Recently, CNNMoney reported that although the “Great Recession” still appears to have a strong grip around the world, the number of millionaires in the U.S. and across the world will actually grow rapidly over the next decade.
This amazing fact is contrary to the $15.5 trillion in household wealth that was eliminated just in the United States.
A report by the Deloitte Center for Financial Services concludes that by 2020, the total number U.S. families with a net worth of over $1 million (that includes real estate) is forecasted to double.
It may surprise many that China will be the leader in millionaire growth, followed by Brazil, then Russia. Despite this, the U.S. and Europe still hold the greatest concentrations of wealth around the world.
By 2020, both China and South Korea will hold spots in the top 10 of countries with the greatest total number of families worth more than a million dollars.
The U.S. is clearly the leader today in number of millionaire households – about 10.5 million in total. The forecast is the U.S. will reach approximately 20.6 million by 2020.
By 2020, the U.S. will have a total of 43% of the world’s wealth held by millionaire households.
Japan ranks second but there is a significant gap between number 1 and 2. By 2020, Japan is forecasted to have 8.6 million millionaire households or 9% of the world’s wealth.
Although China gets a lot of attention regarding its booming economy, it will still only rank No. 7, with 2.5 million millionaire households in 2020 and 4% of the world’s wealth.
Flaunt Your Wealth and Endulge In These Extravagant Splurges
Royal Suite at The Savoy
Some wealthy people like to flaunt their money while others are more reserved and keep a low profile.
Well if you are part of the former group and really like to lavishly spend your money, then here are some ideas.
We’ve put together short list of six fun ways to splurge on some extravagant things:
1. Buy Out a Hotel
Live lavishly at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a boutique style mansion hotel in Newport, R.I. with personal butlers, private meals prepared by Executive Chef Tom Duffy, couples massage, and a personal chauffeur. Each of the 20 rooms, estimated at $1 million to create, is uniquely designed based on a historical period with handpicked decor from around the world. The “Private Experience Package” starts at $5,000 per night.
2. Make Your Own Wine
Be the vintner of your own custom wine barrel alongside expert winemaker Conor McCormack at Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg, NY. Crush, ferment, and bottle approximately 300 bottles of your choice varietal — just don’t drink it all at once! At the end of the season, discuss your newfound love of oenology and days of wine making in New York’s hippest borough with friends over a bottle graced with your own personalized label. Full Custom Barrel Packages are $5,700.
3. Stay in London’s Royal Suite
Live like the King of England at the ultra-luxe 1066 square foot Royal Suite at The Savoy, recently reopened after an ambitious $350 million hotel renovation. The suite boasts sprawling views of the Thames, a 24-hour butler, and service kitchen for those traveling with their own chef. Get around town in the decadent Savoy Rolls Royce Phantom at $6500 per day and sip on a $25,000 Methuselah of Cristal 2002 at the Beaufort Bar before retiring to your posh palace. Rates for the Royal Suite start at approximately $15,500.00 per night.
4. Charter a Super Yacht
Climb aboard 270-foot Alfa Nero and prepare for seven unforgettable days at sea exploring the Mediterranean from Santorini to St. Tropez with a 28-member crew prepared to meet your every need. The sleek, extravagantly designed superyacht boasts a beach club, cinema, and swimming pool that converts to a dance floor or helipad. Starting at approximately $1.1 million per week.
5. Party Like a Rockstar with a Nightclub Takeover
With an exclusive buyout of FLUXX nightclub in San Diego, you can have the ultimate nightlife experience with up to 900 of your closest friends. The 11,000 square-foot nightclub has solidified its reputation as the city’s hotspot, catering to A-list celebrities and exceptionally stylish clientele. Your VIP party will include the venue’s three bars, circular dance floor, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, DJ or live entertainment, FLUXX dancers, valet and security, and more. FLUXX exclusive buy-outs start at $60,000.
6. Rent a brand new private Villa Estate
Paradise awaits at Anguilla’s brand new Ani Villas, a private, 5-star, world class resort perched on breathtaking cliffs above the shimmering Caribbean. The ten-bedroom, 25,000 square-foot estate with two fully serviced villas is perfect for hosting you and your 20 friends, or choose a more intimate group and live luxuriously in just one of the villas. Designed by the award-winning architect Lee Skolnick, the Villas create a sense of bringing the outside, inside. With light flooded rooms and floor to ceiling windows, the magnificent views and open-plan island experience is never lost, wherever you are.
