Warren Buffett has a lot to celebrate today.
Not only is it the 87th birthday of the man known as the Oracle of Omaha, it’s also his 11th wedding anniversary. But it’s a safe bet both celebrations will be low-key, in Buffett’s hallmark style—maybe with a trip to Dairy Queen (where he can use the BOGO Blizzard coupon the company offers Fan Club members).
With an estimated net worth of $76.8 billion dollars, Buffett, the new largest shareholder of Bank of America, has earned more than $2.4 million for every day he has walked this earth. So what has changed since the day he was born in Omaha? A lot.
Dow Jones Industrial Average
Aug. 29, 1930: 240.42
Aug. 29, 2017: 21,865.37
Inflation-adjusted value of $114 (the amount Buffett paid for his first investment – three shares of Cities Services Preferred)
1930: $1,670.99
2017: $114
Price of a gallon of gas
1930: 10 cents
2017: $3.325
Average American net income
1930: $4,887
2015 (most recent year available): $53,889
Of course, today’s not just about Buffett. On his 76th birthday, he married Astrid Menks, his longtime companion, in a small private ceremony. The modern gift suggestion for 11 years is diamonds, but Buffett’s not a showy person, so he may opt for the more traditional steel.
After all, he does own a steel company.