Warren Buffett Removed Himself From His Dying Dad's Will, Giving Up $180,000 To Ensure His 2 Sisters Would Get A Bigger Inheritance

Warren Buffett has always been known for his practical wisdom and grounded approach to life. Whether it's sticking to his modest Omaha home of 66 years or grabbing breakfast at McDonald's on the way to work, Buffett embodies a rare blend of simplicity and brilliance. But there's one decision he made decades ago that perfectly encapsulates who he is at his core: when his father was dying in 1964, Buffett voluntarily removed himself from the will. The reason? He wanted to leave his two sisters, Doris and Bertie, a bigger share of the inheritance.

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An Independent article from 2009 highlighted this selfless act, documented in his authorized biography, The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder. At the time, $180,000 was on the table – a significant amount in 1964, even for Buffett, whose net worth was estimated at $1.8 million. While that may seem impressive, nearly all of his wealth was tied up in Buffett Partnership Limited, a fledgling investment firm, and his 7% stake in Berkshire Hathaway, which was struggling after years of declining value.

For Buffett, the decision was straightforward. He believed he could replace the money through his work and investments but recognized that financial security wasn't as easily attainable for women then. His belief in gender equity wasn't just theoretical – it was personal. Buffett has often referred to himself as a winner of the "ovarian lottery," acknowledging his enormous privilege by being born male in a world that offered men far more opportunities, especially in the mid-20th century.

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This philosophy has shaped much of Buffett's life. Over the years, he has been a vocal advocate for creating more opportunities for women and has channeled billions into philanthropic causes supporting education and equality. It also explains his reasoning for stepping aside in his father's will. Like many women of their generation, he understood that Doris and Bertie faced systemic barriers that limited their financial independence.

Doris Buffett became known as the "retail philanthropist," donating more than $200 million to causes like education and emergency relief through The Sunshine Lady Foundation. Bertie Buffett Elliott made her mark in global affairs, giving $101 million to Northwestern University to establish the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs. The impact of their philanthropic work has been monumental. Still, none of it would have been possible without that early inheritance – reflecting Warren's decision to prioritize their financial stability.

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While Buffett's career soared, this choice remained emblematic of his mindset. In 2008, he became the richest person in the world, with a net worth of $62 billion. His wife, Susan, once joked in a 2004 interview with Charlie Rose that Warren had always said he'd be the richest man alive. True to his word, his wealth has only grown, reaching $141.8 billion as of 2025. Yet Buffett has consistently downplayed the importance of money, describing it as a tool to create opportunities and improve lives – not just a measure of personal success.

Buffett's decision to step out of his father's will wasn't about charity or generosity alone; it was a calculated move based on his principles and understanding of systemic inequality. He knew his sisters would benefit in ways that far exceeded the dollar amount, and he trusted his ability to rebuild his fortune. That kind of confidence and willingness to act on his values makes Warren Buffett's story extraordinary.

This wasn't just about money. It was about timing, understanding the bigger picture and betting on what mattered most. In true Buffett fashion, it was a long-term investment – not in stocks, but in people.

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