A survey of 200 Wall Streeters making at least $2MM in bonuses last year, done by Prince & Associates and reported on by the WSJ reveals a few stereotypical spending trends: big ballers actually do spend a decent chunk of change on things like jewelry and watches — 11.2% of the bonus pie, to be precise (although it’s unclear if the pie represents each person’s spending, or all 200 budgets added together.)

A grouping of consumption called “Other”, which includes horses, flying lessons and “mistresses and other lovers” was the third largest share of the pie, with 14.4%, which leads me to believe the survey needs better categories.

While savings and investment, a category which includes day-to-day expenses (not exactly what I would call savings, but okay), had the biggest share at 16.5%, the WSJ made a big deal about how low that rate seems for people who have such high “burn” rates. While 16% does seem low, I think real estate, which was another 16.1% and home improvements (10.2%) should probably both count towards savings and investment, for a total of about 42% — pretty significant. You could even make the case for art.

And for those of you feeling a massive case of envy coming on, read this from one banker at Morgan Stanley: “I work 18-hour days, six days a week. I’m sitting on planes for 20 hours straight and I’m dealing with high-pressure decisions … I deserve rewards.”
Here’s the rest of the list:

1. Savings & investing — 16.5%
2. Residence purchase — 16.1%
3. Other — 14.4%
4. Art, collectibles — 11.9%
5. Jewelry, watches — 11.2%
6. Home improvements — 10.2%
7. Personal services — 6%
8. Charity — 4.2%
9. Debt reduction — 3.4%
10. Luxury cars — 2.8%
11. Electronics, toys — 1.8%
12. Personal, family travel — 1.5%