That's why I was interested to read some serious research on the subject in The New Elite recently by three professional market researchers: Jim Taylor, Doug Harrison and Stephen Kraus. This trio interviewed more than six thousand people who had liquid assets of at least $5 million, and came to some interesting conclusions about them. You may not be part of this well heeled group yet, but if you want to join them you would certainly do well to understand their mindset - what I call "the wealth psychology of the super rich."

The conclusion they came to was that successful businesspeople today are the ones who very wisely keep their incomes and assets out of sight. Of course I knew this all along - it doesn't surprise me at all, because we've been writing about these 'stealth wealth' techniques here in The Q Wealth Report for well over a decade.

We've often warned our readers of the dangers of conspicuous consumption, which is the opposite of stealth wealth. Conspicuous consumption or consumerism causes jealousy and problems… you won't sleep sound at night knowing that the tax man, your ex spouse and even jealous neighbors will want a lion's share of your assets "redistributed" in their direction! As soon as you become Mr or Mrs Deep Pockets, you automatically become a target for lawsuits.

Conspicuous consumption creates a second problem too - you also become a more attractive target for criminals. You can end up spending a fortune on sophisticated asset protection techniques you would never have needed if you had stayed under the radar from day one. Bottom line? A high profile is never a good idea.

I also like to define wealth in the broadest possible sense. After all, what use is money if you don't have good health? That's why I think it is important to concentrate not just on your bank balance but also on creating a lifestyle in harmony. Take the time to eat and enjoy fresh, healthy foods for example, and get stress out of your life by tackling problems head on. Money can either be a source of worry, or - with stealth wealth - it can give you a sense of confidence and security. You are the one who has to decide today what kind of life you want for tomorrow.

For me, that's what financial freedom is all about. Being rich does not make you free - if you're not careful, your money might start to control you instead, so you become less free. If you seek true financial freedom, you need to read and understand more of the ideas and concepts we bring to you on this site and via our newsletter and our Wealth Creation Events.

The best asset protection is to be an 'invisible investor.' If nobody can see your assets, nobody will try to attach, seize or steal them. With the highly intrusive credit rating agencies and the lack of privacy in major western countries like the USA and the UK, if you want to keep your assets under the radar you need to keep them outside your home country. By surfing around this site you will get for free some good ideas for concealing your existing assets and allowing them to grow in a secure, offshore environment.

If you like what you see here and would like to explore in more detail the concept of Stealth Wealth, I can recommend several sources of 'further reading' for you. No matter whether you are starting out with nothing, turning over a new leaf to start a new life, or if you've already made money but you feel there is something missing, I suggest you take just ten or twenty minutes out of your busy schedule to read these two free articles:

Secrets of the Super Rich - here you can sign up absolutely free for a 12-part course delivered to your e-mail inbox, covering secrets of international investing, how the government has taken away your privacy, and what you can do about it. Essential reading if you would like to be one of The New Elite.

International Wealth Creation - This article is all about how to upgrade to a lower cost, higher quality and healthier international lifestyle - in the offshore paradise of your choice! You'll hear the story of Peter Macfarlane, joint editor of The Q Wealth Report, and how he specifically set out to be different - to understand different legal systems and the associated business cultures, and different ways of doing things. In other words, it's all about thinking outside the box in order to create wealth internationally.

According to The New Elite the average age of today's super wealthy person is 47, and less than 5% inherited their fortunes. They are, say the authors, "undeniable proof that the American Dream of unrestricted social mobility in a single lifetime is alive and well." Most of these people who are very comfortably off agree with an interviewee who said "I have a Chevrolet taste on a Mercedes income." They are smart shoppers, or shall we say careful consumeres! They check prices and carry out due diligence before making a purchase or investment. The retail store most likely to be shopped by this demographic is Target, also suggesting that the super rich embrace and understand technology as an inherent part of their "Stealth Wealth" mindsets.

Taylor, Harrison and Krause have also identified five different wealth personalities - ranging from 'wrestlers,' who are in conflict with themselves about their financial status, through 'directors,' who feel they have earned every penny through their hard work, to patrons, who are ready to share the fruits of their labors. Private bankers and others trying to attract wealthy clientele should certainly take note of these wealth personalities.

Anyway, the bottom line is that the decision is yours. There's an old cliché about being too busy earning a living to make any real money. Will you let this apply to you, or will you take the action necessary to move on to the next level?

Further research: Consider taking it to the next level through our unique private newsletter covering freedom, wealth and privacy, and our rolodex of high level contacts in the field of international wealth building and financial freedom, we can assist by mentoring you into developing and growing your own successful income stream under the radar. You can sign up online right now and start benefiting from our private members area today. If you would like to learn more, fire off an email now directly to the editor: info@petermacfarlane.net