Author: Gemma Lewis

Warren Buffett is one of the greatest investors of all time. So, if you follow his moves by buying what he buys and selling what he sells, that’s a recipe for investing success, right?

Copycat investing sounds good in theory. Buffett even admitted in a 2009 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, “I did the same thing when I was young.” However, the Wizard of Omaha offered a word of warning as well. "You can piggyback on my moves, but you can’t buy the whole businesses I do."

The problem is that most investors don’t have the means to buy entire businesses in the way that Buffett can, and that means they don’t have the same control over the outcomes.

That’s just one reason why buying like Buffett looks a lot better on the surface than it is. But it certainly doesn’t mean you need to have Berkshire Hathaway’s amount of capital to become a successful investor. Below are three Buffett-backed tips for growing your wealth as an individual investor.

Start when you can

It’s all about starting small. The sooner you start investing, the better, no matter how much you’re setting aside. That’s because one of Buffett’s core principles, compounding, ensures you earn returns on both your initial investment and the growth it generates. For instance, investing $100 per month at a 5% annual compound rate would grow to $15,593 over 10 years.

If you’re struggling to find the extra cash to invest, platforms like Moka can simplify investing by building a long-term portfolio for you using your spare change.

Moka automatically rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference into diversified portfolios. This way, even everyday spending can contribute to your financial goals.

It’s perfect for those new to investing who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution with minimal effort.

Invest for the long-run

Instead of trying to beat the market and constantly changing your investments, another tried-and-true Buffett approach is to pick solid investments and then leave them alone.

In 1998, Buffett shared his belief that investors should “only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for ten years.” Data from Finimize also proves that in general, the longer your investment horizon is, the less likely you are to suffer a loss.

If you have a long-term goal in mind for your investments, working with a financial advisor can help you make a concrete plan to get there.

The upside to working with a financial planner is that you’ll have an expert who isn’t emotionally attached to your money offering advice on how to manage your assets. That could be invaluable, especially if life ends up throwing you a curveball, such as an earlier-than-expected retirement, a sickness or other unplanned event.

However, if you’re confident in your ability to invest and can keep any personal sentiment from influencing your decision-making process, CIBC Investor’s Edge offers a comprehensive platform for do-it-yourself investors to build and manage their own portfolios. It’s a great choice self-directed investors to trade stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds and more online or through a mobile app, keep on top of markets with a vast library of research, and set up alerts to monitor stocks and get real-time quotes through a bank-owned online brokerage with strong security measures.

Research, but don’t copy

Another issue with trying to follow Buffett’s trades is that the stock market moves quickly. In the 1960s, when the Oracle of Omaha was in his 20s (and perhaps still copy trading), the average stock-holding period was between seven and eight years. Now, it’s less than a year long, on average. And given the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) only requires American institutional investors, such as Buffett, to disclose their holdings quarterly, you’d often be several months behind his actual trades.

This delay can lead to serious risks. That’s why it’s important you stick to industries or businesses you understand rather than following blindly.

Although social media trends or buzzy crypto drops may make lead some investors to chase fleeting, if downright deceitful money moves, it’s important to not dive headfirst into something without doing your research and always expressing a bit of healthy skepticism.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

What does it really mean to be wealthy? At what point — specifically, at what income level — does one cross into “rich” territory?

According to Bloomberg, an annual income of $175,000 a year places you in the top 10% of tax filers, signifying you’re statistically wealthy.

Don’t miss

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

But in their 2023 survey, 25% of those earning that much or more described themselves as “very poor”, “poor”, or “getting by, but things are tight.” Half said they’re just “comfortable”, at best.

It’s true that everything from cars to condos are costlier than ever before. But even with those costs accounted for, the question remains: Are Americans underestimating their real net worth

Warren Buffett thinks so. In a 2022 interview with Charlie Rose, the Berkshire billionaire tried to put things in perspective for modern Americans.

“You live in a new environment where the bottom 2% in terms of income in the United States, the bottom 5% … The top 1% all live better than John D Rockefeller was living when I was six years old. … And today, you can get better medicine, better education, better entertainment, and better transportation.”

