High-earning professionals reveal the gap between wealth aspirations and ownership action
These aren't struggling earners. They're educated, credentialed, and compensated well above the national average.
This is a cohort of high achievers:
Only 32% are W2-only. The rest have already begun diversifying:
When asked what they're interested in pursuing, the answers reveal a cohort hungry for more control over their wealth trajectory.
"What are the most strategic pathways as an owner, parent to build wealth?"
Interest is high. But action tells a different story.
38% can deploy less than $25K in the next 12 months. Another 29% have $25K–$50K available. Only 17% have $100K+ ready to deploy.
32% are W2-only, while 68% have diversified: 23% are full-time owners, 19% have W2 plus side income, 16% own businesses alongside W2, and 10% pursue portfolio or fractional careers.
Nearly half of respondents meet accredited investor criteria, giving them access to private market opportunities. However, 39% are not accredited, and 13% aren't sure of their status.
The disconnect between aspiration and execution is stark.
Half want passive income. A third want generational wealth. But only 27% are actively pursuing ownership pathways beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
"How to better prioritize options to not feel overwhelmed and focus on the most short-term impactful opportunities."
The primary barrier is practical, not psychological.
More than half of respondents say their primary obstacle to making an ownership move is replacing their current W2 income. Not confidence. Not knowledge. The practical challenge of maintaining their lifestyle during transition.
"I wish I understood how to go about finding a business partner to build wealth with."
66% plan to make a significant ownership or career move within the next year.
Two-thirds of this cohort are in motion or about to be. The shift from W2 to ownership is already underway.
"I'd love to understand the approach I should be taking later in my career as I'm over 50 years old at this point."
Adoption is nearly universal, and most see AI as opportunity rather than threat.
Using AI to be more productive at work
Worried AI will disrupt their career/industry
94% of respondents are already using AI tools to increase workplace productivity, signaling rapid adoption among high earners.
33% are actively exploring AI-enabled business opportunities, seeing the technology as a wealth creation vehicle.
25% are building AI-powered products or services themselves, positioning for ownership in the AI economy.
25% are investing in AI companies or funds, diversifying into the sector beyond just using the tools.
Direct insights from respondents on their knowledge gaps and questions.
This survey reveals a cohort in transition. These are high achievers who have optimized their W2 income and built savings, but now face a critical inflection point.
The data shows a clear pattern: aspiration is high, but execution lags. Half want passive income, but only 27% are actively pursuing ownership pathways beyond traditional investing. The primary obstacle is practical. Replacing W2 income during transition.
Traditional financial advice assumes continued employment and public market investing. But this cohort is looking beyond that model. They're exploring fractional roles, business acquisitions, real estate portfolios, and AI-enabled ventures. The challenge is finding vetted pathways and curated opportunities at their level.
AI adoption is nearly universal in this group, with 94% using it productively at work. They see AI as leverage and opportunity more than threat. A third are actively exploring AI-enabled business opportunities, while 25% are building AI-powered businesses or investing in the sector.
Perhaps most striking: 66% plan to make a significant ownership or career move within the next year. The shift is already happening.
The questions respondents ask reveal what's missing: strategic tax planning, vetted deal access, peer networks operating at their level, and operational knowledge that comes from execution rather than theory. Curated pathways to ownership matter more than generic education.
The infrastructure for moving from earning to owning is the next frontier in wealth creation for this demographic.
Turn what you know into what you own.
Survey Period: January 2025
Total Respondents: 93 participants
Demographics: 86% Black/African American, 60% female, 40% male. 69% hold Master's degrees, 14% hold professional degrees (JD, MD). Primary income ranges: $100K–$500K+.
Anonymization: All individual responses were anonymized. Quotes are presented without identifying information.
Data Notes: Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number. Some respondents selected multiple options where applicable, so certain categories may sum to more than 100%.
Survey Design: Conducted by Gravy Wealth to understand the wealth-building priorities, barriers, and ownership aspirations of high-earning professionals.