Kathy Griffin is widely known for her self-deprecating humor about her life on the D-List. That is why some may be shocked to learn that the A-List comedienne is amazing with money. You might even be shocked by the net worth of Kathy Griffin. Love her or hate her, Griffin is a survivor. She was raised to value a dollar, and wow, she has saved a lot of them.

During a recent flight, I listened to the podcast How to Be Amazing Podcast with Michael Ian Black. Griffin was the guest and she bared all about her finances. Even with her recent challenges, she is still as fabulous and financially wise as ever.

By David Rae Certified Financial Planner™, Accredited Investment Fiduciary™

Update: Our hearts go out to Kathy Griffin after her recent announcement about her diagnosis and treatment for Cancer. I have had the pleasure of running into her many time around West Hollywood throughout the years. Walking down the street, various charity events and I even appeared on an episode of “My Life On the D-List.”

For those who may be unfamiliar, Griffin is a two-time Emmy and Grammy-winning comedian. She co-hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage with Anderson Cooper and her hit reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List aired on Bravo for six seasons. Full disclosure, I appeared on one episode of her show.

Kathy Griffin has an estimated net worth of $35 Million according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Here are a few ways Kathy Griffin is Amazing with Money, leading to the big Kathy Griffing Net worth number seen above.

Kathy Griffin is amazing with money – the reason she doesn’t have a mortgage. (Photo credit should read… [+]GETTY

If you have a net worth like Kathy Griffin – you should look for ways to Avoid Probate In California.

Kathy Griffin Doesn’t Have a Mortgage

That is a feat for anyone living anywhere. The comedienne lives in a 13,000 square feet estate located in the ultra-exclusive and expensive neighborhood of Bel-Air. She reportedly paid $10.5 million for it. As you do with houses around that price point, she paid for some renovations. Living in that type of home and having a mortgage is fancy enough. Griffin took it to the next level by paying for it without needing a mortgage.

To be clear, if she were truly still on the D-List she would not be living in an estate of that size, or in any estate for that matter. That being said, Griffin does have a few roommates living on her compound. Maybe that is how she is able to afford it. Just kidding! I would be surprised if they were paying rent.

Based on Black’s interview, it seemed she has even made other comedians jealous. According to Griffin, Ray Romano remarked, “You bought this house with dick jokes.”

Since the podcast- Kathy Griffin has sold her Bel-Air home and moved to Malibu. With the crazy Los Angeles housing market, this could be a great move for the overall wealth of Kathy Griffin.

TV personalities Kathy Griffin (R) and her mother Maggie Griffin sign copies of their new books… [+]GETTY

Her Mother Maggie Griffin Taught Her How To Handle Money Well

If you were a fan of My Life on the D-List, then you know Maggie Griffin. When it comes to drinking boxed wine, this mom sure knows how to, as she always says, “Tip it!” But it is the financial knowledge that mother Griffin learned and then shared with her daughter that has served the comedienne well. Apparently, a story about an elderly woman who lost everything and could only afford cat food to eat is what motivated the 98-year-old to save and make smart financial decisions. Who knew?

Kathy Griffin hanging out with the Legend CHER – what could be more fabulous than that. (Photo by… [+]GETTY

Kathy Griffin is Fabulously Wealthy and Frugal at the Same Time

I strive to live a fabulously frugal lifestyle. You can do cheap or you can get a great deal on something amazing. During Black’s interview, Griffin mentioned that she often has to fly private, which I think we can all agree is fabulous. But it is not all glamour. Free peanuts and soda are not offered when you fly private. You pay for the food on top of the flight, and it is not cheap. To help ease the burden of what could easily be a $50,000 flight, she often brings her own food onboard.

When flying private, can you carry on liquids in more than three-ounce bottles? Either way, I will still try and get my booze for free in the airline lounge. On a side note, the comedienne has never had a drink in her life. I’m guessing many of us would have a lot more money if we could say the same thing.

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 28: Comedian Kathy Griffin performs on stage at San Diego Civic Theatre on July… [+]GETTY

Kathy Griffin Knows What She Needs to Make To Build Wealth

Suze Orman told Griffin that she needs to make $10 million dollars, per year. I have no idea what that was based on, and I would usually recommend taking Orman’s advice with a grain of salt. However, it is still good that Griffin has an idea of what she must earn on an annual basis. Later in the podcast, she mentioned that she has about $32 million saved. I am uncertain as to whether that is her net worth or if she has $32 million under a mattress somewhere. Either way, that is a pretty nice number.

Update: As of January 2022, Kathy Griffin stated her net worth was more than $50 Million Dollars in a long piece from the NY TIMES. No that is some smart money management during a difficult time.

For comparison, Griffin once asked Jerry Seinfeld how much money he had. “I’m comfortable,” he said.  Wealthy Gorilla estimates his net worth is about $950 million so it seems he is a little more than comfortable.

While Griffin may be comfortable, she still lives with a few roommates and pets. As she said, she is the “gay Mrs. Garrett.” You know from The Facts of Life.

“I’m an earner,” said Griffin, who also shared that she has made $75 million during the course of her three-decade-long career, according to an earlier Forbes.com piece.

Regardless of whether or not you are a fan, you could probably learn a thing or two about being fiscally fabulous from Kathy Griffin. Most of us will never own a mansion in Bel Air or book a $50,000 private flight. However, no matter what hurdles life throws at us, we all can live better lives and make smarter financial choices along the way.

DAVID RAE, CFP®, AIF® is a Los Angeles retirement planner with DRM Wealth Management. He has been helping friends of the LGBT community reach their financial goals for over a decade. He is a regular contributor to  Forbes.com the Advocate Magazine, Investopedia, and Huffington Post. Follow him on Facebook, or via his website www.davidraefp.com

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