How High-Net-Worth Individuals Really Spend Their Time

More than 22.4 million millionaires live around the world—an increase of nearly 2 percent from the previous year—and that number is projected to exceed 30.1 million within five years.

That’s according to Wealth-X’s 2019 High Net Worth Handbook, which offers a detailed look at the lives and preferences of high-net-worth (HNW) individuals—defined as those with a net worth between $1 million and $30 million. The report finds that New York City is the leading residence for HNW individuals, hosting 65 percent more millionaires than Tokyo, the second-ranked city. Overall, the United States dominates the top cities list, with six of the top ten located in the country. While HNW populations are still predominantly male, the share of female millionaires is rising, along with the number of self-made individuals. Nearly 90 percent of HNW people fall into the $1–$5 million net-worth bracket.

Wealth-X used a proprietary model to identify the 20 most common interests among HNW individuals and the share of people who pursue them. Many interests align with careers or lifelong learning habits and reveal how affluent people allocate both time and money.

7.4 Percent of HNW Individuals Are Interested In…

Many successful people speak more than one language. Beyond global communication advantages, research shows learning another language improves problem-solving skills and executive function, making it a common interest among high achievers.

7.5 Percent Are Interested In…

HNW individuals enjoy pet ownership like anyone else, though some maintain exotic animals or private sanctuaries rather than typical household pets. In certain high-profile cases, pets have even inherited substantial fortunes.

7.5 Percent Are Interested In…

Politics is a notable interest for many HNW individuals. Politics is a common academic major among millionaires, and numerous wealthy people hold public office or engage in political advocacy to influence policy.

8.9 Percent Are Interested In…

Family time ranks high among priorities for many HNW individuals, and they often spend money on services that free up their time—outsourcing grocery shopping, household chores, and other routine tasks—so they can focus on family and meaningful activities.

9 Percent Are Interested In…

Music is a common pastime: some HNW individuals perform professionally, but most enjoy listening, playing casually, or supporting musical pursuits. Popular genres include classical, rock, and jazz, and favored instruments are guitar and piano, followed by drums and violin.

9.3 Percent Are Interested In…

Science and technology draw significant interest, reflecting that many HNW individuals studied engineering, computer science, or related fields. Advances in medicine and biotech are particularly noteworthy, given their implications for health and investment opportunities.

9.4 Percent Are Interested In…

Art collecting remains a classic interest among the wealthy. Today’s HNW collectors favor photography, followed by painting and drawing; sculpture, antiques, and ceramics are less commonly pursued.

10.6 Percent Are Interested In…

Law is a frequent college major and career among millionaires. Lawyers with specialized expertise can command high incomes, making legal practice a common professional background in affluent circles.

11 Percent Are Interested In…

The health and wellness market is expanding rapidly, including boutique services, spas, specialty foods, and emerging therapies like cryotherapy. Affluent consumers increasingly invest in services that promote longevity and well-being.

11.3 Percent Are Interested In…

Real estate remains a cornerstone of wealth-building. HNW individuals invest in both commercial and residential properties—commercial buys for returns, residential purchases often for personal use, including vacation homes.

12.3 Percent Are Interested In…

Luxury travel tailored to privacy and exclusivity is highly sought after. Some HNW individuals use bespoke travel agencies to craft unique experiences, while others prefer discreet or budget-conscious travel without sacrificing comfort.

15.5 Percent Are Interested In…

Daily writing—whether journaling, planning, or recording lessons and goals—is a common habit. Many affluent individuals use writing to reflect on ideas, track progress, and reinforce values and priorities.

19.1 Percent Are Interested In…

Public speaking is a valued skill among HNW individuals. Beyond inspiring others, speaking engagements boost credibility and influence, and top speakers can earn significant fees.

19.6 Percent Are Interested In…

Technology and digital trends attract strong interest, particularly among younger, tech-native HNW individuals. Many made fortunes through tech and continue to follow innovations and investment opportunities in the sector.

19.7 Percent Are Interested In…

Reading and education are ongoing pursuits. Teachers are a surprisingly common profession among self-made millionaires, and many affluent people prioritize continuous learning, reading widely to refine ideas and spot opportunities.

25.1 Percent Are Interested In…

Outdoor activities are popular—skiing, boating, golfing, tennis, hunting, and fishing are among the pursuits that contribute to a robust outdoor recreation economy. Such activities offer leisure, fitness, and networking opportunities.

25.5 Percent Are Interested In…

Golf ranks as the top sport among HNW individuals, followed by American football, skiing, basketball, baseball, and tennis. These sports often serve as social and networking venues in affluent circles.

26.5 Percent Are Interested In…

Investing is a central interest: rather than letting cash sit idle, many HNW individuals actively invest to grow wealth. On average, wealthy households allocate a meaningful portion of income to investments, and high-profile gatherings such as Davos underscore the social dimension of finance.

36.4 Percent Are Interested In…

Philanthropy is widespread and growing, influenced by initiatives encouraging large-scale giving. Men and women give in roughly equal measure but often support different causes: both favor education and social services, while women more often support arts and environmental causes and men more frequently back health-related initiatives.

39.4 Percent Are Interested In…

Business and entrepreneurship are central interests for many HNW individuals. Many are business owners or maintain active investments and side ventures, and staying informed about business trends helps them identify new opportunities. Though busy, they prioritize and delegate to make the most of their working hours while preserving personal time.