And Rockefeller was at one point the richest man in the world. Here are a few key things to remember as you work toward your wealth goals.

Stable investments over riskier bets

According to a recent survey from Bank of America, individuals aged 21 to 43 with at least $3 million in assets only have 25% of their portfolio invested in stocks.

It is worth noting that 93% of these rich, young Americans say they plan to allocate more of their portfolio to alternatives in the next few years, according to the survey.

So, what alternative investments are capturing the interest of these young millionaires?

The Bank of America survey revealed that among wealthy young investors, 45% own gold as a physical asset, and another 45% are interested in holding it.

Investing in gold is often considered the go-to inflation-fighting move. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and its value is largely unaffected by economic events around the world.

And because of the precious metal’s safe-haven status, investors often rush toward it in times of crisis, making it a potentially effective hedge.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $10,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.

Comparison: the greatest thief of joy

It’s not surprising that so many Americans struggle to understand what their financial standing really is. A 2025 study conducted by web data collection firm Soax found that 73% of Americans use some form of social media.

Why is that important?

Aside from an array of finance influencers who all have varying opinions on the best way to create wealth, social media also inherently lends itself to comparisons. but remember: Nobody’s showingtheir mortgages or debts on Facebook and Instagram. Instead, they’re just sharing five-star vacations and ritzy nights out.

This is why professional financial advisors play a crucial role in helping you understand your actual financial position and plans for the future. With the help of a qualified professional, like those you can find through Advisor.com, you can find out where you really stand.

Advisor.com is a free service that helps you find a financial advisor who can co-create a plan to reach your financial goals by matching you with a small list of the best options for you to choose from. From their database of thousands, you get a pre-screened financial advisor you can trust. You can then set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if they’re the right fit for you.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Social media and the FOMO factor

Social media also fuels FOMO (fear of missing out), especially as more people boast about their investment returns or sudden financial “wins.” Watching influencers and celebrities claim they’ve doubled or tripled their money overnight can easily lead to unrealistic expectations.

But getting investment information from reliable, expert sources (not from social media) is crucial.

When asked what he did to learn about the stock market, Buffett told Berkshire shareholders last year that he did a lot of reading.

“The answer would be, in my particular case, it would be going through the 20,000 pages [of Moody’s Manual],” Buffett said.

Moody’s Manual was a series of publications by financial services company Moody’s on publicly traded stocks. These texts provided detailed information on various industries, companies and securities.

Resist the urge to constantly check

Americans who are constantly checking up on their wealth or investment portfolio might also be incorrectly believing they’re worse off than they are.

Buffett has always preached about investing for the long-term and exercising patience.

“If you worry about corrections, you shouldn’t own stocks,” Buffett once said in an interview with The Street.

Market ups and downs are natural, but fixating on them daily can make you feel like you’re losing ground, leading to potentially short-sighted decisions as well.

With Wealthfront’s automated investing platform, the power of compound interest works for you. Their sophisticated "set it and forget it" approach means your money is professionally managed and automatically rebalanced, allowing your wealth to grow steadily over time.

Start investing for the long term with globally diversified portfolios or go for a higher yield than a traditional savings account with an automated bond portfolio.

Open your account today and receive a $50 bonus to jumpstart your investment journey. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a home, or building generational wealth, Wealthfront’s low-cost, automated investment strategy can help you achieve your financial goals.

What to read next

• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Suze Orman was as candid as ever when Gina, a 56 year-old retiree, called into her Women & Money podcast earlier this year.

Orman was quick to shoot down Gina’s plan, which involved converting a $1.6 million pretax 401(k) into a Roth 401(k), and eventually into a Roth IRA.

Orman was shocked after learning her caller had received this financial advice from her company’s former benefits department. She retorted, “With the utmost of respect to your benefits person – are you crazy? Really?”

Don’t miss

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Orman went on to explain that converting from a pretax 401(k) to any Roth account would trigger taxes upfront, as it involves moving funds from a tax-deferred to a tax-free account.

