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5 Money Habits Warren Buffett Still Follows at 96

These money lessons come from one of the world's most successful investors.

By Anna Armstrong , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Aug. 30, 2026

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Today, Aug. 30, Warren Buffett celebrates his 96th birthday. One of the world's wealthiest people, the investor commonly known as the Oracle of Omaha, has built his reputation through decades of investment decisions and a famously modest lifestyle. Even after making billions, Buffett has continued to follow many of the principles that helped shape his financial success.

If you're looking for ways to enhance your financial fitness, whether to improve your quality of life or prepare yourself for retirement, Buffett's money habits are worth looking into. The good news is that you don't need billions of dollars to borrow some of them. Here are some of the principles the billionaire has stuck with for decades.

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Live below your means

Warren Buffett is one of the best examples of what modest living could help you accomplish. Despite growing his net worth to over $140 billion, he still lives in the same Nebraska home he bought for $31,500 in 1958. Buffett doesn't care about looking wealthy, even when he is at the top of his game.

While it may be tempting to upgrade to a bigger house or newer car when your income increases, it might not always be the best move — especially if you're still building your finances. Rather than getting a more expensive lifestyle, save and invest now for a more comfortable future.

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Think long-term when investing

The current investing landscape is speed-driven, with investors constantly buying and selling off their holdings. While this strategy may work for some people, it goes against Buffett's investment philosophy.

The billionaire has always advocated for holding long-term investment positions. At Berkshire's 2025 annual meeting, for example, Buffett said that the company could hold its current Japanese investments for 50 years or even longer.

That isn't to say that you should hold assets in perpetuity. Buffett has sold many investments over his career. For example, Berkshire trimmed its Apple holding by nearly half in 2024.

So what's the takeaway? Have a long-term mindset when it comes to investing instead of treating it as a short-term prediction game. However, be on the lookout for risks or opportunities that might impact your returns.

Avoid high-interest debt

Buffett has viewed debt as dangerous for decades. As far back as 2001, he warned about borrowing, noting that it could make it difficult for people to move ahead. In a recent interview with CNBC, the Oracle of Omaha reasserted his stance, advising students not to get into debt if they can help it.

Buffett doesn't view all debt as inherently dangerous. What he continually cautions against is expensive debt, such as credit cards with high interest rates. To reduce your risk of relying on such sources of money, live below your means. Also, prioritize paying off expensive loans over upgrading your lifestyle when you get on your feet.

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Keep learning

For Buffett, reading didn't end when he cleared school or when he made his first billion. He has said on multiple occasions that reading is part of his routine, often dedicating hours of his time to go through everything from newspapers and research reports to books.

While you don't have to dedicate hours of your time every day to reading, doing so occasionally may provide valuable insights. This is especially important if you're an investor. Reading newspapers, companies' annual reports, research findings, and investment books could help you choose what to invest in, when to invest, and when to walk away from opportunities.

Don't look at retirement as the end

The idea of working past retirement age might feel exhausting for many. For Buffett, however, it's far from it. Despite stepping down as the CEO of Berkshire in early 2026, the billionaire still goes to work to discuss market developments and even investment decisions.

If you're approaching or are already at retirement age, consider finding a job or task that you enjoy. Working post-retirement could give you additional income, keep your mind active, and improve your social life.

That doesn't mean that you should push yourself. Find something that's not too demanding, so you can rest as well. Alternatively, you could volunteer at places such as food banks and rescues for a few hours or days every week.

Lessons from Buffett's time as Berkshire's CEO

Warren Buffett was the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway for six decades. He played a significant role in making the corporation what it is now — one of the world's most valuable companies by market cap. Here are some of the decisions and moves that may have contributed to Berkshire's success during Buffett's leadership:

Invest in what you understand: When asked why Berkshire approached high-tech companies with caution, Buffett stated that he avoided areas he couldn't reasonably understand. This is a key lesson for everyday investors as well. Focus on opportunities whose operations and long-term viability you can understand.
Get a financial cushion: According to Berkshire's 2025 letter to shareholders, the company maintains "a fortress-like balance sheet," with over $370 billion in cash and Treasury holdings. While investments are great, having some money set aside could reduce your risk of falling into expensive debt.
Be patient: In Berkshire's 2025 annual meeting, Buffett noted that the company was sitting on a large cash pile because stakeholders would only invest in the right opportunities. While it might be tempting to constantly buy assets because markets are constantly moving, it could result in the wrong investments. Rather than chase every new opportunity, take time to assess its viability. There's nothing wrong with taking a step back and waiting until you're sure.

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Bottom line

Whether you want to start investing, improve your current portfolio, or prepare for retirement, Warren Buffett is one of the greatest sources of inspiration. Even at 96, he sticks to some of the principles that made him wealthy, such as living below his means and thinking long-term when investing.

Applying such principles to your life could help you get closer to your financial goals. That said, it's worth noting that Buffett built his wealth over decades, not overnight. So, be patient with yourself.

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