The Untold Story of Hetty Green: America’s First Female Tycoon and Investing Genius

In a world dominated by men, Hetty Green stood out as a financial genius and investing guru long before Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham made their mark on Wall Street. The story of America’s first female tycoon is one of resilience, determination, and unconventional wisdom that is as relevant today as it was over a century ago.

Born in 1834 in Massachusetts, Hetty Green learned the ropes of finance and trade at a young age, becoming the family’s bookkeeper by the age of 13. After inheriting a substantial sum of money from her father, Green began her journey into the world of investing, focusing on undervalued stocks and conducting thorough research to find the best opportunities in the market.

Green’s investing strategies mirrored those of Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham, emphasizing the importance of doing your homework, seeking out quality companies, and avoiding overvalued stocks. She was ahead of her time in many ways, always avoiding the use of leverage and sticking to disciplined investing principles that have become common today.

Despite her financial acumen, Green was often portrayed in the media as a miserly and eccentric figure, known for her frugal habits and unconventional lifestyle choices. However, those who knew her best saw a different side of her—a brilliant investor, cunning businesswoman, and devoted mother who was decades ahead of her time.

In a world where women were not given the same opportunities as men, Hetty Green defied expectations and carved out a place for herself in the male-dominated world of finance. Her legacy as America’s first value investor and financial grandmaster is a testament to her unwavering determination and independent spirit.

So, the next time you hear the name Hetty Green, remember the true story of the misunderstood “Witch of Wall Street” whose tips for making money and thriving in a complex world are as relevant today as they were over a century ago. She may have been unconventional, but her legacy lives on as a trailblazer in the world of investing.