7 Secrets to Investing Like Warren Buffett

Book excerpt: A clear, simple, and complete guide for beginning investors from bestselling author Mary Buffett and Sean Seah that explains Warren Buffett’s techniques of Value Investing and his proven strategies to ensure long-term success. For twelve years, Mary Buffett was part of the Buffett inner circle. During that time, she studied Warren’s investment strategies and techniques and observed his habits. Now, in 7 Secrets to Investing Like Warren Buffett, Mary and Sean Seah provide a complete guide for beginning investors who want to understand how to invest like Warren Buffett. Mary and Sean walk readers through the process of assessing and buying stocks step-by-step. Their friendly and direct style and concrete examples make it easy to understand how to avoid common pitfalls and prosper in the stock market. The first section of the book discusses habits to adopt to begin a lifelong journey of wealth building. The second section examines specific stock-picking techniques inspired by Buffett’s teacher Benjamin Graham and that are vastly different from the common Wall Street wisdom of trying to time the market. The authors look at timeless principles as well as latest ideas on where to find great investment ideas, and they share the specific financial indicators they look for in a good investment. Finally, Mary and Sean explain how to build and track a portfolio of stocks. From learning how to read financial statements to preparing both personal and professional balance sheets, 7 Secrets to Investing Like Warren Buffett is a must-have companion for every investor. Simple questionnaires, charts, and graphs help illustrate specific strategies. The authors’ personal stories provide a clear explanation of the theory behind Value Investing, as well as advice for developing the necessary “soft skills”—habits, mindset, loving what you do, taking care of your mind and body—that have made Warren Buffett and many others so successful.