She quickly shot down the plans Gina had for her Roth IRA.

Shuffling accounts, as it turns out, isn’t the tax loophole Gina thought it to be.

Building your retirement strategy

The American system is notoriously convoluted and clunky, and the Tax Policy Center claims it’s getting even more complicated every year.

In an interview with MSNBC earlier this year, Orman was asked what she thought the biggest money problem is for women that are around Gina’s age.

She said women over 50 tend to avoid dealing with money and don’t make plans to take care of themselves later in life, but tend to focus on their family instead.

“Women still give more to others than we give to ourselves and that is a really big mistake.”

For those of us without a direct line to Orman, services like Advisor.com can help. Advisor.com connects you with vetted fiduciary financial advisors near you. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions about your finances, and Adivsor.com matches you with a short list of certified experts to choose from.

You can then set up an introductory meeting with no obligation to hire.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Diversify your IRA

Suze Orman has long been a passionate advocate for long-term wealth generation.

She frequently emphasizes that saving early can reduce your tax burden and allow for compounding growth, fostering a better financial security for you and your family security down the road.

She’s an especially big fan of Roth IRAs and their tax-free withdrawal benefits. Largely, that’s because these accounts can help you avoid a nasty tax torpedo that can have a detrimental impact on your Social Security benefits in retirement. However, a well-rounded retirement strategy includes careful investment choices within your investment account, no matter what that is.

For instance, if you’re nearing retirement age and optimizing for stability with your investments, gold is typically more stable than stocks during economic downturns and recessions. In fact, gold has increased in value sevenfold over the last 100 years.

Another reason to invest in precious metals like gold is that they can provide significant tax advantages. This is especially important for retirement planning.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $10,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.

Retirement investing isn’t one-size-fits-all. For experienced investors ready to take greater control, a self-directed retirement account from IRA Financial unlocks a wider range of opportunities — allowing you to diversify your retirement portfolio.

A self-directed retirement account is a tax-advantaged individual retirement account (IRA) that lets investors allocate funds to a significantly broader range of alternative assets than typical IRAs offered by banks or brokerage firms.

While traditional IRAs limit options to stocks, bonds and mutual funds, a self-directed account allows you to invest in real estate, cryptocurrency, private businesses, precious metals and private lending.

IRA Financial offers an easy-to-use platform and app where you can manage your investments. You can also choose to work with their experienced retirement specialists and in-house tax team.

How It works

• Prequalify – Answer a few quick questions in 90 seconds.
• Fund your account – Transfer or contribute funds easily from an existing IRA or retirement plan.
• Choose your plan – Pick from Self‑Directed IRA, Solo 401(k), Checkbook IRA, or Crypto IRA.
• Start investing – Invest tax-free in real estate, crypto, and more.
• With over $5 billion in retirement assets under custody, guaranteed IRA audit protection, 25,000+ clients nationwide and a 97% client retention rate, IRA Financial can help you grow your retirement fund with alternative assets.

Real estate and your IRA

You might also consider additional asset classes for a resilient, long-term portfolio.

For instance, real estate can be a terrific way to diversify while benefiting from tax-free growth and retirement income — so long as you plan correctly.

New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Another avenue is commercial real estate. For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

What to read next

• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Robert Kiyosaki has a controversial take on debt: you shouldn’t avoid it. Instead, just embrace it.

Garrett Gunderson interviewed Kiyosaki in 2019, and that’s how he said the rich get richer. His stance is pretty unique from the other big name financial gurus.

Don’t miss

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Suze Orman emphasizes strict budgeting and frugality, and Dave Ramsey champions a debt-free lifestyle. But Kiyosaki’s perspective is markedly different.

By investing in investments that generate cash flow, while minimizing taxes and tapping into debt, Robert Kiyosaki’s strategy is focused on growing assets rather than cutting costs. Here are 3 of his top tips.

1. Invest for maximum returns and minimize taxes

Kiyosaki suggests prioritizing investments with maximum returns and low tax burdens. That means he opts for alternative assets and specific tax-shielded accounts, like IRAs.