“The Dragon 2010 Bruce Lee” Limited Edition Series Montegrappa Pen
Montegrappa Bruce Lee “Dragon” pen
Montegrappa is Italy’s most revered manufacturer of fine writing instruments recently announced the second luxury pen in their “Icons” series that commemorates the 70th birthday of the martial arts marvel – Bruce Lee.
Legendary actor and athlete, Bruce Lee has been honored with a limited edition set of luxury Montegrappa writing instruments. The first pen in the “Icons” series was dedicated to legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali
To commemorate the 70th birthday of Bruce Lee, Montegrappa plans to introduce a re-interpretation of one of the company’s most coveted pens, named the “The Dragon.”
The original “Dragon” was first produced by Montegrappa 15 years ago. 1,912 pieces where made available to celebrate its founding year.
The luxury “Dragon” pen was produced in black mother-of-pearl celluloid and sterling silver and only 100 fountain pens were issued in 18K gold.
The fountain pen had a piston filling system, and was available with nibs in six widths. These pens can now be found solely – and rarely – in collecting circles.
Bruce Lee – “Enter The Dragon”
The new “The Dragon 2010 Bruce Lee” limited edition series pen is distinguished from the 1995 version by a change in the design of the pocket clip, a new color, the detail of the Dragon’s tail on the pen barrel, the fountain pen nib and the top of the cap.
Montegrappa plans to produce a total of 2010 pieces, including:
* 888 sterling silver fountain pens
* 888 sterling silver roller balls
* 88 solid yellow gold fountain pens
* 88 solid yellow gold roller balls
* 8 fountain pens in solid yellow gold with black diamonds
* 8 roller balls in solid yellow gold with black diamonds
* 8 fountain pens in solid yellow gold with rubies
* 8 roller balls in solid yellow gold with rubies
* 8 fountain pens in solid yellow gold with emeralds
* 8 roller balls in solid yellow gold with emeralds
Prices for “The Dragon 2010 Bruce Lee” limited edition series range from $4,675 to $102,200 with the ultra-rare, three-piece set retailing at $290,550.
Please visit www.montegrappa.com to learn more about Montegrappa’s hand-crafted fine pens and authorized U.S. retailer locations.
Go Get It Events – Make Your Dreams Come True
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Are you looking for that special romantic experience? Would you like to be swept away in a luxurious limo to begin a night you’ll never forget? A romantic dinner, then …. skies the limit !
If you are considering the ideal marriage proposal, or an unforgettable honeymoon, or a once in a lifetime anniversary event, choose the ultimate event.
Maybe your spouse is an avid sports fan. How about surprising him with a wonderful Super Bowl package or front row seats to an NBA game? Have you ever fantasized about acting out a James Bond 007 mission, while searching for clues and living on the edge?
Go Get It Events is a premier event planner service and can customize your dreams …. anytime of the year.
Owner Jenifour Jones has the most unique job in the world: she makes other people’s dreams come true.
Jenifour knows what elaborate events are and is the best in the business. Jenifour is the brains behind the elaborate and special events and marriage proposals that her company, Go Get It Events produces.
People use Go Get It Events whenever they want to “Wow” their lovers, friends, colleagues, or clients!
I asked Jenifour how she got started with this type of business theme. She replied,
“I started doing elaborate ‘hunts’ for friend’s birthdays and anniversaries. I used my background in acting, writing and production to take traditional scavenger hunts a huge leap forward-I wrote a script for the recipient and then placed them in the middle of their own “story.” Depending on who it was for, it could be exciting, romantic, adventurous, seductive, etc. After I did two of these my colleagues and friends all saw how this experience was similar to producing a film and encouraged me to start it as a business.”
Since 2003, the results have been incredible. “Everyone loved it,” remembers Jenifour. “People told me they felt like they were living an incredible movie or dream. I took them out of their reality for a night and gave them something much more powerful than a normal, tangible gift.”
The possibilities are endless. Can you imagine waking up on day and then you find yourself thrown into an exciting and glamorous adventure that whisks you away in a helicopter or private planes? Jenifour can and has successfully done it for countless clients.
Jenifour can set up marriage proposal on top of the Eiffel Tower, in a romantic moonlit gondola under the Venetian sky, or even in the middle of a snowy Central Park!
Due to their unique approach to event planning, Go Get It Events has been featured on the Rachael Ray Show, in addition to well over 40 major publications. The company’s events are unique, elegant, fun, inspiring and also have a refreshing blend of creativity woven into each and every event.
