Special Report
The 10 Richest U.S. Presidents
February 13, 2014 3:36 am
Last Updated: February 14, 2014 5:48 pm
10. John Fitzgerald Kennedy
> Net worth: $1 billion (never inherited his father’s fortune)
> In office: 1961 to 1963
> 35th president
Kennedy was born into wealth and married into it. His father was one of the wealthiest men in America and the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. His wife, too, was an oil heiress. Almost all of JFK’s income and property came from a trust shared with other family members.
9. William Jefferson Clinton
> Net Worth: $55 million
> In office: 1993 – 2001
> 42nd president
Unlike other presidents, Clinton did not inherit any wealth and gained little net worth during 20 plus years of public service. After his time in the White House, however, he earned a substantial income as an author and public speaker. In 2005, Clinton earned a $15 million advance on his book “My Life.” Former Secretary Clinton’s advance for her upcoming autobiography is expected to be nearly as much. In 2011, the former president was paid $750,000 alone to speak in Hong Kong for Ericsson. By 2012, the former president was estimated to have earned over $100 million. Secretary Clinton has started contributing to the family fortune since leaving office. It is reported that she earns more than $200,000 per speech.
ALSO READ: Five Unusual Alternatives to Investing in Gold
8. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
> Net worth: $60 million
> In office: 1933 to 1945
> 32nd president
Roosevelt’s wealth came through inheritance and marriage. He owned the 800-acre Springwood estate, as well as properties in Georgia, Maine, and New York. In 1919, his mother had to bail him out of financial difficulty. He spent most of his adult life in public service. Before he was president, Roosevelt was appointed assistant secretary of the Navy by President Wilson.
7. Herbert Clark Hoover
> Net worth: $75 million
> In office: 1929 to 1933
> 31st president
An orphan, Hoover was raised by his uncle, a doctor. Hoover made a fortune as a mining company executive. He had a generous salary for 17 years and had extensive holdings in mining companies. Hoover donated his presidential salary to charity. He also owned “Hoover House” in Monterey, Calif.
ALSO READ: Eight Outrageous CEO Perks
6. Lyndon Baines Johnson
> Net worth: $98 million
> In office: 1963 to 1969
> 36th president
Johnson’s father lost all the family’s money when LBJ was a boy. Over time, the 36th president had accumulated 1,500 acres in Blanco County, Texas, which included his home, called the Texas White House. He and his wife owned a radio and television station in Austin, Texas, and they had a variety of other moderate holdings, including livestock and private aircraft.
Sponsored: Tips for Investing
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.