We entrepreneurs like to stay up on the business news, and The Forbes 400 is always a must-read. This is the annual list compiled by Forbes Magazine of the richest Americans. You want an interesting snapshot of today’s America? The first words of the story accompanying this year’s list say it all: “One billion dollars is no longer enough.” 82 American billionaires weren’t rich enough to make the Top 400.
Bill Gates made it, to the top, again. And Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, was ranked 2nd. That’s a combined $107 billion of net worth, and each man saw that net worth rise $6 billion in the last year. These two also combine a lot of that money into the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which in turn brings it to bear against some of the pressing problems around the world.
The Top 10 made their money making computers and operating systems and software, organizing navigation on the internet, and a large number made their money managing money.
To make the list of “richest Americans” today, you have to have a net worth of $1.3 billion.
Half of the 45 newest members of the 400 club are involved in hedge funds and private equity investments.
Of the 400, 270 were self-made, 74 inherited their wealth, and there were 39 women. Some random names: New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg (25) $11.5 billion, David Geffen (52) $6.0 billion, Ross Perot (76), $4.4 billion, David Rockefeller (149) $2.7 billion, Oprah Winfrey (165) $2.5 billion.
Oh, well. Back to work.
Services | Bankruptcy Forms Processing | Packages
FAQs – Aretha Gaskin | Free Reports | Contact
Comments