Warren Buffett’s Parenting Rule Is the Key To Raising Financially Savvy Kids

warren buffett wearing a suit and waving

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Let’s be real — when Warren Buffett talks, wise folks listen. The legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is renowned for dishing out simple, yet brilliant, insights about business, investing and life. But one particular tidbit from the “Oracle of Omaha” is a parenting principle he says is key to raising money-savvy children.

The Growth Mindset 

Buffett’s rule is straightforward: guide your children toward growth opportunities. As he’s said, “You don’t get extra points for doing something extremely difficult if an easier path exists.” 

The idea is to encourage kids to gravitate toward expanding industries and endeavors rather than those shrinking or staying stagnant. It applies far beyond just career selection.

A Balanced Approach

Now, this rule shouldn’t bulldoze over your children’s genuine passions and interests. It’s about smartly channeling their drives in an upward direction. A film student, for instance, may be better off chasing growing audiences and platforms instead of dwindling theatrical markets.

The key is balance. Seek growth tailored to your family’s situation and values. Look for authentic growth drivers kids can wrap their minds around, like demographic shifts. Prioritize growth that’s quantifiable through hard metrics like job numbers or market size. But only if it’s actionable for your crew.

More Than Just Money

This wisdom goes beyond merely chasing a fatter paycheck. It’s about increasing the odds they’ll find professional satisfaction and financial stability through ethical means. Echoing what Buffett said about his dying textile factories, you don’t get rewarded for taking the tougher road when better paths exist.

By nurturing a mindset oriented toward opportunity and smart growth, you’ll raise money-savvy kids. They can spend more time pursuing their callings rather than struggling against brutal economic headwinds. It builds critical thinking skills about sustainable paths forward.

Final Take To GO: The Billionaire’s Approach

Buffett didn’t become one of history’s most successful investors by accident. His drive towards growth makes perfect sense, especially in our frenetic, ever-changing world. By instilling this mindset, you’ll give your kids a serious edge in prospering as adults.

BEFORE YOU GO

See Today's Best
Banking Offers

Looks like you're using an adblocker

Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates.

  • AdBlock / uBlock / Brave
    1. Click the ad blocker extension icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable on this site
    3. Refresh the page
  • Firefox / Edge / DuckDuckGo
    1. Click on the icon to the left of the address bar
    2. Disable Tracking Protection
    3. Refresh the page
  • Ghostery
    1. Click the blue ghost icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable Ad-Blocking, Anti-Tracking, and Never-Consent
    3. Refresh the page