Elon Musk continues to make headlines with his staggering financial achievements, crossing the $400 billion net worth milestone and solidifying his position as the richest person in modern history.Here’s a deep dive into how Musk achieved this feat, his investment philosophy, and what the future holds for his ventures.

The $400 Billion Milestone

In December 2024, Elon Musk became the first person to surpass a $400 billion net worth, a landmark achievement attributed to Tesla stocks reaching record highs, a boost in SpaceX’s valuation, and his appointment as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to Bloomberg, Musk’s net worth currently stands at $447 billion, leaving competitors like Jeff Bezos ($249 billion) far behind.

Musk is the first person to boast a $400 billion net worth (ANGELA WEISS / Contributor / Getty)

This incredible financial trajectory is setting the stage for Musk to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2027, driven by his ventures in technology, energy, and space exploration.

Musk's net worth has soared in the aftermath of the U.S. election (Anna Moneymaker / Staff / Getty)

Musk’s Golden Rule of Investing

Elon Musk has long advocated for a straightforward investment philosophy. In a 2022 tweet, he advised:

“Buy stock in several companies that make products & services that you believe in. Only sell if you think their products & services are trending worse. Don’t panic when the market does.”

Elon Musk predicted the internet boom back in 1998 (Anna Moneymaker / Staff / Getty)

This “golden rule” reflects Musk’s focus on value investing, aligning closely with principles championed by Warren Buffett. While not foolproof, this long-term strategy has worked for Musk and countless others. Learn more about Musk’s investment philosophy here.

Starlink: A Game-Changer in Connectivity

Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is poised to generate $11.8 billion in revenue by 2025, up from $7.7 billion in 2024.

With Starlink taking over the skies, Elon Musk could be earning big (VW Pics / Contributor / Getty)

With over 7,000 satellites in orbit, Starlink is revolutionizing internet access for remote and underserved regions. It also plays a critical role in government contracts, including a $537 million deal with the Pentagon to support Ukraine’s military communications.

Starlink revenue is set to soar in 2025 (NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty)

However, competition looms as Amazon’s Project Kuiper prepares to deploy thousands of satellites by 2029.

A Visionary from the Start

Elon Musk’s ability to anticipate technological trends has been evident for decades. In a 1998 interview with CBS, Musk predicted:

“The internet is the superset of all media. It is the be-all and end-all of media.”

The crazy thing is that they thought I was crazy for stating this super obvious prediction
pic.twitter.com/OK0akTRj3E
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 10, 2024

This foresight has guided Musk’s ventures, from PayPal to Tesla and SpaceX.

One investment advice by Elon Musk that I live and die by pic.twitter.com/iYxZBK8Pbb
— Teslaconomics (@Teslaconomics) December 12, 2024

His Starlink initiative aims to extend internet access globally, further solidifying his impact on the digital age. Watch the full 1998 interview.

The Road Ahead: Toward a Trillion Dollars

Elon Musk’s financial ascent shows no signs of slowing. Tesla stocks have surged 71% in 2024, while SpaceX’s valuation has climbed to $350 billion. His ventures in Neuralink, the Boring Company, and AI research through xAI continue to drive innovation and growth.

Elon Musk is already the world's richest man, but can he become its first trillionaire? (NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty)

Projections suggest that Musk could reach a trillion-dollar net worth by 2027. Alongside him, other billionaires like Gautam Adani and Jensen Huang are also on trajectories to join the trillionaire club by 2028.

Musk has been enjoying a post-election boom (Brandon Bell / Staff / Getty)

Economic Impact and Ethical Considerations

Musk’s growing wealth sparks debate about economic inequality. Critics argue that tax policies and market structures disproportionately favor the ultra-rich, while supporters highlight his contributions to technological progress and humanity’s exploration of the stars.

Despite controversies, Musk’s ventures—from renewable energy solutions to space exploration—are shaping the future. Whether you admire his achievements or question his influence, there’s no denying the profound impact he has on the world.