Spring 2007


  Annual Pay*
Steven Spielberg $332 million
Oprah Winfrey $225 million
J.K. Rowling $75 million
The Olsen Twins $40 million
Shaquille O'Neal $30 million
Johnny Depp $29 million
Michelle Wie $17 million
Ryan Seacrest $12 million

*  Source: Forbes magazine Celebrity 100 list.

Did you know that 17-year-old professional golfer Michelle Wie earned $17 million last year?* That's 454 times the amount the average American earns in one year (just $37,000).** And if Shaquille O'Neal gave away his $30 million paycheck, he could pay the salaries of 810 average Americans. That's a lot of money!

Money Isn't Everything
It can be tempting to compare your life to the lives of famous people. But remember that they earn a lot more money than the typical family. Besides, there's more to life than a fat paycheck. You may find happiness doing something you love, like finding cures for diseases, teaching children or fixing cars. Whether you become famous or not, it's important to study, practice and work hard to make your dreams come true.

Famous people may earn a lot of money, but they also have to pay for things like personal trainers, bodyguards and limousines. Luckily, you don't have to worry about paying for those things. Instead you can put your money in your savings account and watch it grow!

*  Source: Forbes magazine Celebrity 100 list.
**  Source: Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov.



This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. © 2007 Priority Publications Inc.