A funny thing about the affluent -- they are really just like you and me. Well, sort of. Their wealth allows them to travel, play golf, collect things and give to charity.But they also worry about the more mundane aspects of life such as family and maintaining their long-term security.

The transport of choice is the solidly Germanic Mercedes-Benz, followed by BMW and Porsche, and they love to collect things like art, wine and antiques.

A Sensus Research "truewealth report" released yesterday gives a rare glimpse into the world of "ultra-affluent" Canadians with a net worth of $10 million-plus. It shows they have the same concerns as the rest of us when it comes to wealth retention and family values.

And half of them dismiss the theory that money always makes you happier. In fact, nearly 50 per cent say wealth brings greater worry and responsibility.

David Bentall, founder of Next Step Advisors, which advises business families on financial matters and succession, said in an interview with The Province that he neither drives a Mercedes (he pilots a Jaguar), nor plays golf, but he confesses to a love for travel.

While there is nothing earth- shattering in the report he was "surprised" by how homogenous the group was in its thinking. "Anyone who is a thinking person knows that at the end of the day family is what matters most," Bentall said.

"Does money buy happiness? I would say a qualified 'yes.' Does it provide meaning in one's life. I would says a resounding 'no'," said Lorne Segal, president of Kingswood Properties Ltd., another survey participant.

"As I have accumulated more wealth, I have found that the power, influence and freedom that sometimes goes along with that has given me the opportunity to devote myself to creating things that give me meaning.

"Ultimately, true wealth and satisfaction come from offering others what you have to give," he said.

The exclusive report was commissioned and underwritten by the Vancouver-based T. Stenner Group, which manages the financial affairs of high-net-worth families.

The top wealth-related concern for one-third of respondents is maintaining their lifestyle. But they also say the top challenge of wealth is "maintaining a strong work ethic and sense of values in my family."

When it comes to leisure activities travel tops the list, followed by golf. The hotel of choice is the Four Seasons when travelling.

They are avid collectors.

Some 85 per cent own some type of collection, with art topping the list at 90 per cent, followed by antiques at 72 per cent and wine at 69 per cent.

They are generous, especially when it comes to children.

Of the 69 per cent who donated over $100,000 to philanthropic causes last year, 70 per cent committed their support to children's charities while 55 per cent committed to the arts.

But 60 per cent also acknowledge that "while I give to support a certain cause or organization, I am also mindful that it provides me with strategic personal tax and estate benefits."

When it comes to investing they are pretty conservative. Real estate doesn't rank that highly with them.