30 Facts About Warren

Early Life and Education

Warren Buffett's journey to becoming one of the world's most successful investors began early. His childhood and education played a significant role in shaping his future.

1. Born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, Warren Edward Buffett showed an early interest in business and investing.
2. By age 11, he made his first stock purchase, buying three shares of Cities Service Preferred for himself and three for his sister.
3. Buffett filed his first tax return at age 14, deducting his bicycle as a work expense for his paper route.
4. He attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in just three years with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
5. Buffett was rejected by Harvard Business School but later attended Columbia Business School, where he studied under Benjamin Graham, a renowned economist and investor.

Career Beginnings

Buffett's early career laid the foundation for his future success. His initial ventures and partnerships were crucial stepping stones.

6. After graduating from Columbia, Buffett worked for his mentor Benjamin Graham at Graham-Newman Corp.
7. In 1956, he started Buffett Partnership Ltd., an investment partnership in Omaha.
8. By 1962, Buffett had become a millionaire due to his partnerships, which he then merged into one entity.
9. He began purchasing shares in a struggling textile manufacturing firm called Berkshire Hathaway, which would later become his primary investment vehicle.
10. Buffett dissolved his partnerships in 1969, focusing solely on Berkshire Hathaway.

Investment Philosophy

Buffett's investment strategies are legendary. His principles and methods have inspired countless investors worldwide.

11. Known for his value investing approach, Buffett looks for undervalued companies with strong fundamentals.
12. He famously avoids technology stocks, preferring businesses he understands well.
13. Buffett's investment mantra is "buy and hold," meaning he prefers long-term investments over short-term gains.
14. He emphasizes the importance of a company's management, often saying he invests in people as much as businesses.
15. Buffett is a proponent of "economic moats," which are competitive advantages that protect a company from competitors.

Major Investments

Buffett's portfolio includes some of the most well-known companies in the world. His investment choices reflect his keen eye for value.

16. One of his most famous investments is Coca-Cola, in which he began buying shares in 1988.
17. He also has significant holdings in American Express, which he started acquiring in the 1960s.
18. Buffett's investment in Apple, which began in 2016, has become one of Berkshire Hathaway's largest holdings.
19. He has a long-standing investment in Wells Fargo, despite some controversies surrounding the bank.
20. Buffett's purchase of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in 2009 was one of his largest acquisitions, costing $34 billion.

Philanthropy

Buffett is not just known for his wealth but also for his generosity. His philanthropic efforts are as impressive as his investment acumen.

21. In 2006, Buffett pledged to give away 99% of his fortune to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
22. He co-founded The Giving Pledge with Bill Gates, encouraging billionaires to commit at least half of their wealth to charity.
23. Buffett has donated billions of dollars' worth of Berkshire Hathaway shares to various foundations and charities.
24. He supports educational initiatives, including the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after his late wife.
25. Despite his immense wealth, Buffett lives modestly, residing in the same Omaha house he bought in 1958 for $31,500.

Personal Life

Buffett's personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the investments. His habits and lifestyle choices are often surprising given his wealth.

26. He married Susan Thompson in 1952, and they had three children: Susie, Howard, and Peter.
27. After Susan's death in 2004, Buffett married his longtime companion, Astrid Menks, in 2006.
28. Known for his frugality, Buffett enjoys simple pleasures like playing bridge and eating at McDonald's.
29. He drives a modest car and prefers to avoid luxury items, reflecting his down-to-earth personality.
30. Despite his age, Buffett remains actively involved in managing Berkshire Hathaway, showing no signs of slowing down.

Warren Buffett's Legacy

Warren Buffett's life is a treasure trove of lessons. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the world's wealthiest individuals, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. His investment strategies, frugality, and philanthropy offer valuable insights for anyone looking to succeed in business or life. Buffett's commitment to giving away a significant portion of his wealth sets a powerful example of using success for the greater good. His annual letters to shareholders are a goldmine of wisdom, reflecting his deep understanding of markets and human behavior. Whether you're an aspiring investor or just curious about what makes a billionaire tick, Warren Buffett's story has something for everyone. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence generations to come, proving that with the right mindset and principles, extraordinary success is within reach.