Since the beginning of the year, I have written several blog entries about how the recession kicked my ass and taught me the lesson of a lifetime. It reacquainted and married me off to the word, “frugal” and I thought I was doing pretty well too at being frugal. However, while stalking MSN money earlier today, I came across an article that made me realise my frugal ways are nothing at all compared to these guys.
Warren Buffett
Millions of people read Warren Buffett's books and follow every move of his company, Berkshire Hathaway. But the real secret to Buffett's personal fortune may be his penchant for frugality. Buffett, who is worth an estimated $47 billion, eschews opulent homes and luxury items. He still lives in a modest home in Omaha, Neb., that he purchased for $31,500 more than 50 years ago. Although Buffett has dined in the best restaurants around the globe, given the choice, he would opt for a good burger and fries accompanied by a cold cherry Coke. When asked why he doesn't own a yacht, he responded, "Most toys are just a pain in the neck."
Carlos Slim Helú
While most of the world is very familiar with Bill Gates, the name Carlos Slim Helú rarely rings a bell. But it's a name worth knowing. Slim, a native of Mexico, was recently named the world's richest person -- that's right, richer than the Microsoft co-founder. (Microsoft publishes MSN Money.) Slim is worth more than $53 billion, and, while he could afford the world's most extravagant luxuries, he rarely indulges. He, like Buffett, doesn't own a yacht or plane, and he has lived in the same home for more than 40 years.
Ingvar Kamprad
The founder of Swedish furniture phenomenon Ikea struck success with affordable, assemble-it-yourself furniture. For Ingvar Kamprad, figuring out how to save money isn't just for his customers, it's a high personal value. He's been quoted as saying, "Ikea people do not drive flashy cars or stay at luxury hotels." That goes for the founder as well. He flies coach for business, and when he needs to get around town locally, he either takes a bus or heads out in his 15-year-old Volvo 240 GL.
5 billionaires Living Below Their Means by Investopedia
Warren Buffett
Millions of people read Warren Buffett's books and follow every move of his company, Berkshire Hathaway. But the real secret to Buffett's personal fortune may be his penchant for frugality. Buffett, who is worth an estimated $47 billion, eschews opulent homes and luxury items. He still lives in a modest home in Omaha, Neb., that he purchased for $31,500 more than 50 years ago. Although Buffett has dined in the best restaurants around the globe, given the choice, he would opt for a good burger and fries accompanied by a cold cherry Coke. When asked why he doesn't own a yacht, he responded, "Most toys are just a pain in the neck."
Carlos Slim Helú
While most of the world is very familiar with Bill Gates, the name Carlos Slim Helú rarely rings a bell. But it's a name worth knowing. Slim, a native of Mexico, was recently named the world's richest person -- that's right, richer than the Microsoft co-founder. (Microsoft publishes MSN Money.) Slim is worth more than $53 billion, and, while he could afford the world's most extravagant luxuries, he rarely indulges. He, like Buffett, doesn't own a yacht or plane, and he has lived in the same home for more than 40 years.
Ingvar Kamprad
The founder of Swedish furniture phenomenon Ikea struck success with affordable, assemble-it-yourself furniture. For Ingvar Kamprad, figuring out how to save money isn't just for his customers, it's a high personal value. He's been quoted as saying, "Ikea people do not drive flashy cars or stay at luxury hotels." That goes for the founder as well. He flies coach for business, and when he needs to get around town locally, he either takes a bus or heads out in his 15-year-old Volvo 240 GL.
(To Be Continued)
This article was reported by Katie Adams for Investopedia.
Published May 12, 2010
0 comments:
Post a Comment