Stock market crash: I’d follow Warren Buffett to get rich

The stock market crash could be a great opportunity for investors to follow Warren Buffett and get rich buying cheap stocks.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Warren Buffett has made a considerable fortune investing in the stock market. His performance has earned him the reputation of being one of the best investors of all time. And he’s made most of his money when others have been running scared. That’s why I think it’s worth following Buffett’s advice to take advantage of the recent stock market crash. 

Warren Buffett’s most important trait

Buying investments in the middle of a stock market crash can seem like a daunting idea. No one wants to see their hard-earned money evaporate overnight. But this is just the approach Buffett has used many times over the years to get rich. 

The investor’s secret is to be greedy when others are fearful. He has a list of stocks he’d like to buy and then waits until they’re on offer before he takes the plunge. 

This approach requires patience. But, as we can see from Buffett’s performance over the past few decades, it can produce tremendous returns. Therefore, I think one would benefit from following the billionaire investor’s strategy. 

Waiting is only part of the approach. Finding stocks is equally as important. Here he’s excelled as well. He’s been invested in some of the best-performing stocks of all-time, and that wasn’t by accident. 

Finding stock market crash bargains

Buffett will only invest in companies that he knows and understands. That means he tends to stick with high-quality blue-chip companies, which have world-leading brands and economies of scale. I don’t think he’s ever invested in an unknown mining minnow or small-cap biotech stock. 

These latter companies can be highly risky and, more often than not, investors end up losing money. Buffett wants to avoid losing money at all costs. That’s why he stays away from risky businesses. 

In my opinion, no one can go wrong following the same approach. High-quality blue-chip stocks such as Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser may not offer the sort of multi-bagger potential as some AIM-listed small-caps. However, they have a long track record of producing steady positive returns for investors.

If investors are erious about building wealth and getting rich, I believe it’s better to seek out steady positive returns over the long term, rather than sudden profits, or the potential for large losses. 

The bottom line

Buffett has made a fortune buying stocks at depressed levels. He looks for the market’s best companies. And then waits for the perfect  opportunity to buy these stocks.

Anyone can follow this approach. By focusing on companies such as Unilever, and waiting for the right opportunity to buy after a stock market crash, one could potentially generate large total returns in the long term. This may help you build a sizable financial nest egg.

Avoiding losses is just as important as making money for to those wishing to get rich. So investing in high-quality blue-chip companies means the potential for a massive capital loss is relatively low. 

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Rupert Hargreaves owns shares in Unilever. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Unilever. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Young black woman using a mobile phone in a transport facility
Investing For Beginners

Down 34% in a month, is this FTSE 100 stock going to be demoted?

Jon Smith flags a FTSE 100 company with a recent poor performance he believes could see it soon drop out…

Read more »

British union jack flag and Parliament house at city of Westminster in the background
Investing Articles

Is the Diageo share price set to make a stellar comeback in 2025?

Harvey Jones thought the Diageo share price looked good value when he bought it after last year's profit warning, but…

Read more »

Investing For Beginners

It’s down 50%. Would it be madness for me to buy this value stock?

Jon Smith notes down a household value stock in the FTSE 250 that he thinks can rally in the long…

Read more »

Midnight is celebrated along the River Thames in London with a spectacular and colourful firework display.
Investing Articles

Up 70% and 80%! I’m thrilled I bought these two red-hot UK stocks exactly 1 year ago

Harvey Jones bought two UK stocks at the end of November last year, and both have smashed the market in…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These FTSE 100 shares could soar over the next year

FTSE 100 shares show strong potential as rate cuts loom. History shows stocks could gain more than 70% in the…

Read more »

Young Black woman using a debit card at an ATM to withdraw money
Investing Articles

“If I’d put £5,000 into Santander shares just 2 years ago, here’s what I’d have now”

Our writer considers whether he thinks Santander shares still look good value after a strong period for the global Spanish…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

Could this FTSE 250 stock be the next Rolls-Royce?

With an ongoing probe into the motor finance industry, the share price of this member of the FTSE 250 has…

Read more »

Investing Articles

My 3 favourite FTSE dividend stocks give me a mind-blowing 9.82% yield!

Harvey Jones is surprised to learn that he owns the three highest-yielding dividend stocks on the FTSE 100. So is…

Read more »