4 Surprising Places Bill Gates Keeps His Money (Hint: Almost None Is in a Bank)
Written by
Adam Palasciano
Edited by
Cory Dudak
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Bill Gates, known as Microsoft co-founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is an icon in the world of investors. According to Forbes, Gates is the seventh richest person in the world, with a staggering net worth of $127.7 billion as of February 29th, 2024.
You might be wondering how Gates became so rich. It wasn’t by keeping his money in a savings account.
4 Places Where Bill Gates Keeps His Money
Here are four areas Gates invests in, which have grown his wealth over the years:
Real Estate
Real estate is one of the most common assets among wealthy investors, and Gates is no exception, according to Business Insider. In addition to his estate in Medina, Washington (named Xanadu 2.0) — which took seven years to build for $63 million — he has purchased many other incredible properties. Gates bought a 4.5-acre vacation ranch in Wellington, Florida, with a 12,864-square-foot mansion. In addition, he spent $27 million to buy other properties in the area which is known for wealthy equestrians. He’s also purchased a $43 million home in Del Mar, California, and a 228-acre property in Rancho Paseana, California which he purchased for $18 million, among other lavish properties.Â
Cars
It’s reported that Gates is an avid luxury car collector. His first significant car purchase was a Porsche 911, which was later auctioned off for $80,000. He even has a Porsche 959 in his car collection. His car collection encompasses a small part of Gates’ net worth.Â
Stocks
U.S. News & World Report explained that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust’s investment portfolio is worth $42.3 billion as of Dec. 31, 2023. The seven primary investments in the portfolio include Microsoft Corp., Warren Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Canadian National Railway Co., Waste Management Inc., Caterpillar Inc., Deere & Co., and Ecolab Inc.
Philanthropy Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity organization founded in 2000 by Gates and his then-wife, Melinda. The organization focuses on several divisions, including but not limited to agricultural development, inclusive financial systems, water sanitation and hygiene, and women in leadership.
The organization’s work spans continents, including places like the United States, Africa, China, Europe, and the Middle East. Gates has transferred a great deal of his accumulated wealth from Microsoft to the foundation, and one day he plans to give all of his wealth to his charity foundation.
More From GOBankingRates
