Core Insights - Warren Buffett, beyond being a billionaire, symbolizes a stable investment philosophy, with Berkshire Hathaway's market value exceeding $1.16 trillion as of 2024, encompassing over 80 subsidiaries across various sectors [2] - Buffett's private letter to his wife before donating $100 billion reveals the essence of wealth management, advocating for a simple investment strategy: 10% in short-term government bonds and 90% in a low-cost S&P 500 index fund [2] Investment Strategy - The 10% allocation to short-term government bonds serves as a "risk buffer," backed by the U.S. government, providing stable cash flow during economic downturns [3] - The 90% investment in a low-cost S&P 500 index fund is a bet on "long-term compounding" and "economic growth," with a historical annualized return of 10.4% over the past 60 years [3] Cost Efficiency - Buffett's focus on "low cost" challenges the high fees associated with actively managed funds, which often charge 1%-2% annual management fees, and some hedge funds charge "2% management fee + 20% performance fee" [4] - His 2007 "bet" against top hedge funds demonstrated that high fees can erode excess returns, making low-fee index funds a better choice for ordinary investors [4] Behavioral Insights - Buffett's statement "you will do well" redefines the purpose of investing, emphasizing that the core of investment is not about becoming wealthy quickly but avoiding permanent loss [4][5] - This aligns with behavioral finance theories, where the pain of loss is significantly greater than the pleasure of gains, highlighting the importance of risk management [4] Wealth Transfer Philosophy - Buffett's approach to wealth transfer emphasizes transparency and the avoidance of "wealth curse," ensuring that children inherit enough to pursue their goals without becoming dependent on wealth [5][6] - His estate planning reflects a commitment to philanthropy, with 96% of his $30 billion estate donated to charity, leaving each child with $10 million [5] Long-Term Investment Perspective - Buffett's investment strategy focuses on long-term holdings, with core positions in companies like Apple and Coca-Cola held for over a decade, demonstrating trust in business value rather than market fluctuations [6] - His philosophy encourages investors to prioritize value assessment over complex trading techniques, advocating for a simplified approach to investing [6][7]