Napa Valley Wine Train
When asked why she thinks her business has been so successful, Jenifour responded, “I think because I truly believe in what I do. My clients tell me it was the best night of their life. Period. That is enough to me to know I have created something so special in their life. When I started, some people loved what I did and some did not see how I would make a living.”
….. she continues “I also think it was important that I was open to growing and broadening the services my company offers. I started off only doing our signature escapades, but when clients asked me to do their weddings, parties, corporate meeting, travel, etc. I said yes. Now, we offer almost any type of event production and travel services.”
Here is a small list of fantasy events Go Get It Events can plan & arrange for you: private luxury yacht & dinner, private helicopter ride, limo scavenger hunt, private balloon ride, complete spa and makeover package, personal stylist for the day, custom travel to anywhere in the world, and much more !!!
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner and many people worried about what to do for their loved ones, why not plan an amazing adventure you’ll never forget?
Jenifour Jones interview with Rachael Ray
For a once in a lifetime experience, call today to begin planning your special occasion, celebrate a major life milestone or big event, and fulfill your dream !!!
For additional information on GoGet It Events, please visit – http://www.gogetit.org/ or call:
– East Coast Contact: (212) 252-2362
– West Coast Contact: (323) 633-2049
– Louisville Contact: (502) 550-6647
Sylvester Stallone Named Brand Ambassador for Montegrappa
Sylvester Stallone – Montegrappa brand ambassador
In addition to being a well-known, movie star icon, Sylvester Stallone was just announced he will serve as a brand ambassador to Montegrappa, a luxury pen manufacturer.
In addition to his role as Montegrappa’s brand ambassador, Sylvester Stallone will also be providing creative input to the company’s new 2011 line of luxury pens.
As a leading luxury pen manufacturer since 1912, Montegrappa has earned a reputation as the most noble of pen manufacturers.
Montegrappa pens have been used by numerous famous people, including Ernest Hemingway and Paulo Coelho, in addition to various heads of state, royalty and international leaders in politics, sports, business, and entertainment.
Now entering its fifth decade, Sylvester Stallone’s career has been amazing. Mr Stallone has worldwide following of million of devoted fans. He has starred in countless block-buster movies including the Oscar-winning Rocky series, in addition to the Rambo series of films, Cop Land, and recently in the international box office hit The Expendables.
For 99 years, Montegrappain has produced its full line of high-quality writing instruments within the same historic building, located in Bassano del Grappa, North East Italy.
Mr. Giuseppe Aquila, CEO of Montegrappa, was quted on the company’s announcement, “I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Stallone on many occasions, including the 2009 Venice Film Festival, where Mr. Stallone was recognized for his filmmaking with the Glory To The Filmmaker Award. Sylvester is much more than a friend; he is an icon and an artist and now, an integral part of Montegrappa’s distinguished history.”
To learn more about the complete line of Montegrappa’s hand-crafted fine pens, please visit www.montegrappa.com
Beast E-bike by M55 Bike
M55 Bike – “Beast” e-bike
M55 Bike is a company that designs and manufacturers hybrid bikes.
They have an ambitious goal of creating the most sophisticated machine in this genre the world has ever seen.
M55 is well known for their flagship bike model – the Beast. The Beast offers the greatest performance among e-bikes.
The Beast’s 1900 Watts of power allows acceleration to an incredible 40 miles per hour. This cutting edge e-bike can travel as high as 75 miles on a single charge … even off road.
The state of the art Beast features custom, major parts that have been designed by experienced engineers. The ingenuity incorporates both technologies and materials that can be found in the Formula One and electric supersportcars.
The entire M55 Bike team are devoted bike lovers and strive for the ultimate best in workmanship and quality of the e-bike’s parts.
Key Features of the M55 Beast”
– Frame: Monocoque 7075 CNC Aluminum & carbon fiber plates
– Motor: EB-PC motor with 32 Nm torque
– Battery: Tenergy Polimer Li-Ion cells (20mAh)
– Hybrid drive “pedelec” system
– Max speed 35 mph
– Up to 60 miles potential range with one charge
– Performance and luxury – no compromise
A home break-in has got to be one of the scariest things that can happen. Not only in regards to the lost valuables, but also that your own personal space has been violated.
High security systems and alarms can’t prevent a home invasion, nor can the wait from a 911. Maybe the only thing available to keep your dream home’s valuables safe might just be … a safe.
DigitalSafe makes home safes with as much attention to aesthetic appeal, as security itself.
The new line of wall safes from DigitalSafe features velvet-lined Mahoney trays and LED lights for the full James Bond effect.
