Secret Succeeders
By Laura Bruce • Bankrate.com

These people worked hard and had some luck and should be very happy, but they're not. They make up 17% of the wealthy* population.

• Average age: 55
• Self-made: built fortunes through working in professional and managerial positions, making one or two particularly good investments and not spending
• Live below their means
• Suspicious of showing their wealth -- fear they'll lose it
• Among the least charitable
• Group includes the greatest percentage that admit they'll do whatever it takes, including compromise principles, to stay ahead
• Not especially financially savvy, but having financial control is key
• Somewhat optimistic about their financial futures

*Wealthy is defined in this survey as $1 million or more in net worth, not including the primary residence.

Source: The Phoenix Companies Inc.