No savings in 2024? I'd follow Warren Buffett and start building wealth

Don't let having no savings hold you back from becoming wealthy.

| More on:
Legendary share market investing expert, and owner of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

If you don't have any savings, but want to be wealthy, then read on.

That's because I'm going to explain how with ASX shares you could build significant wealth by following the lead of Warren Buffett.

Over many decades at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), the Oracle of Omaha has demonstrated that wealth can be created through very simple investment principles. And the good news for us all is that by applying his time-tested methods with ASX shares, we could also pave our way to financial freedom.

Investing like Warren Buffett with ASX shares

A great starting point is to make consistent investments in ASX shares with a long-term perspective.

For example, if you could invest $500 each month into the share market, then thanks to the power of compounding, you could build a sizeable investment portfolio by following Warren Buffett's investment approach.

Buffett likes to focus on investing in established companies with sustainable competitive advantages, strong business models, positive long-term growth outlooks, and fair valuations.

Investing in companies that exhibit these qualities has allowed the Berkshire Hathaway leader to deliver an average annual return of 19.8% since 1965. This is double the market return over the same period. Clearly his methods work, you can't fluke your way through almost 60 years of investing.

Compounding your way to wealth

As I mentioned above, the key is to make consistent investments to benefit from compounding. This is where you earn returns on top of your returns.

Let's imagine you can achieve a return in line with the market average since 1965, 9.9% per annum, if you were to invest $500 into ASX shares, you would have grown your portfolio to be worth approximately $360,000 in 20 years.

But why stop there? If you keep going, you will see just how powerful compounding is the longer you leave it.

For example, just five more years of the same, and that $360,000 would become approximately $610,000. That's not a typo. An extra quarter of a million in just five years.

And you keep going another five years, your portfolio would be worth over $1 million, all else equal.

The above is based on the market return. If you can better this by following Buffett's tenets, your portfolio could become even greater.

Overall, I believe this shows that by following Warren Buffett's investment style with ASX shares, you can build significant wealth even if you have no savings today.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on How to invest

A woman sits in a quiet home nook with her laptop computer and a notepad and pen on the table next to her as she smiles at information on the screen.
How to invest

How to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero

Want to build a big portfolio? Here's the easiest way to do it.

Read more »

A man holding a sign which says How do I start?, indicating a beginner investor on the ASX
How to invest

Start buying shares in December with a spare $500? Here's how!

The best time to start investing is right now.

Read more »

Suncorp share price Businessman cheering and smiling on smartphone
How to invest

How to invest your first $1,000 in the share market the smart way

My first investment would look something like this if I were starting again.

Read more »

Beautiful young couple enjoying in shopping, symbolising passive income.
How to invest

The smart way to make a $25,000 passive income from ASX shares

This could be the smart way to make your money work for you.

Read more »

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
How to invest

$20,000 in savings? Here's how you can use that to target an $8,000 yearly second income

Having $20,000 saved is more powerful than most people realise. Not because $20,000 can produce an income today, but because…

Read more »

A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payments
How to invest

How to turn $50 a week into a six-figure ASX share portfolio

Small investments could grow into big wealth with this strategy.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
How to invest

Why today's cheap ASX shares could double my money during the next bull market

These shares could be the ones to buy if you are looking for undervalued options.

Read more »

A businessman compares the growth trajectory of property versus shares.
How to invest

The 10-year wealth plan: how to turn small savings into life-changing results

Building wealth doesn't need to be hard. Here's a simple plan you can follow.

Read more »