The ultra-luxury safe also comes equipped with a built-in burglary detector that actually locks down the safe if the safe is tampered with. This can occur if a thief is able to overcome the anchors and tries to make off with your valuables.
DigitalSafe safes are available in various sizes, ranging from “secure wall safe” to “in closet cube safes.”
The world of high-end safe fabricators is an extremely small one. Based in Colorado, DigitalSafe is clearly one of the top safe makers in the world.
These high-quality, custom-finished safes from DigitalSafe are ultra-secure, yet cleverly conform to the aesthetics of fine furniture.
DigitalSafe
Custom safes are not inexpensive, but for those with collectibles or other expensive valuables, price is often not a big concern.
DigitalSafe manufactures its safe products by combining security, craftsmanship and creativity to design a safe specifically for you as a discerning collector of high-quality jewelry and timepieces.
DigitalSafe carefully manufactures its safes to rigorous safety regulations. Each safe features an interior hinge system, bolting mechanisms, in addition to a James Bond–like electronic lock.
DigitalSafe only uses its own trained professionals for every aspect of the design and installation process. This methodology ensures that only a limited number of people have direct access to its secure line of safes
The safes are available in eight standard sizes, ranging from the 15-inch-tall Silver Wall Safe to the 30-inch-tall Diamond Wall Safe.
Prices for the line of DigitalSafe safes are surprisingly affordable, and range from just $1,000 to $2,000.
All DigitalSafe safes are customizable. There are numerous options including: mahogany jewelry trays, almond or black color and limitless interior configurations options that include drop file compartments and hand gun holsters.
As every safe is a bespoke creation, the structures become canvases for true works of art.
In recent years, there has been a subtle but important trend occurring in the retail shopping industry.
The demographics of Americans who use coupons has definitely evolved. Money saving coupons are no longer being only used by scissor-happy elderly women, who commence their snipping when the Sunday newspaper finally arrives on their doorstep.
A recent study by Inmar Inc. has revealed that coupon usage has actually increased by 17 percent in 2009. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, based on the lingering global recession.
But one fact that was intriguing, affluent as well as younger buyers, are using more coupons that any segment of the population.
Recognizing the increased popularity of couponing, the founders of the popular coupon website and iphone application Coupon Sherpa, are promoting Coupon Month, which is set for September.
Even though the traditional Sunday newspaper is currently the most common method of finding coupons, they are no longer limited to just paper alone.
There are currently numerous online coupons with codes for Internet purchases and mobile coupons that can be scanned directly from a phone.
The ILoveCouponMonth.com site offers shoppers helpful, money saving tips about getting the most out of coupons, information about couponing trends and the history of coupons, and resources of places to find different types of coupons.
In addition, the new web site also has a section called 30 Days of Savings Tips, offering informative nuggets like How to Effectively Use a Coupon Binder System, Rules for Pairing Coupons with Sales and The Anatomy of a Coupon.
Co-founder of Coupon Sherpa – Luke Knowles was quoted, “The idea of National Coupon Month is to spread the word about the different types of coupons and inform consumers on the many ways they can save money with coupons.”
Knowles believes that coupons can not only help the average family save from $500-$1000 each year, but they can also help shoppers become smarter by being aware of their favorite products’ prices, and encourage consumers to watch for sales and get double and triple value from coupons.
Happy shopping!
Bergine – Offering Regional Luxury Services and Brands
The newest online destination – Bergine – has arrived in Los Angeles. Bergine provides access to exclusive offers on regional luxury services and brands at up to 70 percent off standard pricing.
What is nice is Bergine does not charge for membership nor do they require an invitation to sign up. All you need to do to join, is visit their web site at www.bergine.com
Intended for locals with an enthusiasm for the good life, Bergine will offer customized lifestyle services and experiences with quality merchants, including exclusive facials and products from Sonya Dakar, dinners at Chaya Brasserie, manicures and pedicures at Bellacures, sessions at UpDog Yoga and more.
All offers are announced daily through member-only e-newsletters, Bergine’s website (www.bergine.com) and Bergine’s Facebook page (Bergine Los Angeles) and Twitter feed (@BergineLA).
The Bergine team is led by husband and wife duo Ian Picache and Patricia Calfee, who will personally select exclusive offers from top health & beauty, food & beverage and lifestyle brands, providing access to daily offers that are available at a limited quantity for 24 hours, and to ongoing stable offers that are available for up to a one-week period.
“When Ian and I set out to start Bergine, we wanted to create a site that our friends and family would want to be a part of — a place that provides amazing offers and experiences from brands we love,” said Calfee, co-founder of Bergine.
