Forbes’ List of Billionaires Shrinks in 2009

Big fortunes take big hits

World's richest person: Bill Gates

I had to laugh when I read the opening line of Forbes’ report on this year’s billionaires: “It’s been a tough year for the richest people in the world.”

I have my doubts about whether those people know the true meaning of “tough year.” However, it’s true that the more money you have, the more you have to lose.

“The List”

Overall, the list of billionaires in the world fell from 1,125 to 793.  Forbes also reports that the net worth of people with personal fortunes of more than $1 billion fell. Last year their fortunes added up to $3.4 trillion, but that statistic fell by $1 trillion this year.

This year is the first time since 2003 that the amount of billionaires has dropped. Average net worth of those billionaires also fell to the lowest rate it’s been since 2003. Average net worth dropped 23 percent to $3 billion. If you’re thinking of getting payday loans, maybe you can hit up one of these people first.

Top names

This year former Microsoft owner Bill Gates snagged the top spot and claimed the title of world’s richest man. After losing $18 billion in the past year, his net worth sits at $40 billion. Warren Buffett had the top spot last year, but it slipped away from him when he lost $25 billion in a year. His net worth now is $37 billion.

To find the world’s third-richest person, head south a bit and meet Latin America’s richest man, Carlos Slim Helu. He is worth $35 billion, thanks to Telecom and the fact that he owns the company that controls 90 percent of Mexico’s phone lines.

Money can’t buy love

Don’t worry, I won’t leave without telling you the world’s richest bachelors and bachelorettes. The world’s richest single man is the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg. His net worth now stands at $16 billion. The world’s richest bachelorette is also an American, and will likely surprise no one: Oprah. She’s a ways behind Bloomberg with her $2.7 billion. She has also been in a serious relationship for years, but on paper, she’s never ended her singleness.

Check out the full list of the world’s billionaires at Forbes.com.