Have you ever wondered what it takes to hit that elusive millionaire status in Australia? Is it some mystical combination of perfect timing, sheer luck, and secret stock tips whispered over champagne brunches? Well, surprisingly, the answer is simpler—and far less glamorous—than you might think.
At Hills Accountants in Hobart we discovered a recent article on News.com.au that revealed some fascinating insights: almost one in ten Australians is now a millionaire. That’s right—roughly 10 per cent of Aussies have hit the magic million mark. But before you start imagining them all rolling in stacks of cash like a movie montage, let’s take a closer look at what it really means to be a millionaire in 2024.
Millionaire or Million Dollars in the Bank?
Here’s the reality check: being a millionaire doesn’t mean you’ve got a million dollars chilling in your bank account. For most Aussies, their net worth—a fancy term for the value of everything they own minus what they owe—is what puts them in the millionaire club.
The biggest contributor? Rising home values. If you own a house, especially in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, you’ve probably noticed that property prices have skyrocketed over recent years. For many, their home has become their ticket to millionaire status.
So yes, you could technically be a millionaire while still juggling a mortgage and the odd “please, not another interest rate rise” prayer. Wealth isn’t just about liquid cash—it’s about the big picture of your assets, including property, superannuation, and investments.
Why Most People Don’t Get There
Knowing this, you might think, “Great! I just need to buy a house, sit back, and wait for it to make me rich.” But here’s the catch: getting into the property market—or building wealth in general—requires a plan. You can’t leave it all to chance (or hope the housing bubble keeps inflating forever).
For many of us, it’s not a lack of opportunity but a lack of strategy that holds us back. Life gets in the way. Bills pile up. A cheeky holiday in Bali sounds a lot more fun than topping up your superannuation. That’s where a little help can make a big difference.