Real estate

In Kiyosaki’s words, “The more debt you have, the more real estate you can buy and the less tax you pay."

For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

However, owning a share of a project or property this way holds some risk — for instance, you could receive no returns and these assets are often illiquid. Speak to a professional if this investment is right for you, especially if you are retired or close to retirement.

New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Gold

Kiyosaki is also a proponent of alternative assets like gold. He openly shares that he owns gold as a hedge against economic downturns.

Unlike fiat currency, the precious metal cannot be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks, and its value is not tied to a single economy or currency. These traits make gold a favored “safe haven” asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.

Investors seem to be taking note. So far in 2025, the price of gold has surged, surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $10,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.

Crypto

Kiyosaki certainly isn’t shy about his love for digital currencies, famously sharing on X that he has lofty aspirations of owning 100 Bitcoin (he currently owns 76.)

Now would be a pretty good time to own all of those coins, given its price has continued to hit all-time-highs above $90,000 in the past few weeks. Though, it’s an inherently volatile investment – and it’s consistently ebbing and flowing. So, you want to be sure you can stomach that level of volatility and risk before investing in crypto like Kiyosaki does.

For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and stores bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on our growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

2. Use a team of experts

Another way Kiyosaki differs from other financial commentators is that he argues accountants, tax experts, and even attorneys can be key to minimizing taxes. He unapologetically believes that "If you’re a coward and you’re afraid of the IRS, then you’re middle class and poor."

His advice might rub you the wrong way, but there’s something to be said for seeking a professional’s opinion on your finances. After all, it’s a lot harder to see the forest for the trees when it’s your money.

If you’re unsure which path to take amid today’s market uncertainty, it might be a good time to connect with a financial advisor through Advisor.com.

This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors best suited to help you develop a plan for your new wealth.

Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances and the platform will match you with an experienced financial professional. You can view their profile, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

You can view advisor profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

3. Don’t be afraid of debt

In an interview with Forbes, Kiyosaki said, “If you’re gonna go into debt to invest in real estate, find the best rate.”

With interest rates falling, finding a better rate should be easier than it was last year. A quick and efficient way to check out the rates available is the Mortgage Research Center (MRC). The platform can help you easily compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders.

All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, including your ZIP code, desired property type, price range, and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a loan with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

What to read next

• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Robert Kiyosaki has a controversial take on debt: you shouldn’t avoid it. Instead, just embrace it.

Garrett Gunderson interviewed Kiyosaki in 2019, and that’s how he said the rich get richer. His stance is pretty unique from the other big name financial gurus.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Suze Orman emphasizes strict budgeting and frugality, and Dave Ramsey champions a debt-free lifestyle. But Kiyosaki’s perspective is markedly different.

By investing in investments that generate cash flow, while minimizing taxes and tapping into debt, Robert Kiyosaki’s strategy is focused on growing assets rather than cutting costs. Here are 3 of his top tips.

1. Invest for maximum returns and minimize taxes

Kiyosaki suggests prioritizing investments with maximum returns and low tax burdens. That means he opts for alternative assets and specific tax-shielded accounts, like IRAs.

Real estate

In Kiyosaki’s words, “The more debt you have, the more real estate you can buy and the less tax you pay."

For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

However, owning a share of a project or property this way holds some risk — for instance, you could receive no returns and these assets are often illiquid. Speak to a professional if this investment is right for you, especially if you are retired or close to retirement.

New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

Gold

Kiyosaki is also a proponent of alternative assets like gold. He openly shares that he owns gold as a hedge against economic downturns.

Unlike fiat currency, the precious metal cannot be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks, and its value is not tied to a single economy or currency. These traits make gold a favored “safe haven” asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.

Investors seem to be taking note. So far in 2025, the price of gold has surged, surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Crypto

Kiyosaki certainly isn’t shy about his love for digital currencies, famously sharing on X that he has lofty aspirations of owning 100 Bitcoin (he currently owns 76.)

