These households did not become rich overnight.

These millionaire households understand that calculated risks are still a necessity within their portfolio design. However, over 50 percent have become much more conservative in their investment approach over the past year.

With the increasing number of millionaire households, comes an increasing confidence as over three-quarters of high-net worth households feel they will be financially prepared for retirement. These millionaire households understand that calculated risks are still a necessity within their portfolio design, however, over 50 percent have become much more conservative in their investment approach over the past year.

The growth we've seen this year is largely due to measured planning and active reinvestment. When asked about their investment approach over the past year, 61 percent of millionaires said their approach has changed very little, indicating they have a strategy and they are sticking to it.

More and more we are seeing financial institutions offer planning services designed specifically for the emerging market. As these households continue to take advantage of these tools, we're seeing their numbers increase.

The average investor may have exited the market post 9/11, but these households simply stayed the course, letting their investments regain value over time. This strategy is starting to pay off. Some investment losses were offset by gains in real estate, but for the most part, ownership of stocks and bonds remained fairly stable.