Warren Buffett’s Parting Wisdom: Patience

But his final act speaks louder than any expression. He did nothing.

As CEO, Buffett had nearly $400 billion in cash to spend in 2025. But he found no opportunities that he considered sensible. After he stepped down on January 1, 2026, Buffett said he didn’t want to be sitting on so much cash. “At certain levels, cash is necessary, but cash is not a good asset.”

For individual investors, Buffett’s takeaway message is powerful: stick to your strategy. Don’t be impulsive and make an emotional decision. Allow your guiding factors to be your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

2026 will have its share of highs and lows. Remember, over the past 50 years, the stock market has, on average, pulled back by 3 percent 7 times a year. So, be prepared for some difficult stretches during the year. And be ready to do one of the hardest things for any investor: nothing.

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