Forbes released the 45th edition of our flagship Forbes 400 list of America’s wealthiest people today. Though we’ve been at it a long time, our reporters always dig deep to unearth new details.

When possible, we met with Forbes 400 members in person or spoke with them virtually or by phone. We also interviewed their employees, handlers, asset managers and financial advisors, rivals, peers and attorneys. Uncovering their fortunes required us to pore over thousands of Securities and Exchange Commission documents, court filings, probate records and news articles. We took into account all types of assets: stakes in public and private companies,........

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