Happy Birthday Buffett: Let's celebrate quirks of world's richest man
What's the story
Warren Buffett, better known as the 'Oracle of Omaha', turns 89 today. The business magnate, investing legend, and philanthropist sits proudly among the richest people in the world with an estimated net worth of $82 billion. But, beyond his business achievements and philanthropic deeds, there's much more to know about Buffett. Let's take a look at some things you probably didn't know about him.
Fact #1
Buffett started investing at 11, amassed $53,000 by 16
When most of us are busy with friends, comics, and games, Buffett decided to build his life around money. Inspired by an NYSE member, he bought stocks of Cities Service Preferred at $38 apiece; he was just 11 that time. Soon, he started making more money than his teachers and amassed as much as $53,000 by the age of 16.
Information
Buffett delivered Washington Post
During the same period, Buffett used to deliver the Washington Post newspaper in his neighborhood. He used to challenge himself to cover his daily target of five buildings more than the last time.
Fact #2
He eats like a 6-year-old
Another mind-boggling fact about Buffett is his diet. In an interview with Fortune, the billionaire revealed that he eats literally like a six-year-old, as "the lowest death rate is among 6-year-olds." He starts his day with either potato sticks and soda or a bowl of ice cream and indulges in at least five 12-ounce Coca-Cola servings every day.
Fact #3
Buffett has been living in the same house since 1958
You won't believe this one. Despite being a billionaire and one of the world's most powerful and richest men in the world, Buffett never indulged in fancy, expensive cars, vacation homes or mansions. In fact, since 1958, he has been living in the same five-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Omaha house that he had purchased for $31,500.
Fact #4
He doesn't use Twitter
Buffett has a verified Twitter account with 1.6 million followers but hasn't used the service on its own. He has a total of seven published tweets, which he once said had been written by someone else. "I have this friend that talked me into getting a Twitter feed," he told CNBC. "But, the answer is I've never tweeted anything really myself."
Fact #5
Money-minded Buffett uses flip phone; rarely emails
Back in 2013, Buffett told CNBC's Piers Morgan that he had been using a Nokia flip phone. "This is the one Alexander Graham Bell gave me," Buffett joked, adding that, "I don't throw anything away until I've had it [for] 20 or 25 years." Plus, he claims to have sent only a single email to his close friend who was an employee at Microsoft.