“Los Angeles was a natural fit for Bergine, with its vast selection of chic spa, salon, epicurean and lifestyle experiences. We’ve forged partnerships with the most desirable brands and services offered in the area and are excited to introduce our members to the exclusive opportunities our partners are making available to us.”
With a commitment to providing its members with access to sought-after luxury brands and unique experiences that are relevant to their lives, Bergine carefully selects each partner and offer with its members in mind.
Bergine is designed to serve as the go-to online destination for Angelenos who appreciate a luxury lifestyle, from one-of-a-kind experiences to useful services.
Legacy of New York Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner
George Steinbrenner, the man who almost single handedly built the New York Yankees into a sports empire has died today at the age of 80.
Yankee owner George Steinbrenner had a heart attack and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Steinbrenner died around 6:30 a.m this morning.
It was fitting that George Michael Steinbrenner III was born on the Fourth of July, in 1930. The celebrated man had just celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this month on Independence Day.
George Steinbrenner has created a remarkable legacy that will last many years, not just in New York but all across the baseball world. The great popularity that Major League baseball now enjoys is due in large part to George Steinbrenner.
Prior to last year’s World series, commissioner Bud Selig was quoted, “People have forgotten that team had really slipped in the years before Georgie came along. The drama and glory of the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s and early ’60s was gone when he bought the team.As far as I’m concerned, he is a Hall of Fame owner.”
New York Yankee fans from around the world applauded George Steinbrenner’s “win-at-all-cost” style. But many of his harshest critics also blamed Steinbrenner for the spiraling out of control baseball player salaries and destroying the competitive balance of professional baseball.
Overall, Steinbrenner changed managers nearly two dozen times and got rid of more than a dozen general managers.
What nobody can ever take away from the the New York Yankees owner was his success. George Steinbrenner won seven World Series trophies under his ownership. The New York Yankees reached the World Series on different 10 occasions and won three straight baseball world championships from 1998 to 2000. During that amazing run, the Yankees won the AL (American League) East crown every season through 2006.
George Steinbrenner was well known for public and private feuds. He often clashed with Yankees great Yogi Berra and Joe Torre, and hired volatile manager Billy Martin five times, while at he same time repeatedly fighting with him.
Over the last year or two, Steinbrenner’s health declined. His personal friends and the Steinbrenner family were very careful to not divulge much information about his health condition. They all worked hard keeping outsiders from getting little more than just a peek of Steinbrenner in person.
Recently Steinbrenner let his sons, Hal and Hank, take on a greater role in running the family business. But until the very end, George Steinbrenner was still the owner of the famous New York Yankees and demanded championships.
Steinbrenner last public appearance was during the 2008 All-Star Game. He was driven in a golf cart and delivered baseballs to four New York legends throwing out first pitches. It was a very emotional moment as the large Yankee Stadium crowd wildly cheered. It appeared that Steinbrenner was sobbing.
“Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing,” Steinbrenner was fond of saying. “Breathing first, winning next.”
High-Profile Matchmaking by Nicole Westwood Agency – Finding True Love
I launched a luxury matchmaking service, The Nicole Westwood Agency, two years ago to cater to the high-end clients all over the country who are seeking the perfect woman to share their lives with.
My typical male clients run large companies or work in high profile jobs. Because of their positions, discretion is extremely important to them.
As a matchmaker, I build a close working relationship that is based on absolute trust. I only work with a select group of male clients, in order to give each of them the attention they deserve.
I am extremely selective about who I take on as a female client, only taking about 5-10% of the hundreds women who apply.
My typical female client might be a runway or print model, or the beautiful girl next door type, but she also is intelligent, witty, kind and has wide array of interests and ambitions. The most important thing I look for in my female clients is someone who is not only beautiful but has a beautiful heart.
As a matchmaker, I work with with my clients like any other specialist, understanding both the wants and needs my busy, high- profile clients. It is my job to go to work to find the exact person they seek, like a head hunter for love.
Often, my clients have very specific guidelines for who they are looking for. The more specific a client is, the more it helps me narrow down a perfect match.
Sometimes clients come to me knowing very little about what they are looking for and it is my job to help them discover what they are seeking in their ideal match and help them find her.
Going on a few dates with women that I have carefully selected for them (as well as the feedback they provide me after these dates) help me narrow down a potential match for a man who is not sure of what he is seeking.
The biggest high for me as a matchmaker is when I receive that call from my clients that they have met the woman they have been looking for- someone with whom they can share a wonderful relationship that enriches their lives for years to come.
