THE MONEY: Founder of property and casualty insurer Mercury General saw net worth rise as value of shares rose 3 percent over past year. More significantly, padded by hefty dividend income.

BUZZ: Nonagenarian founder and chairman of L.A. auto, property and casualty insurer works reduced hours. Lowered public profile last year after suffering defeat at polls in 2012 with second attempt to allow insurers to offer discounts to drivers who switch providers. Measure would presumably have benefited Mercury, which specializes in low-cost policies to attract newcomers. Meanwhile, company has had difficulty obtaining regulatory approval for rate increases in California, which in turn has meant lower than hoped for returns for shareholders, including Joseph, by far the largest shareholder, with 34 percent of shares. Navigated B-17 bomber during World War II, earned dual Harvard degrees and worked as door-to-door salesman before founding Mercury in 1961 with offices on Wilshire Boulevard’s insurance corridor. Lives in nearby Hancock Park with current wife, Vicky. (Ex-wife Gloria owns 17 percent stake in Mercury as result of 1985 divorce settlement.) Also owns home in Santa Barbara with current wife; both have funded building of cross at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles.

NET WORTH:

$1.54 billion s11%

LAST YEAR: $1.39 billion

AGE: 92

RESIDENCE: Hancock Park

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Insurance