Joe Biden Net Worth and Biography 2024 Guide
What’s Joe Biden’s net worth, and how did he get there?
Well, let’s cut right to it. As of 2024, Joe Biden’s net worth is estimated to be between $9 million and $11 million. Not bad for a guy who’s spent most of his life in public service. His wealth comes from a mix of political salaries, book deals, real estate investments, and some high-paying speaking gigs. But it wasn’t always like this. Joe Biden wasn’t born into money, and he’s had his fair share of financial ups and downs over the years.
Let’s take a closer look at how a kid from Scranton, Pennsylvania, went from a middle-class upbringing to the Oval Office — and, of course, how his bank account followed along.
Early Life and Family Background
Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 20, 1942. He grew up in a working-class family. His father, Joe Biden Sr., wasn’t swimming in cash. In fact, they struggled for quite some time. His dad sold used cars to support the family, which probably explains Biden’s love for his 1967 Corvette. Meanwhile, his mom, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan, was the one who kept everything together at home.
As the oldest of four siblings, Joe learned early on about the importance of hard work. Despite their financial struggles, Biden’s parents always encouraged him to aim high. He went on to attend Archmere Academy, a private Catholic school, even though his family couldn’t really afford it. But Joe’s hardworking nature earned him scholarships to cover the costs.
He later attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science, and then earned a law degree from Syracuse University. While Joe wasn’t exactly at the top of his class, he was passionate about making a difference, and that’s what pushed him into politics.
Political Career Beginnings
At just 29 years old, Biden made history by becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972. But his celebration didn’t last long. Just a few weeks after his win, his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi were tragically killed in a car accident. His two sons, Beau and Hunter, were seriously injured but survived.
Biden thought about quitting politics altogether, but he decided to stay. He was sworn in as a senator right by his sons’ hospital beds. Over the next few decades, Biden built a reputation in the Senate, particularly for his work on foreign policy and crime legislation. He served as Delaware’s senator for an impressive 36 years.
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Vice Presidency (2009–2017)
After serving in the Senate for decades, Biden was chosen by Barack Obama as his running mate in the 2008 election. And they won! As Vice President, Biden was more than just a sidekick. He was deeply involved in both domestic and foreign policy, including the response to the 2008 financial crisis.
Biden played a major role in passing the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. He also led efforts to pull the U.S. out of its longest war in Iraq, though that wasn’t without controversy.
During his eight years as VP, Biden and Obama developed a close bond. They weren’t just colleagues—they became great friends. This was pretty clear when Obama awarded Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom right before leaving office in 2017. Biden was so shocked, he even cried a little. (Okay, maybe a lot.)
Joe Biden’s Net Worth in 2024
Alright, now to the part you’re really here for — Joe Biden’s net worth. You already know it’s estimated between $9 million and $11 million, but how exactly did he make that money?
1. Political Salary
As President of the United States, Biden earns a salary of $400,000 per year. Not too shabby, right? Before that, as Vice President, he was making $235,100 annually. And during his time as a U.S. Senator, his salary gradually increased from $42,500 when he first started in the 1970s to about $174,000 by the time he left the Senate in 2009.
2. Book Deals
Here’s where the real money came in. After leaving the White House in 2017, Biden and his wife Jill signed a multi-million dollar book deal with Flatiron Books. His memoir, “Promise Me, Dad”, brought in a hefty sum, and he’s also written other bestsellers. It’s safe to say that Biden’s pen did a lot of the heavy lifting for his bank account.
3. Speaking Engagements
Biden also cashed in on his popularity with speaking gigs. It’s reported that he earned up to $200,000 per speech after his time as Vice President. So, yeah, every time Biden took the stage, he was making some serious dough.
4. Real Estate
Joe and Jill Biden also have two homes in Delaware. Their primary residence is in Greenville, which is worth around $2.7 million. They also have a vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, which is valued at over $2 million. Real estate has been a significant part of their wealth.
Family and Personal Life
Joe Biden’s personal life is both heartbreaking and inspiring. After losing his first wife and daughter, Biden raised his two sons, Beau and Hunter, while juggling his Senate duties. In 1977, he married Jill Biden, an educator who’s been by his side ever since. Together, they have one daughter, Ashley Biden, a social worker.
One of the biggest blows in Biden’s life came in 2015, when his eldest son Beau Biden died of brain cancer. Beau had followed in his father’s footsteps, serving as the Attorney General of Delaware and was seen as a rising star in politics. Biden has often spoken about how Beau’s death affected him and how it continues to drive his passion for public service.
Today, Biden is also a proud grandfather, and he’s often seen spending time with his grandkids. He’s spoken about how important family is to him, and how they help him keep going, even during tough times.
Major Life Achievements and Legacy
Joe Biden has had a long and accomplished career. He helped pass key legislation like the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, and played a major role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. But his biggest achievement? Becoming the 46th President of the United States in 2020.
During his presidency, he’s worked on some massive issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, and climate change. Whether you love him or not, it’s clear that Biden’s impact on American politics is huge.
Lifestyle and Personal Interests
Now, let’s get to the fun part. What does Joe Biden like to do when he’s not running the country?
For starters, he’s a big car enthusiast. Biden loves his 1967 Corvette Stingray, a gift from his dad, and he’s been seen driving it around in photos and videos. If he wasn’t in politics, you could probably find him at a classic car show.
Biden is also a fan of cycling. He’s been spotted on his bike during weekends and vacations. It’s no surprise that staying active is important to him, given that he’s the oldest president in U.S. history.
Future Prospects
So, what’s next for Joe Biden? Well, we’ll have to wait and see. As of now, there’s talk about him running for re-election in 2024, but nothing is set in stone. If he decides to retire, though, you can bet that Biden will still stay active in public life, whether it’s through philanthropy, writing more books, or giving more speeches.
But one thing’s for sure: Joe Biden’s legacy in American politics will be talked about for years to come.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s financial journey is a testament to his long and varied career in public service. From his modest beginnings in Scranton to his current status as one of the most powerful individuals in the world, Biden’s net worth reflects decades of hard work, public service, and recent lucrative ventures in writing and speaking.
For political enthusiasts and financial analysts alike, Biden’s financial disclosures offer a fascinating glimpse into the economics of a life dedicated to public service. For the general public, his story serves as a reminder that wealth accumulation can happen later in life, especially after years of dedication and perseverance.