Dear Abby, whose real name was Abigail Van Buren, began her career in the 1950s, a time when women were largely expected to stay at home and focus on family life. However, Abby had other plans. She started her advice column, “Dear Abby,” in 1956, initially writing it for her twin sister, Ann Landers, who already had an established advice column. Abby’s unique perspective and warm, compassionate tone quickly resonated with readers, and her column soon surpassed Ann’s in popularity.

Dear Abby’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Dear Abby, whose real name is Jeanne Phillips, has an estimated net worth of $75 million. This substantial fortune is largely attributed to her successful career as an advice columnist, spanning over four decades.

Career

Dear Abby began her career in 1956, taking over her mother’s advice column, “Advice to the Lovelorn.” She renamed it “Dear Abby” and has since become a household name, offering guidance to millions of readers daily in over 1,400 newspapers worldwide. Her syndicated column is one of the most widely read in the world.

Other Ventures

In addition to her column, Dear Abby has ventured into other areas. She has authored numerous books, including “Dear Abby: The Advice Lady” and “The Best of Dear Abby.” She has also made appearances on various TV shows and has a radio show, “Dear Abby Radio.”

Assets

Dear Abby’s assets include her primary residence in California, valued at around $5 million. She also owns a vacation home in Hawaii, valued at approximately $3 million. Her real estate portfolio also includes investment properties. She has a significant stake in her family’s media company, Universal Uclick, which syndicates her column.

Annual Income

Dear Abby’s annual income is primarily derived from her advice column. As of 2021, it was estimated to be around $15 million. This includes her salary, royalties from books, and earnings from her radio show and other ventures. Her income has significantly contributed to her net worth over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Dear Abby

What is Dear Abby’s net worth?

Dear Abby’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.

Who is Dear Abby?

Dear Abby is a syndicated advice column written by Abigail Van Buren, whose real name is Pauline Phillips. She started the column in 1956 and it has since been continued by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips.

How did Dear Abby become so popular?

Dear Abby gained popularity due to her straightforward, no-nonsense approach to advice, often tackling sensitive and taboo subjects with a unique blend of wit and wisdom. Her column was also widely syndicated, appearing in over 1,400 newspapers at its peak.

What was Dear Abby’s first advice column about?

Dear Abby’s first advice column, published on January 9, 1956, was about a woman who wanted to know how to handle her husband’s snoring.

How many languages has Dear Abby been translated into?

Dear Abby has been translated into over 20 languages and has been read by millions of people worldwide.

What is the most common topic in Dear Abby’s advice column?

The most common topics in Dear Abby’s advice column include relationships, family issues, and personal problems.

Has Dear Abby ever given controversial advice?

Yes, Dear Abby has given controversial advice throughout her career. She has been known to challenge societal norms and offer unpopular opinions, which has sometimes sparked debate and criticism.

What is the difference between Dear Abby and Ann Landers?

Dear Abby and Ann Landers were both popular advice columnists, but they had different styles and viewpoints. Dear Abby was known for her more conservative and practical approach, while Ann Landers was seen as more liberal and open-minded.

How can I get advice from Dear Abby?

You can submit your question to Dear Abby through her official website or by mail. If your question is selected, it may be published in her advice column.

What happened to Dear Abby after her retirement?

After her retirement, Dear Abby’s advice column was continued by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, who took over the column in 2002. Abigail Van Buren passed away in 2013 at the age of 94.