If you’re wondering exactly how old is Steve Forbes, you aren't alone. It’s one of those questions that pops up every time he appears on a cable news segment or a podcast to talk about the gold standard or the flat tax.
As of right now, in early 2026, Steve Forbes is 78 years old. He was born on July 18, 1947. That means he’ll be hitting the big 79 this coming summer. It’s kinda wild when you think about it. The guy has been a fixture in American business and politics for what feels like forever. He’s outlasted dozens of economic cycles and several generations of tech "disruptors" who thought they’d kill off traditional media.
The Numbers and the Birthday
Born Malcolm Stevenson Forbes Jr. in Morristown, New Jersey, he grew up in a world that most of us only see in movies. We’re talking about the legendary Forbes family estate, "Timberfield."
His dad was the flamboyant Malcolm Forbes—the guy who rode motorcycles with Elizabeth Taylor and flew hot air balloons. Steve, though? He was always a bit different. More reserved. More focused on the spreadsheets than the spectacle.
If you want to do the quick math:
- Birth Date: July 18, 1947
- Age Today: 78
- Upcoming Milestone: 79 in July 2026
Honestly, he doesn't seem to be slowing down much. While most people his age are deep into retirement, Steve is still the Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media. He’s still writing his "Fact and Comment" editorials. He’s still a regular at the Forbes Healthcare Summit and various global economic forums.
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Why People Keep Asking About His Age
There’s a reason his age is a trending topic. It’s because he represents a specific era of American capitalism that’s currently being re-evaluated.
When he ran for President in 1996 and 2000, he was the "Flat Tax" guy. He spent something like $69 million of his own money on those campaigns. People mocked his "nerdy" or "robotic" stage presence back then. But look at the political landscape now. Many of the ideas he was pushing—specifically about simplifying the tax code—are still core talking points in Washington.
He’s a bridge. He connects the old-school publishing world of his grandfather, B.C. Forbes, with the digital-first reality of 2026.
Is He Still Running the Show?
Well, it's complicated. In 2014, the Forbes family sold a majority stake in the company to Integrated Whale Media Investments, a group based in Hong Kong. Then there was that whole saga in 2022 and 2023 with a planned SPAC merger and potential buyers like Austin Russell.
Through all that corporate shuffling, Steve has remained the face of the brand.
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He’s currently worth about $200 million. Some estimates put it higher, some lower, but he’s famously not a billionaire—a fact that surprises people given the name on the magazine. He’s the first to tell you that wealth is about more than just the number in your bank account; it's about the "capital" of ideas.
A Quick Look at the Timeline
- 1947: Born in New Jersey.
- 1970: Graduates from Princeton (where he started Business Today).
- 1990: Takes the helm after his father’s death.
- 1996/2000: The famous presidential runs.
- 2014: The family sells the majority stake.
- 2026: Still active as Editor-in-Chief at 78.
What Most People Get Wrong
One big misconception is that he’s just a "nepotism baby." Look, being born into the Forbes family is a massive head start. No doubt. But Steve was the one who pushed the magazine into the digital age.
Back in the mid-90s, most publishers thought the internet was a fad. Steve pushed for Forbes.com to be a separate, aggressive entity. He saw the shift coming. That’s why the brand still has over 100 million monthly visitors while other legacy magazines have completely folded.
The Health Question
At 78, naturally, people ask about his health. He’s notoriously private, but he appears sharp in interviews. He’s still traveling for speaking engagements. He’s still married to Sabina Beekman (they’ve been together since 1971), and they have five daughters.
One of his daughters, Moira Forbes, is a powerhouse in her own right, running Forbes Women. It looks like the "Forbes" in the company name isn't just a relic; the family is still very much in the mix.
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Actionable Takeaways from Steve's Long Career
If you're looking at Steve Forbes and wondering how he's stayed relevant into his late 70s, here are a few things to consider for your own path:
- Adapt or Die: He was a print guy who embraced the web before his peers did. Never get too comfortable with "how things used to be."
- Own Your Persona: He was never the "cool" candidate. He leaned into being the policy wonk. Authenticity, even if it’s "boring," has a longer shelf life than a manufactured image.
- Focus on Systems: Whether it's the tax code or a media company, Forbes focuses on the underlying systems.
The next time you see a headline about the "Forbes 400" or a bit of economic commentary, just remember the man behind the curtain is 78 years old and still very much in the game.
Keep an eye on the July 18th headlines. That’s when the next birthday cycle starts, and knowing Steve, he’ll probably celebrate by writing another piece on why we should return to the gold standard.
To stay updated on Steve's latest economic forecasts, you can follow his "What's Ahead" podcast or check the "Fact and Comment" section on the Forbes homepage. Keeping tabs on his public appearances at the annual Forbes summits is also a great way to see how he continues to influence the business world as he approaches 80.