Early Life and Education of Warren Buffett: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Warren Buffett. From birth to education, explore key events.
Warren Buffett is a highly successful American investor and philanthropist, serving as the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Renowned for his investment acumen, Buffett is globally recognized as one of the foremost investors. As of February 17, 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $149.6 billion, positioning him as the seventh wealthiest person worldwide.
August 30, 1930: Warren Buffett's Birth
On August 30, 1930, Warren Edward Buffett was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He would later become a renowned investor and philanthropist.
1942: Father's Election to Congress
In 1942, Howard Buffett, Warren's father, was elected to the United States Congress, leading the family to move to Washington, D.C.
1944: First Income Tax Return
In 1944, Warren Buffett filed his first income tax return, claiming a $35 deduction for his bicycle and watch used on his paper route.
1945: Pinball Machine Business
In 1945, Warren Buffett and a friend purchased a used pinball machine for $25 and started a business, eventually owning machines in three barber shops before selling the business to a war veteran for $1,200.
1947: Enrollment at Wharton School
In 1947, Warren Buffett enrolled at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, influenced by his father's encouragement, and joined the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
1947: High School Graduation
In 1947, Warren Buffett graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, with his yearbook noting his interest in math and future as a stockbroker.
1949: Bought a ukulele
In 1949, Warren Buffett developed a crush on a young woman and, in an attempt to compete with her boyfriend, bought a ukulele. His music interest became a key part of his becoming a part of Susan Thompson's life, and led to their marriage.
1950: Rejection from Harvard Business School
In the spring of 1950, Warren Buffett was rejected by Harvard Business School.
1951: Employment at Buffett-Falk & Co.
From 1951, Warren Buffett worked as an investment salesman at his father's firm, Buffett-Falk & Co.
1951: Discovery and Initial Investment in GEICO
In 1951, Warren Buffett discovered Benjamin Graham's involvement with GEICO insurance, leading him to visit GEICO's headquarters and meet Lorimer Davidson, resulting in Buffett's first purchase of GEICO stock.
1951: Graduation from University of Nebraska and Enrollment at Columbia
In 1951, Warren Buffett graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Nebraska and earned a Master of Science in economics from Columbia Business School. He was influenced by Benjamin Graham.
1952: Marriage to Susan Thompson
In 1952, Warren Buffett married Susan Thompson at Dundee Presbyterian Church.
1954: Employment at Graham-Newman Corp.
From 1954, Warren Buffett worked as a securities analyst at Graham-Newman Corp.
1954: Job at Benjamin Graham's Partnership
In 1954, Warren Buffett accepted a job at Benjamin Graham's partnership with a starting salary of $12,000 a year, working alongside Walter Schloss.
1954: Birth of son Howard
In 1954, Warren Buffett and Susan Thompson had their second child, Howard.
1956: General Partner in Investment Partnerships
From 1956, Warren Buffett worked as the general partner in several investment partnerships.
1956: Graham's Retirement and Buffett's Return to Omaha
In 1956, Benjamin Graham retired and closed his partnership, leading Warren Buffett, with savings over $174,000, to return to Omaha and start a series of investment partnerships.
1956: Creation of Buffett Partnership Ltd.
In 1956, Warren Buffett created Buffett Partnership Ltd. This entity would serve as one of his early investment vehicles.
1957: Operation of Investment Partnerships
In 1957, Warren Buffett operated three investment partnerships.
1958: Sanborn Stock Price
In 1958, Sanborn stock sold for $45 per share, but the company's investment portfolio was worth $65 per share.
1958: Birth of son Peter
In 1958, Warren Buffett and Susan Thompson had their third child, Peter.
1958: Purchase of Omaha Home
In 1958, Warren Buffett purchased a five-bedroom stucco house in Omaha for $31,500, where he still resides as of 2024.
1959: Introduction to Charlie Munger
In 1959, Warren Buffett was introduced to Charlie Munger, who would become his future partner, during a business luncheon at The Omaha Club.
1961: Investment in Sanborn Map Company
In 1961, Warren Buffett revealed that 35% of his partnership's assets were invested in the Sanborn Map Company, leading him to purchase 23% of the company's shares and secure a board seat.
1962: Buffett Becomes a Millionaire
In 1962, Warren Buffett became a millionaire due to the success of his partnerships, which held over $7,178,500. He merged his partnerships into Buffett Partnership, Ltd.
