How does newly single Bill Gates spend his US$130 billion fortune? As divorce from Melinda is announced, here’s a look at the frugal Microsoft founder’s biggest splurges

May 5 , 2021

Bill Gates is going it alone after announcing his divorce from wife Melinda, so what next for the Microsoft billionaire? Photo: AFP

Unlike Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, Gates is a philanthropist who has invested millions in developing a Covid-19 vaccine and billions in education

From his Citizen Kane-inspired Washington mansion Xanadu 2.0 to his first Porsche 911, the tech billionaire hasn’t been afraid to treat himself over the years

ICYMI: Bill and Melinda Gates are ending their 27-year marriage.

The couple announced the news in a statement posted to Twitter on Monday, saying that while they plan to continue working together at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, they no longer believe they can continue growing as a couple.

Bill Gates might have more time alone to read, following the announcement of his divorce. Photo: @thisisbillgates/Instagram

Gates, who co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, is today worth US$130.5 billion, according to Forbes. He’s one of only eight moguls worth over US$100 billion and is currently the fourth-richest person in the world.

Despite a reputation for philanthropy and frugality, Gates, 65, has made some lavish purchases over the years: he owns a Washington estate worth US$127 million, a private aeroplane and a luxury car collection. More recently, he dropped US$43 million on a 5,800 sq ft home in Del Mar, California. But these indulgences make up only a fraction of his massive fortune, and Gates isn’t known to throw his money around.

Bill and Melinda Gates just announced the end of their marriage after 27 years. Photo: @thisisbillgates/Instagram

In fact, the couple previously said it’s unfair that they’re so rich. Instead of spending billions on themselves, they often donate it to charity through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They’ve also pledged to give away most of their fortune through the Giving Pledge, which they launched in 2010.

Keep reading for a look at how the newly single Bill Gates spends his billions.

He was recently demoted down the wealth rankings

Happier days? Bill Gates smiles while being interviewed. Photo: AP

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