Abundance (Level 7 Top 1% of the wealthiest):
Estimated Percentage: 1%
Rationale: This represents the truly wealthy, with vast resources that provide not just financial freedom but also access to exclusive opportunities and experiences. Their wealth significantly exceeds their needs and desires, offering a level of abundance most can only dream of.

Financial Characteristics:

Ultra-High Net Worth: The top 1% globally often have a net worth exceeding $10 million, with many possessing hundreds of millions or even billions. Their assets include not just cash, but also investments in stocks, bonds, real estate, businesses, and other alternative assets.  

Income Sources: Their income often comes from a diverse range of sources, including business ownership, investments, capital gains, and inheritance. Their income significantly surpasses their spending needs.

Investment Strategies: They often employ sophisticated investment strategies, including private equity, hedge funds, and venture capital, to grow and preserve their wealth. They may also have access to exclusive investment opportunities not available to the general public.  

Financial Advisors and Managers: Many rely on teams of financial advisors, wealth managers, and legal experts to manage their complex financial affairs.

Lifestyle and Influence:

Luxury Spending: They can afford a lifestyle that includes multiple homes, luxury travel, private jets, yachts, and other high-end goods and experiences.

Philanthropy: Many engage in significant philanthropy, donating to causes they care about and establishing foundations to address social issues.

Political Influence: Their wealth can translate into political influence through lobbying, campaign contributions, and connections to powerful individuals.  

Social Circles: They often move in exclusive social circles, attending invitation-only events and interacting with other affluent individuals.

Considerations and Nuances:

Global Inequality: The top 1% hold a disproportionate share of global wealth, contributing to widening inequality. This raises concerns about fairness and social mobility. 

Taxation: Tax policies and loopholes can significantly impact the wealth accumulation and preservation of the top 1%. This is a subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny.  

Generational Wealth: Wealth is often passed down through generations, perpetuating the concentration of wealth in certain families and potentially limiting opportunities for others.  

Social Responsibility: There's increasing discussion about the social responsibilities of the wealthy, including paying their fair share of taxes, investing in their communities, and addressing social and environmental issues.

In Summary: The top 1% represent a small but highly influential group with vast financial resources. 1 Understanding their characteristics, behaviors, and impact on society is crucial for informed discussions about wealth, inequality, and economic policy.