George W. Bush's Net Worth in 2018: A Deep Dive into the Former President's Wealth
Hello there, history buffs and financial enthusiasts! Today, we're going to take a stroll down memory lane and peek into the bank account of the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. We're talking about his net worth, of course, and we're going to focus on the year 2018. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Net Worth and ge bush net worth 2018.
From Texas Oilman to Commander-in-Chief: A Brief Overview
Before we delve into the numbers, let's quickly recap how George Walker Bush, or Dubya as some affectionately called him, made his fortune. Born into a political dynasty, the son of George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush had a head start in life. But it was his business acumen, not his family name, that truly set him on the path to becoming a millionaire.
Starting out as an oilman in the 1970s, Bush co-founded the energy company Arbusto Energy. He later sold it and formed a new company, Bush Exploration, which was eventually sold to Spectrum 7. His success in the oil industry led him to become the managing general partner of the Texas Rangers baseball team in the mid-1980s.
The Road to the White House: How Bush's Wealth Grew
Bush's political career, which culminated in his presidency from 2001 to 2009, also played a significant role in his growing net worth. As governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000, Bush earned a salary of around $150,000 per year. But it was his investments and business ventures that truly padded his bank account.
Investments and Real Estate
Bush's investment portfolio was diverse, ranging from mutual funds and stocks to real estate. According to Financial Times, in 2007, Bush's investment portfolio was valued at around $18.7 million. This included investments in Exxon Mobil, General Electric, and Microsoft, among others.
As for real estate, the Bush family owned several properties across the United States. In 2018, their portfolio included a $1.14 million home in Dallas, Texas, and a $1.6 million home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Book Deals and Speaking Engagements
After leaving office in 2009, Bush wrote his memoir, Decision Points, which was published in 2010. The book was a New York Times bestseller, and Bush reportedly earned around $15 million from the advance and royalties.
Bush also gave numerous paid speeches and served on the boards of several companies, further adding to his net worth. According to The Washington Post, Bush earned around $15 million from speaking fees and book royalties between 2009 and 2012.
George W. Bush's Net Worth in 2018: The Big Reveal
Now, let's talk turkey. As of 2018, Celebrity Net Worth estimated George W. Bush's net worth to be around $35 million. This figure takes into account his investments, real estate, book deals, and speaking engagements, as well as his presidential pension.
It's important to note that Bush's net worth has varied over the years, and different sources may provide different estimates. But based on available data, it's safe to say that Bush was worth several million dollars in 2018.
The Bush Presidential Library and Museum: Giving Back
While Bush has certainly amassed a significant fortune, he's also used a portion of his wealth to give back to the community. In 2013, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum opened its doors on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
The library and museum, which houses over 43,000 artifacts, cost around $250 million to build. The Bush family reportedly contributed around $50 million to the project, with the rest of the funding coming from private donations and the federal government.
Life After the White House: Bush's Philanthropic Efforts
Bush has been involved in various philanthropic efforts since leaving office. In 2009, he and his wife, Laura Bush, launched the Bush Center at SMU, which houses the presidential library and museum, as well as the Bush Institute, a public policy think tank.
The Bush Institute focuses on several key areas, including education reform, global health, and human freedom. Bush has also been involved in various disaster relief efforts, including the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, which was established to help victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Final Thoughts: George W. Bush's Legacy
So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at George W. Bush's net worth in 2018. Whether you're a fan of his policies or not, there's no denying that Bush has had a significant impact on American politics and has amassed a considerable fortune along the way.
But as we've seen, Bush hasn't just used his wealth to pad his bank account. He's also used it to give back to the community, through the presidential library and museum, the Bush Institute, and various philanthropic efforts.
What do you think of George W. Bush's net worth in 2018? Do you think he's used his wealth wisely? Let us know in the comments below!