Each year, Forbes magazine puts out the Fictional 15, a clever list of the richest people who don’t really exist except in the imagination of writers and television show producers.
This year, vampire patriarch Carlisle Cullen from the Twilight book series tops the list with an estimated net worth of $34.5 billion. It helps that he’s had 370 years to build up his bank account, but Forbes chalks up Dr. Cullen’s theoretical success to very, very, very long-term investments.
Even if you aren’t immortal, you can borrow some of his wealth-building strategies to watch your own money grow, like these tips:
- Live frugally. Despite an arguable need for one, the family does not own a private jet, preferring instead to fly commercial. And while they have collected several expensive sports cars, the bulk of their flashiest gas-guzzling vehicles spend most of their time in the garage while the family galavants in a much less conspicuous Volvo.
- Avoid the trap of being house rich and cash poor. The Cullen family home is valued at $3 million — less than .009% of the family’s holdings. While it would be difficult for most people to find suitable housing on that kind of budget, buying less house than you can afford is a great way to free up money for other uses.
- Plan ahead. Not all families are lucky enough to have a daughter who can see into the future. But developing a solid investment plan can help your own money accumulate faster than if you stuff it in a mattress. Remember: Few people get rich by accident.
- Look long term. The Cullens use their unending lifespan to let compound interest on their investments work its magic. However, even if you have only 30 years until retirement, that’s enough time in the stock market to see some serious gains.
