100 Investing Principles Every Investor Needs To Follow

There are many different investing principles that you need to follow if you want to be successful in the stock market. In this article, we will discuss 100 investing principles that investors need to follow in order to be successful in the market. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, these principles will help you make smart and profitable investment decisions. We will also cover value investing principles and why it's best to stick to one strategy. Investing is all about making calculated risks. 

By following these principles, you can minimize your risk while maximizing your potential for profits. So what are you waiting for? Start reading and start investing! 

What is an investment principle?

An investment principle is a guideline that investors use to make decisions about their investments. There are many different principles that you can follow, but it is important to find the ones that work best for you and your investing goals. 

Here are 100 investing principles that you need to follow if you want to be successful in the stock market:

1. Think for yourself

This is Ray Dalio's number one investing principle. It is important to do your own research and not blindly follow the advice of others. 

This ensures that you know why you are investing in a stock, instead of following tips and investment advice from other investors that might not have your best interest at heart.

2. Diversify your portfolio

Diversification is one of the most important principles of investing due to its many advantages. By diversifying your portfolio, you are spreading your risk across different investments, which can help you minimize your losses and maximize your profits

3. Invest for the long term

It is important to invest for the long term because it allows you to ride out the ups and downs of the market. If you invest for the short term, you may miss out on important opportunities. Investing for the long term also allows you to compound your investments at a higher rate, and it is also tax efficient.

4. Investing is all about making calculated risks

You need to be willing to take some risks if you want to make money in the stock market. However, you should only take risks that you are comfortable with and that you have done your research on. 

You want to avoid taking unnecessary risks or investing in something without fully understanding the risks you are facing. This is why assessing the risks of any investment is one of the most important things to know before investing in it.

5. Don't try to time the market

It is impossible to predict the future of the stock market. Instead of trying to time the market, you should invest for the long term and let time work in your favor. You can also try to use other strategies that are more efficient over the long term such as dollar-cost averaging.

6. Be patient

Patience is a virtue when it comes to investing. You need to be patient in order to ride out the ups and downs of the market. Compounding your money over the long term also requires patience. 

You may have a few years of underperformance, but that does not mean that you will not be able to beat the market over the long term.

7. Have a plan

You need to have a written investment plan that outlines your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Without a plan, it will be very difficult to reach your investing goals.

Your plan should also include your strategy, as well as the amount of money you plan to invest. 

8. Keep emotions out of it 

Emotions have no place in investing. When you make investment decisions based on emotions, you are more likely to make mistakes. This is both true when you are buying or selling. 

Investment anxiety is something that could totally blur your vision, and affect your investment decisions. FOMO can also have a devastating effect on your decisions, and it might make you chase unprofitable investments. 

9. Dollar-cost average

When you invest in a stock, you should not try to buy it all at once. Instead, you should dollar-cost average, which means buying the stock in small increments over time. This will help you minimize your risk and smooth out the ups and downs of the market. 

10. Know when to sell

One of the most difficult decisions for investors is knowing when to sell their stocks. You should have a selling strategy in place before you even purchase a stock. Are you going to hold this stock for the long term, or are you just looking for a short to medium-term gain? 

Make sure you know exactly how long you plan to hold a stock before investing in it, and do not get emotionally attached to it.

11. Have realistic expectations

Many people expect to make a lot of money quickly in the stock market. When this realization is not met, risky decisions are often made in an attempt to make up for lost ground. You need to have realistic expectations about your investment returns. 10x gains are not the norm. 

12. Select your sources of research carefully

There is a lot of information available on the internet and it can be overwhelming. You need to be selective about the sources that you use for your research. 

It's important to understand the difference between a sales pitch and an objective analysis. You should also be aware of the many stock market schemes going on, especially when it comes to penny stocks.

13. Write an investment thesis

An investment thesis is a document that outlines your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. This will help you focus your research and make investment decisions. It also helps to clarify your thoughts on a specific company or investment. 

14. Don't forget to rebalance

If one position becomes overweight in your portfolio, it can lead to risk. You need to regularly rebalance your portfolio to keep it diversified. This is why it is advantageous to have an active portfolio management approach to investing, instead of investing passively.

15. Be mindful of taxes

Taxes can have a significant impact on your investment returns. Capital gains taxes, in particular, can eat into your profits. By being aware of the tax implications of your investment decisions, you can minimize your tax liability. 

One of the ways to minimize the impact of taxes on your returns is to use retirement accounts or even hold stocks forever.

16. Consider using index funds

Index funds are a type of mutual fund or ETF that tracks a specific index, such as the S&P 500. They offer diversification and often have lower fees than actively-managed mutual funds. Despite its disadvantages, investing in index funds is what most professional stock pickers recommend for the average retail investor. 

