I Asked ChatGPT How the Rich Will Spend Their Money in 2026 — Here’s What It Told Me
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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While there have been many predictions made about the housing market and the economy, few have suggested just how the most affluent will use their wealth in the new year.
In order to figure it out, I asked ChatGPT how the rich will spend their money in 2026. Here’s what the chatbot said.
Luxury Experiences
First, ChatGPT suggested that the wealthy would likely be spending money on experiences, not just material things. Things like exclusive trips may top the list when it comes to spending money for the rich.
The AI assistant expects that high-end dining and boutique hotel stays may be pricey items that the rich and ultra-rich are willing to pay for in the new year. It also expects the rich to spend money on experiential events. Overall, it is believed that a shift is happening from owning and showcasing luxury items to indulging in high-priced experiences.
According to Resident, a luxury lifestyle magazine, a key trend for the new year is traveling with intention. Luxury travelers are seeking depth, such as human-guided experiences and fully immersive trips in lieu of canned tours and designated hot spots.
Nest Investing
The wealthy are not just concerned with upgrading their travel in the new year; they also want increased comfort at home. Real estate continues to be something the rich are willing to spend money on in 2026, according to ChatGPT. Wealthy people are not only investing in new properties and vacation homes, but also spending huge amounts upgrading the ones they already own.
As reported in The Trend Report 2026 by Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, luxury real estate is no longer merely seen as an asset for high-net-worth individuals; it is treated as a way to preserve long-term wealth. In 2025 alone, the U.S. luxury housing market saw nearly 3% growth, compared to a 1.7% increase in the traditional market. The report also confirms that the rich are investing heavily in the “nests” they already own, placing a priority on creating a sanctuary.
Health and Wellness
Heavy spending among the wealthy is also expected in the health and wellness arena in 2026, according to ChatGPT. The chatbot noted that “high-end wellness retreats” and “personalized longevity programs” are on the menu. “Health is the ultimate luxury,” said the AI assistant.
The experts at Global Private Banker also acknowledged the trend after seeing a 2% drop in the price of high-end goods and services. High-net-worth individuals are spending money on things like “personalized diagnostics” and “preventive therapies,” signaling a high value placed on long-term health and wellness.
A New Kind of Luxury Goods
Overall, the rich are moving away from material things as a status or symbol of wealth, noted the chatbot, but it doesn’t mean that the luxury goods market is going away. While only forecasted for modest growth in the coming year, some areas of the industry are still projected to do well, including sustainable goods like lab-grown diamonds and smart luxury devices, such as wearable health-monitoring systems.
All of it aligns with the broader idea that wealth isn’t confined to a high-priced item; the new year is expected to bring spending on experiences and long-term gains. Luxury items will still be in existence and available only to the rich and ultra-rich, but both AI and experts in the industry believe that the most affluent will prioritize non-tangible things for the foreseeable future.
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