Now would be a pretty good time to own all of those coins, given its price has continued to hit all-time-highs above $90,000 in the past few weeks. Though, it’s an inherently volatile investment – and it’s consistently ebbing and flowing. So, you want to be sure you can stomach that level of volatility and risk before investing in crypto like Kiyosaki does.

For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and stores bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on our growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

2. Use a team of experts

Another way Kiyosaki differs from other financial commentators is that he argues accountants, tax experts, and even attorneys can be key to minimizing taxes. He unapologetically believes that "If you’re a coward and you’re afraid of the IRS, then you’re middle class and poor."

His advice might rub you the wrong way, but there’s something to be said for seeking a professional’s opinion on your finances. After all, it’s a lot harder to see the forest for the trees when it’s your money.

If you’re unsure which path to take amid today’s market uncertainty, it might be a good time to connect with a financial advisor through Advisor.com.

This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors best suited to help you develop a plan for your new wealth.

Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances and the platform will match you with an experienced financial professional. You can view their profile, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

You can view advisor profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

3. Don’t be afraid of debt

In an interview with Forbes, Kiyosaki said, “If you’re gonna go into debt to invest in real estate, find the best rate.”

With interest rates falling, finding a better rate should be easier than it was last year. A quick and efficient way to check out the rates available is the Mortgage Research Center (MRC). The platform can help you easily compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders.

All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, including your ZIP code, desired property type, price range, and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a loan with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Warren Buffett is one of the greatest investors of all time. So, if you follow his moves by buying what he buys and selling what he sells, that’s a recipe for investing success, right?

Copycat investing sounds good in theory. Buffett even admitted in a 2009 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, “I did the same thing when I was young.” However, the Wizard of Omaha offered a word of warning as well. "You can piggyback on my moves, but you can’t buy the whole businesses I do."

The problem is that most investors don’t have the means to buy entire businesses in the way that Buffett can, and that means they don’t have the same control over the outcomes.

That’s just one reason why buying like Buffett looks a lot better on the surface than it is. But it certainly doesn’t mean you need to have Berkshire Hathaway’s amount of capital to become a successful investor. Below are three Buffett-backed tips for growing your wealth as an individual investor.

Start when you can

It’s all about starting small. The sooner you start investing, the better, no matter how much you’re setting aside. That’s because one of Buffett’s core principles, compounding, ensures you earn returns on both your initial investment and the growth it generates. For instance, investing $100 per month at a 5% annual compound rate would grow to $15,593 over 10 years.

If you’re struggling to find the extra cash to invest, platforms like Moka can simplify investing by building a long-term portfolio for you using your spare change.

Moka automatically rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference into diversified portfolios. This way, even everyday spending can contribute to your financial goals.

It’s perfect for those new to investing who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution with minimal effort.

Invest for the long-run

Instead of trying to beat the market and constantly changing your investments, another tried-and-true Buffett approach is to pick solid investments and then leave them alone.

In 1998, Buffett shared his belief that investors should “only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for ten years.” Data from Finimize also proves that in general, the longer your investment horizon is, the less likely you are to suffer a loss.

If you have a long-term goal in mind for your investments, working with a financial advisor can help you make a concrete plan to get there.

The upside to working with a financial planner is that you’ll have an expert who isn’t emotionally attached to your money offering advice on how to manage your assets. That could be invaluable, especially if life ends up throwing you a curveball, such as an earlier-than-expected retirement, a sickness or other unplanned event.

However, if you’re confident in your ability to invest and can keep any personal sentiment from influencing your decision-making process, CIBC Investor’s Edge offers a comprehensive platform for do-it-yourself investors to build and manage their own portfolios. It’s a great choice self-directed investors to trade stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds and more online or through a mobile app, keep on top of markets with a vast library of research, and set up alerts to monitor stocks and get real-time quotes through a bank-owned online brokerage with strong security measures.