17. Invest in what you know

It is important to invest in companies or industries that you are familiar with. This will help you make better investment decisions. If you step outside your circle of competence, you are more likely to make mistakes.

This is one of the most important investing principles to follow. One of Peter Lynch’s most famous quotes is: “Know what you own.”

18. Keep learning

The stock market is always changing and you need to keep up with the latest news and information. There are always new companies to research, and investment opportunities. By continuously learning, you will be better equipped to make investment decisions.

One of the best ways to learn is by reading books, whether you are a beginner investor, or you need more advanced books.

19. Play devil's advocate

When you are analyzing an investment, it is important to look at both the positive and negative aspects. This will help you make a more informed decision. Always trying to question your own assumptions allows you to see inconsistencies in your own thought process, allowing you to become a better investor.

20. Be disciplined

To be a successful investor, you need to be disciplined. This means sticking to your investment plan and not making impulsive decisions. Whether it be FOMO (fear of missing out) or FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), you need to be able to resist the urge to make rash decisions.

21. Find companies with a competitive advantage

A competitive advantage is something that gives a company an edge over its competitors. This could be a strong brand, patented technology, or a loyal customer base. When you invest in companies with a competitive advantage, you are investing in companies that have sustainable growth potential.

22. Understand the difference between investing for capital gains and investing for income

When you invest for capital gains, you are hoping to sell your investment at a higher price than what you paid. When you invest for income, you are looking to receive regular payments from your investment, such as dividends or interest.

If you are interested in generating additional income through your investments, you can consider income stocks.

23. Read and analyze the financials

The financial statements are a key component in understanding a company. They can give you insights into a company's revenue, expenses, and profitability. Reading and interpreting them will allow you to understand the business better, and allows you to determine what you can expect from the business’ performance.

24: Be careful with leverage

Leverage is the use of debt to finance an investment. This can magnify your profits, but it can also amplify your losses and even put you in debt. When you are using leverage, you need to be extra careful with your investment decisions. If you aren't comfortable with the detrimental potential of leverage, then it is best to avoid it altogether. 

25. Consider buying when there is blood on the streets

This is a phrase that is often used by investors. It means that you should buy when everyone else is selling. This can be a contrarian approach, but it can also be a successful one. When fear strikes investors sell in panic, if you are able to control your emotions and buy when everyone else is selling you can make great investments.

26. You don't always have to be a contrarian

Sometimes the wisdom of crowds is correct and you shouldn't try to go against the grain. Each situation is different and you need to use your best judgment. 

27. Have a margin of safety

A margin of safety is the difference between the intrinsic value of a security and the price you pay for it. This cushion protects you from losses if your estimates are wrong. 

For example, if you think a stock's intrinsic value is worth $50, but you only pay $40, then you have a margin of safety of $10.

28. Don't lose money

Losing money in the stock market is at some point inevitable but you can make sure you avoid it as much as possible by following these investing principles. Remember one of the most iconic Warren Buffett’s quotes:

“The first rule of an investment is don't lose money. And the second rule of an investment is don't forget the first rule.” - Warren Buffett

29: Manage your stress

When you are invested in the stock market, there will be times of stress. It is important to manage your stress levels so that it doesn't impact your investment decisions. 

Stress from the markets can also harm your personal life, so it is important to find a balance. Avoid checking your stocks constantly because it can create unnecessary stress and anxiety.

30. Look for red flags

These are warning signs that something may not be right. If you see too many red flags, it is best to stay away from the investment. A red flag can be something like an insider selling a large number of shares, or a company missing its earnings targets.

31. Minimize fees

Whether it be commissions, management fees, or other fees, it is important to minimize these as much as possible. These fees can eat into your profits, so it is important to be mindful of them. 

One of the best ways of doing this is by having multiple brokerage accounts, and taking advantage of lower fees on each.

32. Understand the difference between trading and investing

Trading is buying and selling securities in the short-term while investing is taking a long-term view. Trading is more speculative and risky while investing is more conservative. 

33. Know your risk tolerance

It is important to know how much risk you are willing to take on. This will impact what investments you make and how you manage your portfolio. If you take on too much risk, it can lead to losses that you are not prepared to sustain.

Be aware of the importance of selecting investments that match your risk capacity, appetite, and ultimately your investment goals.

34. Don't panic sell

When the markets are going down, it can be tempting to sell all of your investments. However, this is often the wrong thing to do. If you sell when the markets are down, you will lock in your losses. It is best to wait until the markets recover before selling. 

35. Invest in businesses, not stocks

Investing is not gambling, this is one of the most common stock market myths among inexperienced investors. Therefore investing should not be treated as speculation. When you invest in a business, you are investing in something with tangible value. 

