What Warren Buffett’s Spending Habits Can Teach You

Warren Buffett is one of the richest investors in the world. But if you walked past him at a café, you wouldn’t know it. No bodyguards. No designer clothes. No luxury car is waiting at the door. 

That’s because his life is built on simplicity not just in how he invests, but also in how he spends time. And there’s a lot we can learn from that. Especially today, when spending is just a swipe away. 

Let’s look at five clear spending habits of Warren Buffett that can help you rethink your money decisions. 

1. He lives in the same house for over 60 years 

In 1958, Buffett bought a modest house in Omaha, Nebraska. He still lives there. He could easily afford a mansion anywhere in the world. But he doesn’t see the point. 

That house gives him comfort, routine, and a sense of control. 

It reminds us that upgrading your lifestyle with every pay raise is not always the best move. The real value of a house comes from how well it serves your life; not how expensive it looks on paper. 

2. He avoids unnecessary luxury 

Buffett doesn’t wear fancy clothes or drive luxury cars. He prefers simple suits and basic vehicles. And he never spends money just to show that he has it. 

In a world where people are rushing to buy the latest phone or bag or car, Buffett shows that it’s okay to not follow the crowd. 

This kind of spending restraint is rare. But it is also powerful. Because every rupee not spent on showing off is a rupee that can be used to grow your wealth. 

3. He enjoys simple routines 

Most mornings, Buffett drives himself to work and stops at a fast-food outlet. If the market is up, he may spend a bit more on breakfast. If it’s down, he goes with a smaller order. 

It may sound too frugal. But it teaches something important routine spending can be controlled. 

You don’t need a lavish breakfast or dinner every day. Even if you can afford it, living simply helps keep your financial life predictable. That gives you more room to focus on bigger decisions. 

4. He values time more than money 

Buffett doesn’t fill his calendar with endless meetings. He keeps his days free to think, read, and make a few clear decisions. 

And because he has always managed his spending, he never needs to chase money. That freedom lets him do what he enjoys, without stress. 

If you manage your spending well, you can also buy back time. You don’t have to overwork to cover credit card bills or live paycheck to paycheck. That’s a real luxury. 

5. He focuses on value, not price 

When Buffett spends money, whether in life or investing, he always asks  “Is this worth it?” Not “Is this expensive?” 

That’s a smart way to look at money. If something gives you long-term value like a skill, a tool, or a meaningful experience. It’s often worth spending it on. But if something only looks good on Instagram, maybe skip it. 

This habit can completely change how you approach your daily spending. Ask yourself, “Will I still be happy about this expense a year from now?” If not, think twice. 

As Buffett himself once said, “Do not save what is left after spending. Spend what is left after saving.” 

To sum up, Warren Buffett’s habits show us that wealth is not about what you buy. It’s about how you think. 

Live below your means. Buy what you truly need. Avoid the trap of lifestyle comparisons. And spend time, not money, on what really matters. 

If you want to build lasting wealth, these small choices matter more than fancy investment tricks. 

At Maxiom Wealth, we help you invest in this mindset. Our approach, based on Roots and Wings, focuses on investing in quality businesses with discipline. And our LSG framework helps match your money to the right goals with the right balance of liquidity, safety, and growth. 

But all of it starts with how you spend it. So, the next time you reach for your wallet, ask yourself would Buffett approve?