Will Rogers' Investing Wisdom: Timeless Quotes, Timeless Lessons

Will Rogers, the American actor, performer, cowboy, humourist, newspaper columnist and social commentator, had plenty to say about investing. He advised buying stocks and selling them when they went up, and not buying them if they didn't. He also said that he was more interested in the return of his money than the return on his money. Rogers was also known for his views on land and real estate, famously saying: Put your money in land, because they aren't making any more of it.

Investing in the stock market

Will Rogers was an American stage and film actor, vaudeville performer, cowboy, humourist, newspaper columnist, and social commentator from Oklahoma. He is well-known for his witty quotes on a variety of topics, including investing and the stock market.

Rogers had a unique perspective on investing, as seen in his quote: "I'm not so much interested in the return on my money as I am in the return of my money." He believed that preserving one's capital was more important than chasing high returns. This is further emphasised by his quote: "It is not the return on my investment that I am concerned about; it's the return of my investment."

When it came to the stock market, Rogers had a straightforward philosophy: "The way to make money in the stock market is to buy a stock. Then, when it goes up, sell it. If it's not going to go up, don't buy it!" He also advised against gambling with one's savings and instead recommended investing in good stocks: "Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good stock and hold it till it goes up, then sell it. If it don't go up, don't buy it."

Rogers also had a famous quote about investing in land: "Put your money in land, because they aren't making any more of it." He observed that land was a finite resource and, therefore, a valuable investment. This is reflected in another quote of his: "I had been putting what little money I had in Ocean Frontage, for the sole reason that there was only so much of it and no more, and that they weren't making any more."

In conclusion, Will Rogers's quotes on investing and the stock market offer a blend of wit and practical advice. He emphasised the importance of capital preservation, a long-term perspective, and investing in finite resources like land. His quotes continue to offer valuable insights for investors even today.

Real estate investment

Will Rogers, the American actor and performer, is well-known for his witty and insightful quotes on various topics, including investing and real estate. While some of his quotes are lighthearted and humorous, others offer valuable lessons and insights into the world of real estate investment.

One of Rogers' most famous quotes on real estate is, "Put your money in land, because they aren't making any more of it." This quote, often paraphrased from his original statement about investing in ocean frontage, highlights the finite nature of land and its potential as a solid investment. Rogers recognized the value of land, especially in desirable locations, and understood that its scarcity could make it a wise investment choice.

In another quote, Rogers offers a more lighthearted take on real estate investing: "I argue with my wife over what little pieces of real estate investments we should try to pay on and hold, and which to let go back. We always said, 'Put it in land, and you can always walk on it.' We did, but no buyers would walk on it with us." This quote not only showcases Rogers' sense of humor but also his practical approach to investing. He understood that not all real estate investments would be successful, and sometimes it was better to cut losses and move on.

Rogers also had strong opinions about real estate agents, as seen in the following quote: "A Realtor is an old-fashioned Real Estate man with a necktie. A Real Estate man sold you what you wanted, a Realtor sells you what you don't need. A Real Estate man showed you what you could raise on the land; a Realtor tells you what you can build on it." Here, Rogers draws a distinction between traditional real estate agents and the newer breed of "Realtors", suggesting that the latter may be more focused on making a sale than meeting the client's actual needs.

Another quote from Rogers highlights the speculative nature of real estate investing in certain markets: "It's the greatest game I ever saw. You can't lose. Everybody buys to sell, and nobody buys to keep. What's worrying me is who is going to be the last owner. It's just like an auction; the only one stuck is the last one." In this quote, Rogers acknowledges the potential for profit in a booming market but also cautions that the risk increases as the market becomes more speculative.

Through these quotes, Will Rogers offers a mix of wisdom, humor, and practical advice on real estate investment. While some of his observations may be specific to the historical context of his time, many of his insights still resonate today and provide valuable lessons for those interested in navigating the world of real estate investing.

Return on investment

Will Rogers was an American stage and film actor, vaudeville performer, cowboy, humorist, newspaper columnist, and social commentator from Oklahoma. He is well-known for his witty quotes on various topics, including investing. Here are some of his most notable quotes related to "Return on Investment":

Investing Philosophy

Rogers had a straightforward philosophy when it came to investing:

> "I'm not so much interested in the return ON my money as I am in the return OF my money."

This quote highlights Rogers' conservative approach to investing. He prioritized the preservation of his capital over chasing high returns. In other words, he was more concerned about getting his initial investment back than focusing on potential profits. This mindset reflects a risk-averse attitude towards investing.

