Give back, Buffet tell investors

“Warren’s first investment was when he was 11 years old. The stock that he bought was called Cities Service Preferred at US$38 a share, only to watch it sink to US$27. He sweated it out and sold it when it reached US$40, only to watch it soar to US$400 (RM1,236).

“This was his first lesson in patience, where good things do come to those who wait, provided you pick the right business.”

Contrary to merely chasing fortunes for personal gain, best-selling author, international speaker, consultant, environmental activist Mary Buffett says investors should focus on giving back to society, just as her former father-in-law Warren Buffett has pledged to do.

“Right now, top priority should be to invest in health, education, literacy and communications. Invest in individuals, families and communities. 

“As we speak, people of great wealth have pledged to give back at least 50% of their wealth back to society. Enjoy your wealth but also give what you can’t possibly spend back to society who gave you the opportunity. Philanthropy is the highest form of investment,” she said in her speech at a recent Kuala Lumpur conference entitled “Dawn of the New Decade: Alternative Investments in Asia”. 

Investors should always be patient and not chase the price of a stock as well, Buffett says, while giving the example in her former father-in-law. “Warren’s first investment was when he was 11 years old. The stock that he bought was called Cities Service Preferred at US$38 a share, only to watch it sink to US$27. He sweated it out and sold it when it reached US$40, only to watch it soar to US$400 (RM1,236).

“This was his first lesson in patience, where good things do come to those who wait, provided you pick the right business.”

She also encouraged investors to treat the companies that they invest in like their own offspring. “Warren’s investments are like children to him. He keeps a mindful, watching eye on them, knows their limits and how far to challenge them.”

This article appeared on the Personal Finance page, The Edge Financial Daily, September 30, 2010.