Why do billionaires like debt?

Asked by: Ethelyn McDermott II  |  Last update: August 18, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (47 votes)

And even for people who may not be able to leverage a Dali painting hanging in their foyers, debt can be a useful tool to keep their wealth engines running if it comes cheaply enough relative to other opportunities, keeps their assets working for them and, above all, if the risks are understood and tolerable.

Why do rich people say debt is good?

Good debt is debt that is used to buy appreciating assets. I guess wealthy people can borrow money to buy appreciating assets like businesses or real estate which appreciates faster than the interest rate on the debt. If you are rich ( have many assets ), then you can borrow money cheaply.

How do rich use debt to get richer?

It's simple, they just use debt to buy assets and cut out all debt to buy consumer products (cars, clothes, vacations etc) that go down in value. They essentially trade a worthless, ever depreciating currency to buy valuable, scarce things that often produce cash-flow.

Why do rich people still borrow money?

In summary, borrowing money can be a strategic financial decision for wealthy individuals, allowing them to maximize returns, manage liquidity, and take advantage of tax benefits while maintaining their overall wealth.

Why do billionaires not keep cash in the bank?

Alternative long-term investments: Billionaires often hold stakes in other companies or industries as part of their investment strategy. Additionally, they may invest in tangible assets such as art or collectibles that might not be easily liquidated.

How Billionaires Use Debt To Stay Rich

24 related questions found

Why do billionaires use credit cards?

Wealthy people love credit card perks

Different cards offer cash back, rewards, low interest, or no interest. Having a couple of cards is a good way to maximize the perks and avoid high interest costs. Credit cards are typically quite secure, with strong fraud protections in place to safeguard cardholders.

Can you keep 1 million dollars in the bank?

Can you have a million dollars in a checking account? No rule says you can't have a million dollars in a checking account, but FDIC insurance typically only covers up to $250,000. Plus, you can get a bigger return on your investment by keeping $1 million elsewhere.

What loopholes do the rich use?

Others will object to taxing the wealthy unless they actually use their gains, but many of the wealthiest actually do use their gains through the borrowing loophole: They get rich, borrow against those gains, consume the borrowing, and do not pay any tax.

Do billionaires actually have cash?

Cash and cash equivalents are common places where billionaires keep of some their money. Though not often thought of as an investment, cash is a liquid asset, meaning you can use it in a variety of ways as needs or desires arise. In a crisis, having cash on hand gives you the flexibility to respond.

What is a good debt?

Good debt is money you borrow for something that has the potential to increase in value or expand your potential income. For example, a mortgage may help you buy a home that can appreciate in value. Student loans may increase your future income by helping you get the job you've wanted.

Do 90% of millionaires make over $100,000 a year?

Ninety-three percent of millionaires said they got their wealth because they worked hard, not because they had big salaries. Only 31% averaged $100,000 a year over the course of their career, and one-third never made six figures in any single working year of their career.

How do billionaires avoid taxes?

Families like the Waltons, Kochs, and Mars can avoid capital gains taxes forever by holding onto assets without selling, borrowing against their assets for income, and using the stepped-up basis loophole at inheritance. That loophole allows the increased value of assets to be passed to their heirs tax-free.

Are you rich if you are debt free?

Debt is simply money that you bought, and the price of the money is the interest or whatever other fees you're paying to buy the money. That's all it is. And one of the things I say about debt is that paying off debt doesn't make you rich. Meaning that once you pay off the debt, you don't start making money from it.

Does the Bible say debt is bad?

Ps 37:21 - The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. The Bible is clear that when something is borrowed is should be paid back. Someone refusing to repay reveals a wicked heart and not the generous and giving heart God wants us to have.

Why is debt attractive?

Because private debt aims to deliver reliable income and reduced capital volatility throughout the economic cycle, it can be an asset to your portfolio when other markets are volatile.

Do rich people pay cash for their homes?

Whilst they can often afford to, most wealthy people don't pay cash for properties because they can make a better investment with their money elsewhere.

What bank do billionaires use?

Citi Private Bank offers ultra-rich individuals and global investors private banking services worldwide. Its private banking services include wealth management for individuals and their families, family offices, foundations, and businesses.

Do billionaires hoard their money?

This is what the memes get exactly wrong: billionaires don't become and stay rich by hoarding; that's the last thing they want to do with their money. There are related myths and assumptions, such as that the only way to accumulate a net worth of so much money is through evil, if not outright unethical, means.

Can a billionaire be broke?

Poor budget choices and failure to follow basic financial principles can send even the richest people with a high net worth into debt.

How do most millionaires go broke?

According to Entrepreneur, not having a budget is a common way that millionaires end up broke. These soon-not-to-be millionaires don't go over their bank statements or monthly bills to make sure that there aren't any unauthorized transactions or that they weren't overcharged.

What is the biggest secret of the rich?

They focus on income generation

The richest people don't only invest for growth, but they also invest to generate more income. They diversify their investments and find new streams of income. They know how to turn their assets into income-generating machines, therefore achieving wealth, even if the economy takes a dip.

How to fake look rich?

Dressing Rich
  1. Buy clothes that fit your body well. ...
  2. Buy a few quality pieces but fill out your wardrobe with affordable items. ...
  3. Remove brand names and logos from your clothes. ...
  4. Dress up when you can. ...
  5. Buy clothes with natural fabrics. ...
  6. Make sure your clothes are always well-pressed and clean. ...
  7. Be ready for the weather.

Can you live off interest of $1 million dollars?

Historically, the stock market has an average annual rate of return between 10–12%. So if your $1 million is invested in good growth stock mutual funds, that means you could potentially live off of $100,000 to $120,000 each year without ever touching your $1 million goose. But let's be even more conservative.

Do millionaires have checking accounts?

Millionaires also have zero-balance accounts with private banks. They leave their money in cash and cash equivalents and they write checks on their zero-balance account. At the end of the business day, the private bank, as custodians of their various accounts, sells off enough liquid assets to settle up for that day.

How much cash should you keep at home?

It's a good idea to keep enough cash at home to cover two months' worth of basic necessities, some experts recommend. A locked, waterproof and fireproof safe can help protect your cash and other valuables from fire, flood or theft.