1965: Control of Berkshire Hathaway
In 1965, Warren Buffett's partnerships aggressively purchased shares of Berkshire Hathaway at $14.86 per share and he took control of the company, naming Ken Chace as president.
1966: Partnership Closed to New Money
In 1966, Warren Buffett closed his partnership to new money, later stating that the textile business had been his worst trade.
1967: First and Only Dividend Payout
In 1967, Berkshire Hathaway paid out its first and only dividend of 10 cents.
1969: End of Buffett's Investment Partnerships
In 1969, Warren Buffet ceased being a general partner in his investment partnerships.
1969: Liquidation of Partnership
In 1969, Warren Buffett liquidated his partnership, transferring assets to his partners, including shares of Berkshire Hathaway. He then lived on a $50,000 salary and outside investment income.
1970: Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
From 1970, Warren Buffett has been the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
1970: Chairman and Majority Shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway
In 1970, Warren Buffett became the chairman and majority shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, transitioning it into a diversified holding company.
1970: Buffett as Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway
Since 1970, Warren Buffett has served as the chairman and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway. This role has solidified his position as a leading figure in the business world.
1971: Purchase of Laguna Beach Vacation Home
In 1971, Warren Buffett purchased a vacation home in Laguna Beach, California for $150,000.
1973: Acquisition of Washington Post Company Stock
In 1973, Berkshire Hathaway began acquiring stock in the Washington Post Company, leading to a friendship between Warren Buffett and Katharine Graham.
1974: SEC Investigation
In 1974, the SEC opened an investigation into Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of Wesco Financial over possible conflict of interest, but no charges were brought.
1977: Astrid lived with Buffett
Astrid Menks had lived with Warren Buffett since his wife's departure to San Francisco in 1977.
1977: Purchase of Buffalo Evening News
In 1977, Berkshire Hathaway indirectly purchased the Buffalo Evening News for $32.5 million, leading to antitrust charges instigated by its rival, the Buffalo Courier-Express.
1977: Separation from Susan
In 1977, Warren Buffett and Susan Thompson began living separately, although they remained married.
1979: Acquisition of ABC Stock
In 1979, Berkshire Hathaway began acquiring stock in ABC.
1982: Closure of Buffalo Courier-Express
In 1982, the Buffalo Courier-Express folded after both it and the Buffalo Evening News experienced financial losses.
March 18, 1985: Capital Cities Purchase of ABC
On March 18, 1985, Capital Cities announced a $3.5 billion purchase of ABC. Warren Buffett helped finance the deal for a 25% stake in the combined company, Capital Cities/ABC.
1985: Buffett's Appearance on Adam Smith's Money World
In 1985, Warren Buffett appeared on Adam Smith's Money World, reportedly his first television appearance.
1985: Sale of Berkshire Hathaway Mills
In 1985, the last of the mills that had been the core business of Berkshire Hathaway was sold, marking a shift away from the textile industry.
1987: Purchase of Stake in Salomon Inc.
In 1987, Berkshire Hathaway purchased a 12% stake in Salomon Inc., making Warren Buffett the largest shareholder and a director.
1988: Investment in The Coca-Cola Company
In 1988, Warren Buffett began buying The Coca-Cola Company stock, eventually purchasing up to 7% of the company for $1.02 billion, marking one of Berkshire's most lucrative investments.
1990: Salomon Brothers Scandal
In 1990, a scandal surfaced involving John Gutfreund and Paul Mozer at Salomon Brothers.
August 1991: Gutfreund Leaves Salomon, Buffett Becomes Chairman
In August 1991, John Gutfreund left Salomon Brothers, and Warren Buffett became chairman until the crisis passed.
1998: Acquisition of General Re
In 1998, Warren Buffett acquired General Re (Gen Re) as a subsidiary, but it presented challenges due to inadequate underwriting standards.
2001: Ownership of Lincoln Town Car
In 2006, Warren Buffett auctioned his 2001 Lincoln Town Car on eBay to raise money for Girls, Inc., implying ownership of the car in 2001.
2002: Involvement with AIG
In 2002, Warren Buffett became involved with Maurice R. Greenberg at AIG, after which Gen Re provided reinsurance.
