There are 2,781 billionaires in the world according to Forbes’ Billionaire List in 2024. They’re worth a collective $14.2 trillion according to Forbes.
Ever wondered how the ultra-wealthy people in the world spend their money? When you have enough money to do anything you want basically, you come up with some pretty crazy ideas.
Even for billionaires, some purchases are splurges that are simply a waste of money. From skyscraper houses to priceless works of art, the world’s elite buy ridiculously expensive things to fuel their passions, showcase their wealth or spend the money just because they can.
Nonetheless, this list of ridiculous things rich people buy is extremely interesting for us.
15 dumbest things billionaires own
If you’ve ever felt poor, get ready to experience a whole new level of that feeling. While most of us might think twice before spending on a fancy dinner or a new gadget, billionaires take spending to a completely different level.
Prepare to be amazed, amused, and perhaps a little envious as we unveil 15 of the most ridiculous things billionaires have spent their money on.
1. $43,979 for a haircut
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei spent a ridiculous amount on his haircut.
In 2009, swine flu was widely spread, so he spent $18,621 for a private luxury cabin to fly his barber down to ensure he did not mix with other passengers.
2. $2.3 million for a photo
William Koch, brother to the famous Koch brothers — is a third extremely wealthy Koch brother who’s also a big-time buff of Wild West history.
In 2011, he scooped up the gem of the genre when he paid $2.3 million for the world’s only authenticated photograph of legendary outlaw Billy the Kid.
3. $120 million to ‘turn’ lesbian daughter straight
Hong Kong billionaire, Cecil Chao, offered around $65 million to any man who could turn his lesbian daughter straight in 2012.
After thousands of eligible bachelors failed to change their daughter’s sexual orientation, Chao doubled the reward to $120 million in 2014.
4. $22 million to carve his name
UAE-based billionaire Sheikh Hamad Bin Haman Al Nahyan spent around $22 million carving his name on his private island, in letters so large they could be seen from space.
The word ‘HAMAD’ measured 1,000 metres high and was two miles long.
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5. Millions of dollars on research into cloning dinosaur DNA
In 2012, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer spent millions on research into cloning dinosaur DNA in an attempt to create his own real-life Jurassic Park at his Palmer Resort in Coolum, Queensland.
Once that failed he invested further millions into commissioning hundreds of robotic dinosaurs.
6. $11.55 million on a 14-foot preserved shark
In 2004, billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen, an avid art collector, bought what just might be the world’s most unique piece of contemporary art: a 14-foot tiger shark preserved with a combination of alcohol and formaldehyde.
7. $20.23 million on a 24-carat-gold-plated Rolls-Royce
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei has a collection of 7,000 cars. In that collection sits a 24-carat Gold-Plated Rolls-Royce which was used on his wedding day.
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8. $135 million for alien hunting
Russian Silicon Valley entrepreneur Yuri Milner is the man who funded the $135 million 10-year search for alien life.
The Breakthrough Listen initiative is expected to be the most intensive scientific search ever undertaken for signs of extraterrestrial intelligent life.
9. $1 million to keep warm
Pablo Escobar reportedly once burned $1 million in cash to keep his daughter warm while they were on the run.
10. $700 million for a Superyacht
Billionaire Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich owns tons of impressive things in his expensive collection, like Boeing 767, an ice boat and the legendary Chelsea Football Club for which he paid $239.98 million in 2003.
The Eclipse Yacht costs close to $700 million, and it is the second-largest private yacht in the world.
11. $1.3 million for Gold Toilet Paper
This ridiculously expensive gold toilet paper was created by an Australian firm called Toilet Paper Man. It is a three-ply roll made with with 24-karat gold. Toiler
Paper Man claims that “As you use the toilet paper 24-karat gold flakes will fall onto the floor and your behind taking you to another level of sophistication.”
But don’t worry, the roll comes gift-wrapped and is hand-delivered with a bottle of champagne. This has to be one of the most ridiculous luxury items.
12. $4 million for plastic surgery
This well-known Swiss socialite is said to have spent over $4 million on plastic surgeries. Jocelyn Wildenstein has spent a ridiculous amount of money on her cosmetic surgeries and physical transformation to make her eyes more cat-like.
After so many surgeries to get the feline look, she is now commonly known as the “Catwoman.”
13. $325 for luxury ice cubes
Gläce Luxury Ice Company sells luxury ice cubes, for US$325 for a bag of 50 pieces. The company claims that the ice is made from purified water that’s of higher quality and is free of impurities and carcinogens.
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14. $1 million for a car submarine
In 2013, Elon Musk spent around $1 million on a car. Now it was obviously not just an ordinary car; it was the same car that was used in 1977 James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.”
The Lotus Esprit submarine car transforms into a submarine and fires missiles when it is under the water. So naturally Elon Musk had to buy it.
Musk is known for some questionable splurges (like his Twitter acquisition) but this one has to be on top of the bizarre purchases list that only an ultra wealthy like Musk can afford.
15. Millions of dollars to become immortal
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal has invested millions of dollars in anti-aging research and cryonics for a quest to become immortal.
As per a source, he has partnered with Biotech companies who will “cryogenically preserve” him when he dies and bring him to life when the technology is available.
How bizarre it is to spend such an enormous amount of money on such an uncertain endeavor?
So there you have it – a list of some of the most ridiculous things rich people buy. I think it’s safe to say that the things billionaires buy are beyond my understanding or pocket.
