We all understand that it takes money to run a country.
But did all of our presidents use their funds wisely? And how much did these revered men earn? How much were they worth? And how much does all the STUFF surrounding the presidency actually cost?
1) The Pauper President
President George Washington, ever the picture of honor, didn't want to accept payment for holding office.
Eventually he was convinced to take a salary. His paycheck? The equivalent of $25,000/year. Today, presidents earn $400,000 a year plus bonuses.
2) Presidential Penchants
We all have our penchants, and when you're president, those can certainly be catered to. Some of the strangest items purchased by US presidents include:
- A pet billy goat by William Henry Harrison.
- The first running water bathtub by Millard Fillmore (or by his wife at any rate).
- 80+ pairs of pants by Chester Arthur.
- A vinyl helicopter chair for Lyndon B. Johnson's office desk.
- Slaves, regularly by James Buchanan, who then freed them as soon as they reached Pennsylvania.
- 20 cigars by a day by Ulysses S. Grant.
3) Rags to Riches
Many of the men who ran our country built themselves up from nothing.
In fact, Harry S. Truman, William McKinley, Ulysses S. Grant, and good old Abe Lincoln were all estimated to be worth around $1 million in today's standards.
That's chump change comparatively speaking...(read on).
4) Riches to Riches
On the other end of the spectrum, Donald Trump famously inherited millions of dollars, and is now worth an estimated $2.9 billion.
5) History's Wealthiest
If you made the calculations, George Washington would be worth around $525 million today, so that's not too shabby either.
Thomas Jefferson would come in next at around $212 million, and Theodore Roosevelt falls in the $125 million ballpark.
6) The Gipper Greenback
Republicans have made several attempts to get Ronald Reagan on the American currency, but thus far none have been successful.
7) Heads or Tails
John F. Kennedy (half dollar) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (dime) were the two presidents to receive the honor of donning coinage soonest after their deaths. It took just a year after they passed until their faces adorned the coins.
8) As Good as It Gets
A few non-presidents received the honor of appearing on US currency as well, including Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and Susan B. Anthony.
9) The $100,000 Bill
Woodrow Wilson was put on the highest bill in American currency, the $100,000 bill. This certificate is no longer in use and was only used for official bank transfers between Federal Reserves Banks.
10) Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
On July 14, 1969, three presidents lost their publicity when the $500, $1,000, and $5,000 bills were taken out of circulation (McKinley, Cleveland, and Madison respectively).
You may find a rare one of these floating around, but they are generally not in use anymore.
11) Hoodlum On A Horse
Ulysses S. Grant was given a $20 speeding ticket while cruising down the streets of Washington DC....on his horse!
12) Don't Bet The House
Warren Harding was rumored to have lost a set of White House china in a poker game.
13) A Nation Building President
John Tyler had 15 children. That's a lot of college tuition!
14) Living In Style On The American Dime
The White House has a private movie screening room, bowling alley, putting green, basketball court, and swimming pool - talk about perks of being the president! Annual upkeep runs American citizens approximately $4 million!
15) Flower Power
The flowers around the White House cost approximately $252,000 per year.
16) Pimp My (Presidential) Ride
The president is driven around in a $300,000 limousine that is equipped with its own oxygen system, private blood bank, and infrared video navigation system.
17) Air Force Fun
Air Force One, the president's own set of Boeing 747-200B jets, includes room for 70+ passengers, a private suite for the president, an office, bedroom, and of course an exercise room, just in case he needs to do a little weight lifting 20,000 miles above ground.
18) Marine Four Hundred Million
Shorter distances are traveled by Marine One, the president's helicopter fleet. New models are being designed currently and are estimated to cost around $400 million each.
19) Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous
Ex-presidents earn a comfortable $191,300 just for having been president. At Greatvest Tools we try to give you the building blocks to create a healthy and secure financial future. With that in mind, our new top recommendation for you, dear reader, is to run for president.
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