Research, but don’t copy

Another issue with trying to follow Buffett’s trades is that the stock market moves quickly. In the 1960s, when the Oracle of Omaha was in his 20s (and perhaps still copy trading), the average stock-holding period was between seven and eight years. Now, it’s less than a year long, on average. And given the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) only requires American institutional investors, such as Buffett, to disclose their holdings quarterly, you’d often be several months behind his actual trades.

This delay can lead to serious risks. That’s why it’s important you stick to industries or businesses you understand rather than following blindly.

Although social media trends or buzzy crypto drops may make lead some investors to chase fleeting, if downright deceitful money moves, it’s important to not dive headfirst into something without doing your research and always expressing a bit of healthy skepticism.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

In 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.”

He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “Very, very low rates.”

For Buffett, those low mortgage rates were what made housing such a great opportunity. He’s a value investor after all, which means he seeks investments with low prices relative to what they’re actually worth.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

And at the time, consumer confidence was low, driving housing prices down. Buffett’s advice in those market moments? “Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Indeed, it would have paid off for the typical American homebuyer. The median price of an American home was $180,000 in 2012. As of April 2025, this figure is now $414,000. The all-time high was $426,900 in June 2024.

The question is, with prices and interest rates now so much higher than they were, would Buffett’s sentiment still hold for real estate as an investment now?

Invest with a mortgage

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.86%

So, Buffett would probably be a little bit less jazzed on home buying in 2025.

That said, markets are cyclical. Usually — or at least in the world of interest rates — what goes up will eventually come down.

No matter what happens to interest rates, you’ll want to ensure you’re shopping around for the best rate possible — because the search really does pay off.

According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers who applied for mortgages from two lenders saved up to $600 annually. If they applied for four or more, those cost savings doubled to $1,200 every year.

For an efficient way to shop for rates, Mortgage Research Center (MRC) helps you quickly compare rates and estimate your monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type, price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs. After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

For those refinancing an existing mortgage, MRC can even help you find a better rate than what you currently have.

Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

Become a landlord without the work

Buffett also clarified that in his dream world of buying all of those homes, he’d need to find an easy way to manage them as investments, too.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate. This can make it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

Another option is targeted investments in hot real estate markets. Arrived has simplified the process, making it easy and accessible for everyday investors through the Seattle City Fund.

The fund takes a strategic advantage of Seattle, a global business hub and home to some of the world’s most influential companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing. Potential returns are generated through rental income and any appreciation in the value of properties within the fund. The average home value in Seattle is over $910,000, with a 10-year average appreciation of 95.5%, according to Redfin.com

The Seattle City Fund lets you capitalize on the city’s steady growth and increasing property values, giving you diversification across multiple properties. Each home in the fund is projected to have equity ranging from $800,000 to $900,000.

Then there’s commercial real estate. As an investment, it’s even more challenging to access and manage. And while some commercial investment opportunities are expected to witness weaker growth in 2025, they are not all one-and-the-same. Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce transition.

And First National Realty Partners allows accredited individual investors to access these types of necessity-based, institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without having to do the research or manage tenants.

The FNRP team has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

In 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.”

He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “Very, very low rates.”

For Buffett, those low mortgage rates were what made housing such a great opportunity. He’s a value investor after all, which means he seeks investments with low prices relative to what they’re actually worth.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

And at the time, consumer confidence was low, driving housing prices down. Buffett’s advice in those market moments? “Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Indeed, it would have paid off for the typical American homebuyer. The median price of an American home was $180,000 in 2012. As of April 2025, this figure is now $414,000. The all-time high was $426,900 in June 2024.

The question is, with prices and interest rates now so much higher than they were, would Buffett’s sentiment still hold for real estate as an investment now?

Invest with a mortgage

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.86%

So, Buffett would probably be a little bit less jazzed on home buying in 2025.

That said, markets are cyclical. Usually — or at least in the world of interest rates — what goes up will eventually come down.

No matter what happens to interest rates, you’ll want to ensure you’re shopping around for the best rate possible — because the search really does pay off.

According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers who applied for mortgages from two lenders saved up to $600 annually. If they applied for four or more, those cost savings doubled to $1,200 every year.

