![\"Warren](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BLU_A76356770-scaled-e1734724430143.jpg\")
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\n \u00a9Matthew Cavanaugh\/EPA \/ Shutterstock <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by Warren Buffett, 95, might be one of the most-quoted money experts in history. He\u2019s an inspiration to retirees in many ways, and his advice is especially relevant to those seeking to protect their retirement funds. After all, he\u2019s protected his wealth so effectively that he\u2019s now worth $142 billion \u2014 a figure that increased by $15.4 billion in 2025 alone. <\/p>\n Here are his top five tips that can help you protect your retirement<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Don\u2019t Lose Money<\/p>\n \u201cThe first rule of investment is, don\u2019t lose. The second is, don\u2019t forget the first rule. And that\u2019s all the rules there are.\u201d<\/p>\n This is probably Buffett\u2019s most widely shared quote, first recorded in a 1985 television interview. It applies to all investors but is especially critical for retirees, 64% of whom worry more about running out of money<\/a> than about dying.<\/p>\n The takeaway from this advice is simple: Watch your investments and protect your capital. If you don\u2019t feel equipped to avoid a loss, seek professional advice.<\/p>\n 2. Avoid High-Interest Debt\u00a0<\/p>\n A friend once asked Buffett what to do with a recent influx of money. Buffett immediately suggested that she pay off her credit cards, which had an interest rate of around 18%.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I owed any money at 18%,\u201d he said, \u201cthe first thing I\u2019d do with any money I\u2019d had would be to pay it off. It\u2019s going to be way better than any investment idea I\u2019ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n Rates are even higher today, averaging above 20% since early 2023. That kind of debt can feel like a necessity, but it can tap your financial reserves fast, especially if the balance accumulates.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t go through life borrowing money at those rates,\u201d Buffett said.<\/p>\n One alternative is to use your credit card only if you can afford to pay for the item in cash or with a debit card. Then, pay your balance by the end of the month.<\/p>\n 3. Only Spend on What Matters<\/p>\n Warren Buffett is famously frugal. He lives in the Nebraska home he purchased for $31,500 in 1958 and starts every day with a biscuit sandwich from McDonald\u2019s \u2014 or just two sausage patties, if the market is down.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy am I frugal?\u201d one participant recorded Buffett as saying in a student Q&A in 2009. \u201cYou can\u2019t buy health, and you can\u2019t buy love. Don\u2019t confuse the cost of living with the standard of living.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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