Let’s be real for a second. When you hear “George W. Bush,” you probably think of his cowboy boots, his ranch in Crawford, or that time he almost choked on a pretzel. You don’t usually think “Hey, I wonder what his bank account looks like.” But here’s the thing: we all have a nosy neighbor inside us. That neighbor wants to know how the other half lives, especially when that half used to run the free world.

So, what’s the net worth of the 43rd president? The short and sweet answer is that George W. Bush is worth roughly $40 million. That might sound like a pile of cash you’d need a dump truck to carry, but in the world of ex-presidents, it’s actually pretty modest. Think of it as the difference between a cozy, well-maintained ranch house and a marble palace.

The Family Business (And It’s Not Oil)

You might assume Bush was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and you wouldn’t be totally wrong. His dad was president, and his grandpa was a senator. But here’s where it gets human: George W. wasn’t exactly a financial whiz kid in his early days. He famously tried his hand at the oil business in Texas and, let’s just say, it sputtered more than it gushed.

He called himself “a legend in the oil fields… for all the wrong reasons.” If that doesn’t make you smile and think of your own career hiccups, I don’t know what will. We’ve all had that job or that side hustle that just didn’t pan out. The difference? Bush had a very famous safety net waiting for him.

He didn’t just luck into the presidency. He bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in 1989 for a relative song—about $600,000 of his own money. When the team sold a decade later, his share was worth nearly $15 million. That’s the financial equivalent of finding a rare baseball card in your attic and realizing it pays for your kids’ college.

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What Happens When You Leave the Big House?

Once you’re president, you’re set for life. Not just with Secret Service and a pension (which is about $200,000 a year), but with a platform that lets you cash in. After leaving office in 2009, George W. did what any sensible retiree would do: he picked up a paintbrush. But he didn’t just paint sunsets for his living room wall.

He started selling his portraits of world leaders and veterans. Some of his art has gone for over $100,000 a pop at charity auctions. Imagine if your hobby of painting landscapes at the lake suddenly paid for a new car. That’s basically his life. He also writes books, gives speeches, and those checks are thick—often $100,000 to $150,000 per talk.

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It feels a bit like your retired uncle who started flipping furniture on Etsy and suddenly has a nicer boat than you. You’re proud of him, but also a little jealous.

Why Should You Care About His Wallet?

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “I can barely afford my rent. Why do I need to know how much a former president has in his 401k?” Fair point. But here’s why it matters in a fun, totally everyday way. It shows us that wealth isn’t just about what you earn—it’s about what you do with your name and your time.

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Bush didn’t leave office and become a CEO of a giant corporation. He didn’t start a hedge fund. He went home to Texas, painted portraits, and rode his bike. His money comes from being him. It’s a weird, modern twist on the old saying: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” His bank account proves that being yourself—even if you’re a bit of a goofball—can pay the bills.

Also, let’s be honest: it’s comforting to know that even rich people have to hustle a little. He’s not sitting on a throne made of gold. He’s actively working, giving speeches, and selling paintings. It makes him feel less like a distant figure in a history book and more like that neighbor who’s always starting a new project in his garage.

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A Reality Check (With a Smile)

Here’s the warm, fuzzy part. Despite the millions, George W. Bush gives a lot away. He and his wife Laura work with veterans, with African health initiatives, and with schools. His net worth isn’t just a number on a Forbes list; it’s a tool. He uses it to build libraries and help soldiers who served after 9/11. That’s the part we can all root for.

So, the next time you see a painting of a dog with a funny expression or a portrait of a world leader that looks slightly off, remember: that’s a man worth $40 million dollars, painting for his supper. And if he can mess up an oil business, buy a baseball team, run a country, and still find time to paint—well, maybe your side hustle isn’t so crazy after all.

At the end of the day, his net worth is just a number. What’s more interesting is the story behind it: a story of mistakes, comebacks, and painting your way into your golden years. And honestly? That’s a story we can all relate to, even if our golden years involve a cheaper brand of paint.