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MEET THE WALTONS: A Guide To America's Wealthiest Family

Megan Willett,Mike NudelmanSep 30, 2014, 01:44 IST

The Waltons are the richest family in America.

The descendants of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, the family controls more than 50% of the Wal-Mart Corporation, according to Bloomberg, and combined are worth at least $160 billion based on Forbes' wealth estimates.

Four Walton family members are in the top 10 of the latest Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans. They have spent some of their money amassing huge collections of art, real estate, and expensive cars.

They also invest a portion of their fortune into charity, mainly through the Walton Family Foundation. But unlike some of today's millionaires who plan to donate most of their vast wealth to charity, the Waltons have used tax loopholes to keep getting richer.

Despite backlash, lawsuits, and even the occasional scandal, Wal-Mart's first family isn't going anywhere - especially when 90% of Americans live within 15 miles of one of the gigantic chain's stores.