Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.
The wisdom here isn't merely about putting money aside—it's about reversing the psychological order that bankrupts most households. Buffett identifies a peculiar human weakness: we spend first with whatever feels available, then reluctantly save the scraps, as though our future were an afterthought rather than the beneficiary of deliberate choice. A person earning $60,000 annually who commits to saving $500 monthly before touching their paycheck will retire comfortably; their neighbor earning the same amount, waiting to see what remains after the coffee runs and weekend outings, will not. The distinction is one of intention: treating savings as a non-negotiable bill to yourself rather than a prize you might win.
“Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.”
Tony Hsieh“It's not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
Seneca“Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”
Ayn Rand“Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they...”
Will Rogers