Rule #1 Investing - Invest Like The Best Investors In The World (2024)

Rule #1 Investing - Invest Like The Best Investors In The World (1)

Introduction

Welcome to the Rule #1 Strategy, where we delve into the essence of successful investing through the principle of Rule #1: Avoid losing money. This foundational concept is akin to the Hippocratic oath in medicine, focusing on the importance of 'first do no harm.' In investing, this means safeguarding your wealth as the initial step towards financial prosperity.

Why Rule #1 Matters

Warren Buffett and his mentor, Ben Graham,championed Rule #1 for one fundamental reason: minimizing loss. By minimizing losses, even in subpar investments, you increase your chances of finding winning investments over time. Steadily accruing positive returns creates a pathway to wealth – as long as Rule #1 remains intact.

The Simple Power of Rule #1

Observing Rule #1 is straightforward and encapsulated in two vital requirements that have guided successful investors for a century, and will for a century to come. In my 30 years of investing experience, getting these requirements right leads to the substantialincrease in likelyhood of profits. They act as the bedrock of Rule #1 investing and hold the key to making sound decisions.

The Two Fundamental Requirements

To adhere to Rule #1, you must ask yourself two essential questions for every investment:

  • Is it a wonderful business?

  • Is it available at an attractive price?

By answering 'Yes' to these questions, you unlock the potential for smart investments. A 'wonderful business' thrives in an industry you already understand, boasts a competitive edge, and is managed ethically. An 'attractive price' signifies purchasing its stock below its true value.

Defining Success: Wonderful Business & Attractive Price

A 'wonderful business' aligned with your expertise and values, bought at an 'attractive price,' is akin to buying a $10 bill for $5. This equation ensures eventual profits, even though the timeline remains uncertain.

Diverse Applications of Rule #1

Rule #1's beauty lies in its universal applicability. It guides investments in stocks, real estate, private businesses, commodities, and more. It's your tool for identifying businesses worth your time and money.

In the upcoming sections, we'll explore the 'Four M's: Meaning, Moat, Management, and Margin of Safety. These concepts will help you distinguish wonderful businesses at attractive prices. Remember Warren Buffett's words: "Buying dollar bills for 50 cents takes immediately with people or it doesn't take at all." Rule #1 can be simple, but it does require understanding and application.

As we journey through this guide, remember that Rule #1 investing entails four steps: Discovering a wonderful business, understanding its value, purchasing at a discount, and repeating for prosperity. Let's embark on this learning adventure, starting with MEANING – where understanding the industry becomes the cornerstone of your Rule #1 decisions.

Rule #1 Investing - Invest Like The Best Investors In The World (2)Rule #1 Investing - Invest Like The Best Investors In The World (3)

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rule #1 Investing - Invest Like The Best Investors In The World (2024)

FAQs

What is the rule number 1 of investing? ›

Warren Buffett once said, “The first rule of an investment is don't lose [money]. And the second rule of an investment is don't forget the first rule. And that's all the rules there are.”

What is the rule #1 of money? ›

1 – Never lose money. Let's kick it off with some timeless advice from legendary investor Warren Buffett, who said “Rule No. 1 is never lose money.

What is the rule number 1 in stocks? ›

Core Principles of Rule #1 Investing

These are businesses that have a proven track record, a competitive advantage (or moat), and excellent leadership. It's not just about the stock; it's about the underlying business. Pay a Margin of Safety Price: Never pay full price.

What is Rule 1 investing principles? ›

Warren Buffett and his mentor, Ben Graham, championed Rule #1 for one fundamental reason: minimizing loss. By minimizing losses, even in subpar investments, you increase your chances of finding winning investments over time.

What is the #1 rule? ›

For a potential investment to pass the 1% rule, its monthly rent must equal at least 1% of the purchase price. If you want to buy an investment property, the 1% rule can be a helpful tool for finding the right property to achieve your investment goals.

What is the golden rule of money? ›

The basic principle of the golden rule of saving money is to save at least 20% of your income. This includes any form of income, such as salary, bonuses, or freelance earnings. By consistently saving a significant portion of your income, you can build a strong financial foundation and achieve your financial goals.

What is rule number 1 in life? ›

Month of Focus: The 21 Rules of Life - Rule #1: Accept everything just the way it is.

What is rule number 1 money? ›

One of his most famous sayings is "Rule No. 1: Never lose money.

What are Warren Buffett's 5 rules of investing? ›

A: Five rules drawn from Warren Buffett's wisdom for potentially building wealth include investing for the long term, staying informed, maintaining a competitive advantage, focusing on quality, and managing risk.

What is No 1 rule of trading? ›

Rule 1: Always Use a Trading Plan

You need a trading plan because it can assist you with making coherent trading decisions and define the boundaries of your optimal trade.

What is 90% rule in trading? ›

Understanding the Rule of 90

According to this rule, 90% of novice traders will experience significant losses within their first 90 days of trading, ultimately wiping out 90% of their initial capital.

What is an example of a rule #1 investor? ›

Focus on the Long-Term

Rule One investors are actually long-term investors. For example, I held one stock for 40 years. Rule One strategy is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it's a buy-and-hold strategy. Once you find a company priced lower than its actual value, if it's wonderful, you'll want to hold it forever.

What is the 1 investor rule? ›

The rent charged should be equal to or greater than the investor's mortgage payment to ensure that they at least break even on the property. Multiply the purchase price of the property plus any necessary repairs by 1% to determine a base level of monthly rent.

What is the first best investment rule? ›

Rule 1: Never Lose Money

This might seem like a no-brainer because what investor sets out with the intention of losing their hard-earned cash? But, in fact, events can transpire that can cause an investor to forget this rule.

What is the 1 rule in stock market? ›

Example of the 1% Risk Rule in Action. Take 1% of whatever your account equity is. This is how much you can lose on a single trade. As your account equity changes, so will the amount you can risk.

What is the rule of 2 in investing? ›

One popular method is the 2% Rule, which means you never put more than 2% of your account equity at risk (Table 1). For example, if you are trading a $50,000 account, and you choose a risk management stop loss of 2%, you could risk up to $1,000 on any given trade.

References

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