|
Billionaires' purchases and consumables are typically considered top-tier and expensive by us ordinary folks. We often assume they live in luxury homes, drive extravagant cars, dine on truffle caviar, and indulge in the most expensive wines. However, my perspective changed when I read about how Warren Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha" and one of the world's wealthiest individuals, lives his life.
Not too long ago, Warren Buffett's wife, Astrid, attended an annual event at the Sun Valley resort in Idaho, hosted by the boutique investment bank Allen & Company. To everyone's surprise, she was overheard complaining about the price of coffee to resort staff. In this so-called "billionaire summer camp," someone unintentionally heard 77-year-old Astrid express her discontent with the $4 price of a cup of coffee, believing that she could get a pound of coffee for the same price elsewhere.
Isn't that surprising? Warren Buffett, now 92 years old, with a net worth of approximately $115 billion and ranked 7th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, found a $4 coffee to be expensive. It turns out that despite being a billionaire, Buffett is renowned for his frugality. In the past, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a close friend of Buffett, recalled how this billionaire once pulled out a coupon to buy McDonald's, an action that doesn't typically align with the behavior of a billionaire.
What's even more unexpected is that Buffett's home is relatively modest, purchased for around $31,500 in 1958. Perhaps this is why a $4 cup of coffee surprised Astrid so much. According to reports, the coffee that shocked Astrid was served at the Konditorei café within the resort, where the cheapest coffee costs $4.
Looking at the café's website, you can see that it offers pastries, coffee, and brunch. In fact, this café has made quite an impression, serving as one of the few restaurants within the Sun Valley resort to host some of the world's most influential individuals during their annual summit.
Now I understand why I'm not wealthy; I occasionally buy that $4 coffee. Warren Buffett's frugality is something we should all learn from – even the wealthy avoid extravagance, so what more should those of us with fewer means do? I guess it's time for some self-reflection! |
This post contains more resources
You have to Login for download or view attachment(s). No Account? Register
x
|