Some of our favorite Quotes about Investing

There’s so much to learn about investing. One of the best ways to understand the industry is to study some of the great investors and purveyors of financial knowledge. Here, we share quotes by philosophers, businesspeople, and investors. We hope you learn something new and enjoy studying the history, context, and meaning behind these insightful quotes.

1. "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

This is such a good quote because it refers to educating yourself to become an empowered investor. Financial literacy is crucial for diving into the investment world, and there are no better returns than those you gain from education.

2. "In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable." — Robert Arnott

This quote may not seem directly related to the first quote, but education is often the first foundational step. The more educated you are, the more confident you feel when stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s important to have an investment portfolio that aligns with your personal risk tolerance and goals, but you’re inevitably going to have to make decisions that might make you uncomfortable.

3. "How many millionaires do you know who have become wealthy by investing in savings accounts? I rest my case." — Robert G. Allen

While savings accounts are a great financial tool for keeping some of your money readily available, they traditionally have low interest rates that won’t contribute to your growing net worth. While a market investment might not be as safe as a savings account, it will still grow quicker.

4. "It's not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for." — Robert Kiyosaki

This is a great quote about protecting your wealth and making it work for you. Money and capital gains do you no good if you blow them all.

5. "Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas." — Paul Samuelson

There is certainly a thrill of investing in the market, but the most successful investors value thoughtfulness and research over impulsive decisions. Good investors are in it for the long haul, not for the thrill of the chase.

6. "With a good perspective on history, we can have a better understanding of the past and present, and thus a clear vision of the future." — Carlos Slim Helu

When looking at market trends, it’s clear that history repeats itself. Understanding this history will make you a more educated investor.

7. "It's not whether you're right or wrong that's important, but how much money you make when you're right and how much you lose when you're wrong." — George Soros

None of us have a crystal ball, so it’s impossible to tell if you’re going to be “right.” Instead, focus on maximizing your gains and minimizing your losses.

8. "I don't look to jump over seven-foot bars; I look around for one-foot bars that I can step over." — Warren Buffett

Sometimes, when it comes to investing, simpler is better. Rather than reinventing the wheel, you should focus on consistent performers and making your life easier (and hopefully more profitable).

9. “Invest for the long haul. Don’t get too greedy and don’t get too scared.” — Shelby M.C. Davis

Investing in the market is a long-term play, and your portfolio should reflect your personal timelines. It’s okay to invest for short-term goals as well, but that will likely change your strategy.

10. “The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists.” — Benjamin Graham

The financial markets are all about patience. Optimists will buy high, pessimists will sell low, and the intelligent investor capitalizes on both of these emotional decisions.

11. “Know what you own, and know why you own it.” – Peter Lynch

When it comes to quotes about investing, this one is a classic. It goes back to being financially literate and understanding your choices. Know the “why” behind your portfolio. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; your financial advisor is a part of your team and will be happy to help you understand what you’re investing in.

12. "Never risk what you have and need for what you don't need." - Warren Buffet

Why take unnecessary risk?  Warren Buffet has so many quotes, we could make a list comprised of only his quotes.

13.  "The most important part of a plan is planning on your plan to not go according to plan." - Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel discusses this in his book, The Psychology of Money.  As financial planners, we look to uncover pitfalls in our client's financial plans.   

14. "What the wise man does in the beginning, the fool does in the end."  - Warren Buffet

This explains market cycles.  Don't chase returns.  Stick to your plan!  Maybe next time we make a list like this, we'll devote a Warren Buffet section.

15. "The biggest investing errors come not from factors that are informational or analytical, but from those that are psychological. - Howard Marks

Have you ever tried to time the market based on feelings?  Many have, few succeed.  If you try to time the market, you need to be correct twice.  1) When you sell and 2) When you buy back in.  

16. "I can calculate the movement of stars but not the madness of men." - Sir Isaac Newton

There will be times when things don't seem to make any sense.  Sir Isaac Newton learned the hard way.  Sir Isaac Newton profited from selling the South Sea Company stock.  Months later he was lured back in at a higher price only to lose almost 3x the amount he made in profits earlier.  

Did we miss any important quotes about investing? We would love to hear yours!

Best,

CRA Investment Committee

Matt Reynolds CPA, CFP®   

Tom Reynolds, CPA     

Robert T. Martin, CFA, CFP®            

Gordon Shearer Jr., CFP®

Jeff Hilliard, CFP®, CRPC®         

Joe McCaffrey, CFP®