8 expat investing lessons from Morgan Housel
1. Money is not just a numbers game
Housel argues that personal finance is not just about numbers and spreadsheets, but also about emotions, habits, and values.
Understanding our attitudes towards money is essential to making smart financial decisions.
2. Time is your most valuable asset
We often focus on money as the most important resource, but time is even more valuable.
Housel emphasizes the importance of making the most of our time by investing it in things that matter to us and avoiding wasting it on activities that do not align with our values.
3. Investing is a long-term game
Housel stresses that investing is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a long-term game that requires patience and discipline.
He advocates for a passive investing strategy, which involves investing in low-cost index funds and holding them for the long term.
4. Saving is more important than investing
While investing is important, Housel believes that saving is even more critical.
He emphasizes the need to save a portion of our income regularly, regardless of how much we earn, in order to build a strong financial foundation.
5. Understand the power of compounding
Compounding is one of the most powerful concepts in investing.
Housel explains how even small investments can grow significantly over time, thanks to the power of compounding.
6. Be aware of our biases
Housel discusses how our biases and emotions can impact our financial decisions.
Understanding our biases can help us make better financial decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
7. Avoid the allure of quick wealth
The pursuit of quick wealth can be tempting, but it is often a trap.
Housel argues that the most successful people are those who are patient and focused on the long term.
8. Learn from our mistakes
Housel encourages us to learn from our mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.
He stresses that it is not about being perfect, but about continuously learning and improving.
Conclusion
Overall, “The Psychology of Money” is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of personal finance.
The insights are practical, actionable, and grounded in real-world experience.
Whether you are just starting out on your financial journey or looking to improve your financial habits, this book is an excellent resource.
Talk to an Expert
Getting reliable expat financial advice shouldn’t feel complicated — or out of reach.
I’m Ross Naylor, a UK-qualified Chartered Financial Planner and Pension Transfer Specialist with nearly 30 years’ experience helping British expats manage complex cross-border investments, estate planning, and tax-efficient retirement strategies.
I firmly believe your location in the world should never be a barrier to expert, independent, and transparent financial advice you can trust.
If you’re planning to retire abroad, return to the UK after living overseas, or simply want to understand your cross-border options, I’ll help you cut through the noise and gain the clarity you deserve — with trusted expat financial advice tailored to your life.
