65 is more flexible among the affluent. Many enjoy their work and choose to continue. Also they choose to stay involved, often pivoting to advisory roles or passion projects. A study by the Journal of Economic Ageing found that job satisfaction correlates with later retirement among successful individuals.

7. Stop Earning Money

For the rich, retirement isn’t the end of income. They often have investments, businesses, or ventures that keep the cash flowing.

8. Cut Back on Risky Investments

Whereas the average retiree might shy away from risk, the affluent often continue to dabble in high-reward investments.

9. Health Investment Over Health Insurance

The rich often focus on investing in their health, not just insuring it. Instead of just relying on insurance as a safety net for medical emergencies, they view spending on their health as an integral part of their lifestyle, seeing it as a long-term investment that can lead to a better quality of life and potentially lower healthcare costs in the future.

12. Avoid Debt

Contrary to popular advice, some wealthy retirees leverage debt smartly to maintain liquidity and finance new ventures.

11. Worry About Leaving an Inheritance

While leaving a legacy is nice, many wealthy retirees prioritize living their best life now over leaving a fortune behind.

13. Stick to a Fixed Income

The concept of a fixed income is almost alien to the wealthy retiree, whose income sources are diverse and often growing.

12. Plan for a Short Retirement

With access to better healthcare and lifestyles, the rich often plan for a longer retirement, adjusting their financial strategies accordingly.

13. Rely Solely on Social Security

For many wealthy individuals, Social Security is a drop in the ocean compared to other income sources.

14. Live a Quiet Life

Retirement for the rich can be a time of increased social engagement, philanthropy, and public life.

15. Ditch the Stocks, Go for Bonds

Conventional wisdom suggests shifting to bonds for safety in retirement, but many wealthy retirees maintain a significant portion in stocks. They’re playing the long game, even in their golden years.