Donald Trump's 'How to Get Rich' advice: 3 wealth-building steps that stand the test of time
Donald J. Trump, known worldwide for his real estate empire, media persona, and political influence, has also long been a vocal advocate of personal financial literacy. In his no-nonsense book “How to Get Rich”, Trump outlines foundational wealth-building advice that cuts through the noise of modern financial hype. His philosophy boils down to three core principles: be your own best financial adviser, invest with clarity and caution, and teach your children the lifelong value of money.
Donald Trump’s guide to getting rich: Trust your judgment, invest with simplicity, and teach your kids the real value of money.
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This article breaks down each of these timeless pillars, unpacking what they mean for today’s investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking lasting financial success.
1. Be Your Own Best Financial Adviser
Building wealth begins with taking ownership of your financial decisions. Trump believes that no one cares more about your money than you do—and that you should act accordingly. Instead of blindly trusting financial professionals, he urges individuals to develop their own financial judgment by reading respected publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, BusinessWeek, and Fortune.
These outlets, Trump argues, offer invaluable insight into what’s happening in the markets. Over time, reading them helps you absorb patterns, identify high-performing investment funds, and understand which financial advisers have a reliable, long-term track record.
Far too many people, he warns, hand over control of their financial futures to friends or untested advisers simply because they seem successful. Trump cautions against putting your trust in “instant stars”—those who appear successful in the short term but lack proven consistency. In contrast, successful financial professionals are those who excel again and again, year after year, and are recognized by leading institutions.
Judgment, not impulse, is the cornerstone of wealth. While expert opinions have value, your own common sense must remain the final filter for every financial decision. Trump underscores that no matter how prestigious the adviser or the firm, your instincts—when informed by sound research—are your best protection.
2. Invest Simply, Avoid Unnecessary Risks
According to Trump, complexity often masks risk. The best investments are those you can understand. He recommends focusing on clarity, consistency, and long-term performance rather than chasing the latest trends or high-risk opportunities.
Reliable data from major financial institutions can be a powerful tool. Charts that show performance over 15 or 20 years are far more telling than short-term returns, which may be nothing more than luck. These long-range indicators help identify funds and advisers with sustainable strategies rather than one-time wins.
When it comes to choosing firms to work with, Trump points to financial powerhouses like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns (historically), and Merrill Lynch. These firms, he notes, have earned reputations for managing vast amounts of capital responsibly and consistently outperforming market averages. While no institution is without flaws, the depth of experience and oversight at major firms can provide a level of security that solo operators often lack.
Trump praises legendary investors like Warren Buffett and Alan “Ace” Greenberg not because of flashy wins but because of their rational, consistent, and often conservative approach to investing. Their success stories aren’t built on radical innovation or wild speculation, but on patience, judgment, and common sense—the very traits Trump encourages every investor to emulate.
Choosing simple, well-managed investments and avoiding uncalculated risks is key to preserving and growing wealth over time.
3. Teach Your Children the Value of a Dollar
Trump’s financial philosophy isn’t only about personal gain—it’s also about legacy. One of the most overlooked aspects of wealth-building, he argues, is teaching children the fundamentals of money.
Kids are observant. They learn by watching how their parents treat money—how they spend it, how they save, and what priorities they set. A household where finances are discussed openly and responsibly becomes a foundation for financial competence later in life.
Families that treat money casually often pass those habits down. Conversely, parents who demonstrate discipline, budgeting, and saving inspire their children to approach money with respect and caution. Teaching by example is essential. Trump urges parents to include children in conversations about everyday financial decisions, from grocery budgeting to saving for major purchases or investments.
He also advises giving children hands-on exposure to personal finance tools. That could mean buying them a subscription to Money magazine or another finance publication geared toward individual investors. Encourage them to save their allowances, set goals, and earn rewards for smart decisions. Financial responsibility is not innate—it must be taught, reinforced, and modeled at home.
Equipping children with financial literacy is one of the most powerful investments any parent can make. Trump compares it to feeding your children—essential for survival. When they’re prepared, they enter the world with tools to thrive, not just survive.
Why This Advice Still Matters in 2025
The modern financial world is full of complexity, marketing noise, and speculative distraction. But Trump’s core advice remains deeply relevant: trust your informed judgment, keep investing simple and data-driven, and raise financially literate children.
Millions seek the next big secret to getting rich. Yet success stories that stand the test of time, like Buffett’s or Greenberg’s, are based on principles—not tricks. Trump’s “How to Get Rich” advice is refreshingly grounded in common sense, discipline, and personal responsibility.
