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9 Money Lessons Kevin O'Leary Learned from His Mom

Practical financial wisdom from a successful entrepreneur's biggest teacher: his mother.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Laura Ratliff

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Kevin O'Leary, known for his role on “Shark Tank,” his sharp business acumen, and his successful ventures, attributes much of his financial wisdom to lessons learned from his mother, Georgette.

Despite his business achievements, O'Leary frequently shares that his mother’s simple but powerful advice helped shape his disciplined approach to managing money.

While she wasn’t a financial expert by trade, her timeless wisdom has guided O'Leary through every major financial decision and helped him get ahead financially — and they’re lessons anyone can apply.

Here are the top nine money lessons Kevin O'Leary learned from his mother and why they are as relevant today as ever.

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Always save a consistent portion of your income

One of the first lessons O'Leary’s mom imparted to him was the importance of consistently saving a portion of his earnings, no matter how much or little he made.

Whether you're starting your career or already established, consistently saving builds the foundation for long-term financial stability.

Start by setting aside a percentage of your income and treating it as a non-negotiable expense, ensuring your savings grow with each paycheck.

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Never spend more than you make

It’s a simple rule, but can make or break your financial future. O'Leary’s mom emphasized living within your means, and he’s followed this advice throughout his career. Overspending can lead to debt, which can snowball if not addressed. By always ensuring that your expenses are less than your income, you avoid the pitfalls of financial strain and keep your budget in balance.

Avoid debt

For O'Leary, staying out of debt was a top priority that his mother ingrained in him early on. While some debt, like mortgages or student loans, can be necessary, consumer debt should be avoided.

His mom advised him to pay off his credit cards monthly and not spend money he didn’t have. This approach allows him to maintain financial control and avoid paying exorbitant interest rates on borrowed money.

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Save and invest at least 20% of your income annually

O'Leary’s mom wasn’t just about saving—she also believed in investing to grow wealth. She urged him to save and invest at least 20% of his yearly income.

By doing so, O'Leary learned the power of compounding and the importance of letting his money work for him. If you consistently invest a portion of your earnings, even small amounts can grow into significant wealth over many years.

Invest when you can, but only invest in dividend-paying stocks

One of the most specific pieces of advice O'Leary received from his mother was to focus on dividend-paying stocks when investing. Dividend stocks provide regular income, making them a reliable source of cash flow, even when markets are volatile. O'Leary has used this strategy in his investments, focusing on assets that appreciate over time and provide income.

Only spend the dividend, never the principal

O'Leary’s mom taught him that while investing is vital to growing wealth, protecting the principal is essential. Her rule was simple: spend only the dividends generated by investments and never touch the principal. This ensures that your wealth continues to grow while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your investments.

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Assets should generate a steady stream of income

One critical financial philosophy O'Leary learned from his mother is that assets should work for you. Whether stocks, real estate, or other investments, the goal is to hold assets that generate consistent, reliable income. This strategy allows you to enjoy financial freedom while your investments grow, ensuring long-term wealth sustainability.

Cash flow is key

For O'Leary, cash flow is the lifeblood of any business or personal finance plan. His mother taught him early on that no matter how much wealth you have, cash flow—the amount of money coming in and out—determines financial health.

Even the wealthiest individuals can be in financial trouble without positive cash flow. O'Leary applies this principle in business and personal finance, ensuring that his income streams consistently exceed his expenses.

Treat purchases like investments

O'Leary’s mom also taught him to be thoughtful about purchases. Instead of just buying things on a whim, she encouraged him to think like an investor—considering the quality, longevity, and potential resale value of everything he bought.

Whether it’s a car, home, or even furniture, she advised buying quality items that hold their value over time. This approach can help avoid unnecessary spending and reduce long-term costs.

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Bottom line

Kevin O'Leary’s mother may not have been a financial professional, but her timeless money lessons have guided him throughout his successful career.

Her advice remains relevant for anyone seeking long-term financial stability, from saving consistently to investing wisely.

Applying these lessons can build a solid financial foundation and achieve a stress-free retirement.

The real question is: Are you ready to apply this simple yet powerful financial wisdom to your own life?

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