On the other hand, speculation is more akin to gambling. You are betting on something with no underlying value. It is important to invest in businesses that have a solid foundation. 

36. Learn the language of business

To invest in businesses, you need to understand the language of business. This includes things like financial statements and earnings reports. 

Without this understanding, it will be difficult to make informed investment decisions. P/E ratios, dividends, and other financial lingo are important to understand. 

You also need to be aware of Wall Street lingo and expressions, to understand what other investors are saying.

37. Consider the management team

A company's management team can impact its stock price. It is important to research the management team and see if they have a good track record. 

For example, a management team that has a history of growing shareholder value is more likely to do so in the future. For example, if the CEO is known for insider trading scandals, this could be a red flag. 

38. Consider the valuation

A company's valuation is how much it is worth. This can be measured by things like price-to-earnings ratio or market capitalization. 

It is important to consider the valuation before investing in a company. If a company is overvalued, it may be a riskier investment.

39. Understand the business model

If you don't know how the business model works, it will be difficult to understand the company. For example, if you don't know how a company makes money, it will be hard to invest in them. Make sure you understand the business model before investing in any stock.

40. Consider the competitive landscape

It is important to know who the company's competitors are. This will give you a better idea of the company's position in the market. If the company has tons of competition and they don't have an edge, it may be a riskier investment. 

By understanding the competitive landscape of a business you will be able to understand the risks the business faces.

41. Know the difference between value and growth stocks

Value stocks are companies that are undervalued by the market. Growth stocks are companies that are expected to grow at a faster rate than the market. It is important to know the difference between these two types of stocks because they will be valued differently. 

42. Be aware of black swans

A black swan is an event that is unpredictable and has a large impact. These events can have a big effect on the markets and your investments and can lead to stock market crashes. 

For example, a pandemic or sudden outbreak of war is a black swan event. By being aware of the worst-case scenario, you can be prepared for it.

43. Don't get greedy

When you see your investments going up, it can be tempting to sell them for a profit. However, if you do this, you may miss out on even bigger gains. It is important to have patience and let your investments grow. 

Greed can also manifest itself through risky investing. If you are chasing after big returns, you may end up taking on too much risk. 

44. Consider your time horizon

Your time horizon is the amount of time you are willing to wait for your investments to pay off. If you have a long time horizon, you can afford to take on more risk. However, if you have a short time horizon, you should focus on preserving your capital.

45. Know why you are investing in the first place

Are you investing for retirement? To send your kids to college? To buy a new house? It is important to know why you are investing. This will help you stay focused on your goals.

It will also help you to create an investment strategy that matches your goals and intentions.

46. Use the most tax-efficient accounts

If you are investing for retirement, you should use a 401k or IRA. These accounts have tax benefits that can save you money in the long run. Taxes can eat away at your returns, so it is important to be aware of them. 

47. Buy the dip

When the stock market falls, it can be tempting to sell your investments. However, if you do this, you may miss out on the rebound. It is often better to buy when the market is down. This is known as buying the dip.

Even if the dip keeps on dipping, most of the time the best approach is to continue buying, since it does not seem like the stock market will ever stop growing.

48. Don't catch a falling knife

This can be contrary to buying the dip. Catching a falling knife means buying a stock just to watch it keep falling. This is a risky move and should be avoided.

For that reason you should wait until a stock reaches its bottom, and then invest in it. This can save you a lot of money if the stock you invest in keeps declining.

49. Don't be envious of other people's success

Just because someone else is doing well does not mean you should be jealous. Everyone's financial situation is different. What works for them may not work for you. It is important to focus on your own goals and not compare yourself to others. Doing so can cause you to make emotion-driven decisions. 

50. Choose your mastermind group carefully

A mastermind group is a group of people that you meet with regularly to discuss your goals. These groups can be very helpful for investing tips, but it is important to choose them carefully. 

Make sure you are meeting with people that have similar goals and are at a similar stage in their journey. Otherwise, you may not get the most out of the group. You can also consider finding a stock market mentor that can help you.

51. Stay humble in bull markets

it's easy to let your ego get in the way when things are going well, especially in bull markets when pretty much every stock goes up. As they say - “Everyone is a genius in a bull market.” 

However, it is important to stay humble. The markets can turn on a dime. By staying humble, you will be less likely to make careless mistakes.

52. Stay positive during bear markets

it can be overwhelming and even depressing to see your investments lose value. However, it is important to stay positive during these times. The markets will eventually rebound and you don't want to miss out on the gains.

53. Have an emergency fund

An emergency fund is a stash of cash that you can use in case of a financial emergency. This could be a job loss, medical bills, or anything else that comes up unexpectedly. 

Having an emergency fund can help you avoid selling your investments at a loss, and you can even consider investing your emergency fund in short-term investments like CDs or bonds.