For an efficient way to shop for rates, Mortgage Research Center (MRC) helps you quickly compare rates and estimate your monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type, price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs. After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

For those refinancing an existing mortgage, MRC can even help you find a better rate than what you currently have.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Become a landlord without the work

Buffett also clarified that in his dream world of buying all of those homes, he’d need to find an easy way to manage them as investments, too.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate. This can make it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

Another option is targeted investments in hot real estate markets. Arrived has simplified the process, making it easy and accessible for everyday investors through the Seattle City Fund.

The fund takes a strategic advantage of Seattle, a global business hub and home to some of the world’s most influential companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks and Boeing. Potential returns are generated through rental income and any appreciation in the value of properties within the fund. The average home value in Seattle is over $910,000, with a 10-year average appreciation of 95.5%, according to Redfin.com

The Seattle City Fund lets you capitalize on the city’s steady growth and increasing property values, giving you diversification across multiple properties. Each home in the fund is projected to have equity ranging from $800,000 to $900,000.

Then there’s commercial real estate. As an investment, it’s even more challenging to access and manage. And while some commercial investment opportunities are expected to witness weaker growth in 2025, they are not all one-and-the-same. Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce transition.

And First National Realty Partners allows accredited individual investors to access these types of necessity-based, institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without having to do the research or manage tenants.

The FNRP team has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Robert Kiyosaki has a controversial take on debt: you shouldn’t avoid it. Instead, just embrace it.

Garrett Gunderson interviewed Kiyosaki in 2019, and that’s how he said the rich get richer. His stance is pretty unique from the other big name financial gurus.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

Suze Orman emphasizes strict budgeting and frugality, and Dave Ramsey champions a debt-free lifestyle. But Kiyosaki’s perspective is markedly different.

By investing in investments that generate cash flow, while minimizing taxes and tapping into debt, Robert Kiyosaki’s strategy is focused on growing assets rather than cutting costs. Here are 3 of his top tips.

1. Invest for maximum returns and minimize taxes

Kiyosaki suggests prioritizing investments with maximum returns and low tax burdens. That means he opts for alternative assets and specific tax-shielded accounts, like IRAs.

Real estate

In Kiyosaki’s words, “The more debt you have, the more real estate you can buy and the less tax you pay."

For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

However, owning a share of a project or property this way holds some risk — for instance, you could receive no returns and these assets are often illiquid. Speak to a professional if this investment is right for you, especially if you are retired or close to retirement.

New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Gold

Kiyosaki is also a proponent of alternative assets like gold. He openly shares that he owns gold as a hedge against economic downturns.

Unlike fiat currency, the precious metal cannot be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks, and its value is not tied to a single economy or currency. These traits make gold a favored “safe haven” asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.

Investors seem to be taking note. So far in 2025, the price of gold has surged, surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

Opting for a gold IRA gives you the opportunity to hedge against market volatility by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, companies typically offer 100% free rollover. Others might offer free gold, silver or other metals up to a certain amount when you make a qualifying purchase.

You can check out the Moneywise list of industry-leading companies offering gold IRAs here.

Compare offers instantly and request a free information guide to help you understand how to diversify your portfolio and secure your retirement fund.

Crypto

Kiyosaki certainly isn’t shy about his love for digital currencies, famously sharing on X that he has lofty aspirations of owning 100 Bitcoin (he currently owns 76.)

Now would be a pretty good time to own all of those coins, given its price has continued to hit all-time-highs above $90,000 in the past few weeks. Though, it’s an inherently volatile investment – and it’s consistently ebbing and flowing. So, you want to be sure you can stomach that level of volatility and risk before investing in crypto like Kiyosaki does.

For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and stores bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on our growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

2. Use a team of experts

Another way Kiyosaki differs from other financial commentators is that he argues accountants, tax experts, and even attorneys can be key to minimizing taxes. He unapologetically believes that "If you’re a coward and you’re afraid of the IRS, then you’re middle class and poor."

