The Richest People in America

We’re No. 1! The economy may be in a slow-motion recovery, but in terms of the richest person in the world, America is back on top. Bill Gates, with a net worth of $72 billion, has reclaimed the top spot globally from Mexico’s Carlos Slim. Warren Buffett also passed Slim, as 2012 was a banner year for the Oracle of Omaha—he added $12.5 billion. The biggest loser? According to Forbes, that would be outspoken investor T. Boone Pickens who is no longer a billionaire after losing big time on wind energy bets. And for those with a conscience, the total net worth of the 400 wealthiest Americans is $2.02 trillion, which is over twice what it was a decade ago. Most American families can’t say that.