To understand Paris Hilton, we need to understand where she comes from and where she may, or for that matter, where she may not be going…financially.

How much money is Paris Hilton worth?!  According to a story in AssociatedContent on Yahoo.com,  her grandfather, (William) Barron Hilton is estimated to be worth somewhere between $2 and $3 billion dollars.  Originally it was thought that he would leave Paris somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 million dollars.  But in December of 2007, he announced that he would be leaving 97% of his fortune to charity.  He believes that it would be better utilized that way.

The fortune would go back to the charity estate founded by Conrad in 30 years had Barron not contested the will regardless.  If Paris did have her portion of the estate go to charity, that would leave her far from penniless, however, $100 million originally thought to be hers would dramatically dwindle to $2-3 million.   Of course eventually, some additional dollars would come Paris’ way once her parents pass away.  However, that is an enormous change in fortune.  So Paris has taken matters into her own hands.

She once was thought of as a completely self-serving, egomaniac who’s only interest was making sex tapes, partying and getting drunk, or allegedly high on drugs.  But, time changes things, especially when one believes one’s future lifestyle is at stake in the foreseeable future.

We’ve seen Paris an American socialite, heiress, media personality, model, author, fashion designer, singer and actress.  Albeit, one could question the legitimacy of the last two items on her resume.