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
If reading about expat investing lessons has made you wonder whether your own portfolio is really set up the right way, you’re not alone. Currency risk, tax rules, offshore products and adviser incentives can all pull your money in different directions.
I’m Ross Naylor, a UK-qualified Chartered Financial Planner and Pension Transfer Specialist with nearly 30 years’ experience helping British expats turn hard-won lessons into clearer, more transparent investment plans that actually support the lives they want to live overseas and back in the UK.
I firmly believe your location in the world should never be a barrier to expert, impartial, and transparent financial advice you can trust.
Whether you’re worried about high-cost offshore bonds, complex structured products, over-concentration, currency mismatches, or how your investments will look if you move country again, I’ll help you review what you have today and build an evidence-based strategy for the years ahead—without the sales spin.
Book a confidential consultation