July 2004: Death of Susan Buffett
In July 2004, Warren Buffett's wife, Susan Buffett, passed away. The couple had been separated since 1977 but remained married.
2004: Estate of Wife to Buffett Foundation
In 2004, the bulk of the estate of Warren Buffett's wife, valued at $2.6 billion, went to the Buffett Foundation after her death.
March 15, 2005: Greenberg Resigns from AIG
On March 15, 2005, Maurice R. Greenberg was forced to resign from his position as chairman and CEO of AIG after New York state regulators claimed that AIG had engaged in questionable transactions and improper accounting.
February 9, 2006: AIG Pays Fine
On February 9, 2006, AIG agreed to pay a $1.6 billion fine following investigations into accounting fraud.
December 2006: Report on Technology Usage
In December 2006, it was reported that Warren Buffett did not carry a mobile phone, did not have a computer at his desk, and drove his own Cadillac DTS.
2006: Disowning of Nicole Buffett
In 2006, Warren Buffett disowned his son Peter's adopted daughter, Nicole, after she participated in the Jamie Johnson documentary The One Percent.
2006: Sponsorship of Buffett Cup
In 2006, Warren Buffett sponsored a bridge match called the Buffett Cup, modeled after the Ryder Cup in golf.
2006: Marriage to Astrid Menks
In 2006, on his 76th birthday, Warren Buffett married his longtime companion, Astrid Menks.
2007: Support for Bo Pelini Hire
Following the 2007 season, Warren Buffett supported the hire of Bo Pelini as the Nebraska football coach.
July 2, 2008: Attendance at Obama Fundraiser
On July 2, 2008, Warren Buffett attended a $28,500 per plate fundraiser for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in Chicago.
2009: Ralph Nader's Book
In 2009, Ralph Nader wrote "Only the Super Rich Can Save Us," a novel featuring Warren Buffett leading a movement of billionaires.
2009: Meeting with Billionaires
In 2009, Warren Buffett met with other billionaires to discuss healthcare, education, and slowing population growth.
2009: Honorary Assistant Coach and Election to American Philosophical Society
In 2009, Warren Buffett watched a Nebraska game against Oklahoma from the sideline as an honorary assistant coach and was elected to the American Philosophical Society.
2010: Buffett's Cameo in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
In 2010, Warren Buffett made a cameo appearance in the film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.
2010: Settlement with Gen Re
In 2010, the U.S. government agreed to a $92 million settlement with Gen Re, allowing the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary to avoid prosecution in the AIG case. Gen Re also made corporate governance concessions.
April 11, 2012: Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
On April 11, 2012, Warren Buffett was diagnosed with stage I prostate cancer during a routine test.
September 15, 2012: Completion of Radiation Treatment
On September 15, 2012, Warren Buffett announced that he had completed a full 44-day radiation treatment cycle.
2013: Use of Nokia Flip Phone and Email Usage
In 2013, Warren Buffett used an old Nokia flip phone and had only sent one email in his entire life.
2015: Buffett's Cameo in Entourage
In 2015, Warren Buffett made a cameo appearance in the TV program Entourage.
April 2017: Likeness on Cherry Coke Products
In April 2017, Warren Buffett agreed to have his likeness placed on Cherry Coke products in China without compensation.
2017: Becoming Warren Buffett HBO Documentary
In 2017, Warren Buffett was the subject of the HBO documentary feature Becoming Warren Buffett.
2018: Preference for Google Search Engine
At Berkshire Hathaway's shareholder meeting in 2018, Warren Buffett stated he uses Google as his preferred search engine.
2018: Sale of Laguna Beach Vacation Home
In 2018, Warren Buffett sold his vacation home in Laguna Beach for $7.5 million.
February 2020: Acquisition of an iPhone
In February 2020, Warren Buffett revealed in a CNBC interview that he had traded in his flip phone for an iPhone 11.
June 23, 2021: Resignation as Trustee of Gates Foundation
On June 23, 2021, Warren Buffett announced his resignation as a trustee of the Gates Foundation.
2022: Reconciliation with Nicole Buffett
By 2022, Warren Buffett and his son Peter's adopted daughter Nicole had reconciled.
2024: Omaha Home Value
As of 2024, the US$31,500 Buffett paid for his home in 1958 is equivalent to $352,658.
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