Warren Buffett has officially stepped down from Berkshire Hathaway, and last month he wrote his final shareholder letter. While much of it reflected on his upbringing, he closed with a few “final thoughts” that offer powerful guidance for investors today.
- “Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes — learn at least a little from them and move on.”
Every investor makes mistakes. What matters is how quickly we recognize them, learn from them, and get back on track. A big part of my job is helping you avoid common pitfalls and navigate challenges with a level head when they arise.
- “Decide what you would like your obituary to say and live the life to deserve it.”
In the busyness of work, responsibilities, and financial decision-making, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. This reminder helps us keep our priorities straight so we can make choices, financial and otherwise, that we’ll be proud of later.
- “You will never be perfect, but you can always be better.”
The pursuit of perfection often creates unnecessary stress. It can even keep us from admitting mistakes; something that can be costly for investors. Real progress happens gradually, one small improvement at a time, both financially and personally.
As 2025 comes to a close, you may already be thinking about how you want to grow in 2026. These three Buffett principles offer a helpful framework for setting intentions and strengthening the habits that matter most. They can guide you in becoming a better investor, but also a better spouse, partner, parent, friend, and colleague. And the more we notice progress, however small, the more content and grounded we tend to feel.
Wishing you a meaningful holiday season and a successful year ahead.
– Scott
©The Behavioral Finance Network. Used with permission.