Stock Market Advice

Rogers offered practical advice on investing in the stock market:

> "The way to make money in the stock market is to buy a stock. Then, when it goes up, sell it. If it’s not going to go up, don’t buy it!"

> "Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good stock and hold it till it goes up, then sell it. If it don't go up, don't buy it."

Rogers advocated a buy-and-hold strategy, encouraging investors to purchase stocks with the potential to increase in value. He advised against speculative investments, suggesting that investors should only buy stocks if they believe they will appreciate in value. Once a stock had increased in price, he recommended selling it to lock in profits.

Real Estate Insights

Rogers also shared his thoughts on real estate investing:

> "Put your money in land, because they aren’t making any more of it."

Rogers recognized the finite nature of land and believed that investing in real estate was a wise decision. He understood that land is a limited resource, and its value tends to increase over time. This quote reflects his long-term perspective on investing in real assets.

Financial Caution

In addition to his investing insights, Rogers offered words of caution about spending and debt:

> "Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like."

Rogers criticized the tendency of some individuals to live beyond their means. He emphasized the importance of financial prudence and advised against wasteful spending motivated by social pressure.

Will Rogers' quotes on "Return on Investment" showcase his practical and conservative approach to investing. He favored strategies that prioritized capital preservation and long-term appreciation, while also offering warnings about the dangers of speculative investing and excessive spending.

Land investment

Will Rogers, the famous American actor and performer, is known for his witty and insightful quotes on various subjects, including investing. One of his most well-known quotes on investing is, "It is not the return on my investment that I am concerned about; it's the return of my investment." This quote highlights the importance of preserving capital over chasing high returns. In the context of land investment, this advice is particularly relevant as it is often considered a lower-risk, stable investment option.

When considering land investment, it is essential to understand the different types of land-related investment options. These include residential and commercial development land, cropland and livestock-raising land, mineral production land, and recreational land. Each type of land investment has its own set of considerations and potential risks and rewards.

For small investors, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are often a preferred choice. REITs offer broad diversification, require no direct management, and can be bought and sold in real-time. However, they may not be suitable for those who want to experience the traditional sense of land ownership and enjoy using the land.

Buying raw land can be risky as it may not generate income and may not result in a capital gain when sold. It is important for investors to conduct thorough due diligence, considering factors such as legalities, access to utilities, property taxes, trespassing violations, and the remoteness of the land.

Overall, land investment can be a safe and practical choice for both new and seasoned investors. It provides an opportunity to get into the real estate market with relatively low initial costs. By choosing the right location and considering various investment strategies, investors can boost their investment portfolios and potentially generate significant profits.

Will Rogers' investment strategy

Will Rogers was an American stage and film actor, vaudeville performer, cowboy, humourist, newspaper columnist, and social commentator from Oklahoma. He is well-known for his witty quotes on a variety of topics, including investing. Here is an overview of Will Rogers' investment strategy, as gleaned from his famous quotes:

Buy and Hold:

Rogers advocated for a long-term investment approach, as indicated by his quote: "Don't gamble; take all your savings and buy some good stock and hold it till it goes up, then sell it. If it don't go up, don't buy it." This strategy involves buying stocks with the intention of holding them for an extended period, allowing them to appreciate in value over time.

Focus on Capital Preservation:

Rogers emphasised the importance of capital preservation in investing. He once said, "I'm not so much interested in the return ON my money as I am in the return OF my money." This highlights his priority of ensuring the safety of his principal investment over chasing high returns.

Real Estate Investments:

Rogers had a particular interest in real estate and land ownership. He is famously quoted as saying, "Put your money in land, because they aren't making any more of it." He believed in the finite nature of land and its potential for appreciation due to limited supply. Rogers' strategy included investing in real estate and holding onto those assets.

Stock Market Strategy:

Rogers had a straightforward approach to investing in the stock market. He advised, "The way to make money in the stock market is to buy a stock. Then, when it goes up, sell it. If it's not going to go up, don't buy it!" This strategy involves careful stock selection, buying stocks with the potential for growth, and selling them when they have appreciated in value.

Avoid Unnecessary Risks:

Rogers cautioned against taking unnecessary risks with investments. He believed in making informed decisions and avoiding speculative investments. His quote, "A fool and his money are soon elected," highlights his awareness of the potential pitfalls of investing without proper knowledge or caution.

In summary, Will Rogers' investment strategy can be characterised by a long-term, conservative approach focused on capital preservation. He favoured buying and holding investments with potential for growth, such as stocks and real estate, while avoiding unnecessary risks and speculative ventures. His witty quotes offer valuable insights into his practical and prudent investment philosophy.

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