'Dad Can't Be Trusted To Tip Generously Enough' – Billionaire Warren Buffett's Daughter Always Grabs The Bill When The Family Dines Out

For someone known for his financial brilliance and immense fortune, Warren Buffett's approach to everyday spending – including tipping – might come as a surprise. Despite a net worth of around $142.9 billion, the Oracle of Omaha has a famously modest streak that even extends to how much he leaves behind at restaurants.

In a 2013 Forbes article, the interviewer, who sat down with Warren's middle child Howard Buffett, shared an observation revealing how the family navigates this quirk. According to the interviewer, when the Buffetts dine out together, Susie Buffett, Warren's daughter, "always takes the bill and adds the tip" – explaining simply, "Dad can't be trusted to tip generously enough."

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Buffett's tipping habits have long been a topic of lighthearted discussion in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. A 2015 Marketwatch article reported that a server at Gorat's Steakhouse, a local spot Buffett frequents, mentioned that he usually tips about 25%, sometimes as low as 22%. Those are solid percentages for most people, but they may seem underwhelming considering his immense wealth.

When asked about his tipping philosophy on The Dan Patrick Show in 2014, Buffett responded in his trademark straightforward style: "I don't feel obligated to [tip generously], but I usually do. If I get decent service, I just figure why not? Usually, I take my picture with them and have a lot of fun." This outlook fits squarely within Buffett's financial philosophy, which values practicality and moderation over excess.

These habits don't bother his family, who have learned to adapt with good humor. Susie, for instance, doesn't just handle the tipping situation – she's also his designated car shopper. Over the years, she's scouted out deals on vehicles for her father, including hail-damaged cars, to satisfy his love of a bargain.

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Howard Buffett, Warren's middle child, has spoken about his father's approach to money and its influence on the family. In the same 2013 Forbes interview, Howard shared how Warren advised him to change the capital "B" in "Buffett" to a lowercase "b" on campaign materials when Howard ran for public office. "I'm the Buffett with the capital," Warren told him.

Still, despite his frugal habits, Warren Buffett has fostered a close and loving family dynamic. Howard has spoken warmly about his parents' influence on his values, noting that his mother, Susan, shaped much of his interest in philanthropy and politics. While Warren emphasizes hard work and earning one's way, Howard has acknowledged that his mother's generous and compassionate nature profoundly impacted his life.

Ultimately, the Buffetts have learned to balance their father's financial quirks with their own perspectives, crafting a family dynamic that works for them. And while Warren Buffett's tipping habits might not match what one might expect from a billionaire, his legacy of practicality and grounded values continues to shape his family's approach to the world.

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