His advice might rub you the wrong way, but there’s something to be said for seeking a professional’s opinion on your finances. After all, it’s a lot harder to see the forest for the trees when it’s your money.

If you’re unsure which path to take amid today’s market uncertainty, it might be a good time to connect with a financial advisor through Advisor.com.

This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors best suited to help you develop a plan for your new wealth.

Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances and the platform will match you with an experienced financial professional. You can view their profile, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

You can view advisor profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

3. Don’t be afraid of debt

In an interview with Forbes, Kiyosaki said, “If you’re gonna go into debt to invest in real estate, find the best rate.”

With interest rates falling, finding a better rate should be easier than it was last year. A quick and efficient way to check out the rates available is the Mortgage Research Center (MRC). The platform can help you easily compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders.

All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, including your ZIP code, desired property type, price range, and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a loan with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Warren Buffett is one of the greatest investors of all time. So, if you follow his moves by buying what he buys and selling what he sells, that’s a recipe for investing success, right?

Copycat investing sounds good in theory. Buffett even admitted in a 2009 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, “I did the same thing when I was young.” However, the Wizard of Omaha offered a word of warning as well. "You can piggyback on my moves, but you can’t buy the whole businesses I do."

The problem is that most investors don’t have the means to buy entire businesses in the way that Buffett can, and that means they don’t have the same control over the outcomes.

That’s just one reason why buying like Buffett looks a lot better on the surface than it is. But it certainly doesn’t mean you need to have Berkshire Hathaway’s amount of capital to become a successful investor. Below are three Buffett-backed tips for growing your wealth as an individual investor.

Start when you can

It’s all about starting small. The sooner you start investing, the better, no matter how much you’re setting aside. That’s because one of Buffett’s core principles, compounding, ensures you earn returns on both your initial investment and the growth it generates. For instance, investing $100 per month at a 5% annual compound rate would grow to $15,593 over 10 years.

If you’re struggling to find the extra cash to invest, platforms like Moka can simplify investing by building a long-term portfolio for you using your spare change.

Moka automatically rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference into diversified portfolios. This way, even everyday spending can contribute to your financial goals.

It’s perfect for those new to investing who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution with minimal effort.

Invest for the long-run

Instead of trying to beat the market and constantly changing your investments, another tried-and-true Buffett approach is to pick solid investments and then leave them alone.

In 1998, Buffett shared his belief that investors should “only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for ten years.” Data from Finimize also proves that in general, the longer your investment horizon is, the less likely you are to suffer a loss.

If you have a long-term goal in mind for your investments, working with a financial advisor can help you make a concrete plan to get there.

The upside to working with a financial planner is that you’ll have an expert who isn’t emotionally attached to your money offering advice on how to manage your assets. That could be invaluable, especially if life ends up throwing you a curveball, such as an earlier-than-expected retirement, a sickness or other unplanned event.

However, if you’re confident in your ability to invest and can keep any personal sentiment from influencing your decision-making process, CIBC Investor’s Edge offers a comprehensive platform for do-it-yourself investors to build and manage their own portfolios. It’s a great choice self-directed investors to trade stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds and more online or through a mobile app, keep on top of markets with a vast library of research, and set up alerts to monitor stocks and get real-time quotes through a bank-owned online brokerage with strong security measures.

Research, but don’t copy

Another issue with trying to follow Buffett’s trades is that the stock market moves quickly. In the 1960s, when the Oracle of Omaha was in his 20s (and perhaps still copy trading), the average stock-holding period was between seven and eight years. Now, it’s less than a year long, on average. And given the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) only requires American institutional investors, such as Buffett, to disclose their holdings quarterly, you’d often be several months behind his actual trades.

This delay can lead to serious risks. That’s why it’s important you stick to industries or businesses you understand rather than following blindly.

Although social media trends or buzzy crypto drops may make lead some investors to chase fleeting, if downright deceitful money moves, it’s important to not dive headfirst into something without doing your research and always expressing a bit of healthy skepticism.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.