54. Know when to stop

Whether you are exhausting yourself from researching companies or buying into a company that is about to be overvalued, it is important to know when to stop. Overdoing it can lead to costly mistakes.

55. Understand the macroeconomic outlook

You don't have to be an expert economist to invest. However, it is important to have a basic understanding of the macroeconomic outlook. This will help you make better investment decisions, and it can also help you in your everyday life.

56. Hedge your bets

Diversification is important, but you can also hedge your bets by investing in different asset classes. This means that if one asset class goes down, you may be protected by the gains in another. 

For example, commodities often do well when the stock market is down. Although this is not always the case, having an understanding of a few uncorrelated assets can help you build a well-rounded portfolio.

Another way of doing this is by understanding the beta of a stock, and investing in negative beta stocks. Contrary to high beta stocks that perform well during bear markets, low and negative beta stocks tend to perform better in bear markets.

57. Test the product or service

If you are investing in a company, it is important to test the product or service. This will give you a better understanding of the company's potential. 

If the product or service is beloved and something that you'd happily pay for, it's more likely that the company will be successful.

58. Write off your losses

This is a tax principle, but it can also help you emotionally. If you have investments that are losing money, you can write them off as losses on your taxes. This can help you move on from the investment and focus on more promising opportunities.

59. Don't be afraid to take profits

When you invest in a company, your goal is to make money. So, don't be afraid to take profits when they come. It can be contrary to the principle of letting your winners ride but if a company has run its course, it's better to take the money and reinvest it elsewhere.

60. Let your winners ride

If the investment thesis persists and a company still has good potential, then it may be a good idea to let your winners ride. 

This means holding on to the investment even when it is doing well. This can be a difficult principle to follow but it can pay off in the long run. 

61. Have principles, but be adaptable

Being rigid in your investment principles can lead to missed opportunities. However, being too adaptable can also be dangerous. It is important to find a balance. 

Have investing principles that guide your investment decisions but be willing to adapt when the situation warrants it. For example, if you lost your job, it might be better to stop dollar cost averaging just so that you can afford to eat without having to take out a predatory loan.

62. Understand the different industries

The companies that you invest in will be a part of an industry. It is important to have a basic understanding of the different industries. This way, you can understand how different companies will be impacted by macroeconomic trends. 

63. Understand the different types of investments

There are many different types of investments, from stocks and bonds to real estate and commodities. It is important to understand the different types of investments so that you can make informed decisions. Each investment type has its risks and rewards.

64. Self-awareness is key

If you are terrible at picking stocks, it might be better to invest in index funds. The key is to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. 

This way, you can invest in a way that suits your skill set. Guidelines and principles can only take you so far. At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your investment decisions. 

65. It's better to be bored and profitable than excited and unprofitable

Just because a company is boring doesn't mean that it can't be profitable. Some of the best investments are in boring companies like cash cows. 

These are the companies that tend to have sustainable business models and generate consistent profits. They may not be exciting, but they can be great investments.

66. Ride in an investment vehicle, don't go on a gambling trip

When you invest in a company, you are buying into the business. You are investing in the long-term potential of the company. This is different from gambling, where you are betting on the short-term performance of a stock. 

It is important to remember this distinction so that you don't get caught up in the excitement of a stock price movement.

67. Look for value, not just prices

When you are looking for investments, it is important to look for value. This means that you are looking for companies that are undervalued by the market. 

There are many ways to measure value, but one way is to look at the price-to-earnings ratio. A low P/E ratio indicates that a company might be undervalued. You can also look at stocks with a good price-to-book, which is another stock metric used by value investors.

68. Look for quality, not just quantity

It is better to have a few high-quality investments than a large number of low-quality investments. Rather than have 10 stocks that each yield 1%, it's better to have 5 companies that each provide a return of 20%. 

It is important to remember that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to investing. Even if diversification is beneficial, a concentrated portfolio can be a great option for experienced investors.

69. Invest in the future you want to see

As an investor, you can look for profits but the companies that you support will shape society. It is important to invest in the future you want to see. 

This means supporting companies that are doing things that you believe in. For example, if you want to see a cleaner environment, you might invest in companies that are developing renewable energy sources.

70. The trend is your friend

This rhyming principle means that you should invest in companies that are trending upwards. This doesn't mean that you should invest in the latest fad, but rather, companies with sustainable business models that are experiencing growth. 

Over time, these companies will continue to grow and provide you with profits, and this is why the trend is your friend.

71. Never invest more than you can afford to lose

This is a basic principle but it is often forgotten. It is important to remember that investing is a risk. There is always the potential to lose money. You should never invest more than you can afford to lose. 

This way, if the worst happens, you won't be left in a difficult financial situation. Black swan events can happen, and by definition when you are not expecting it. 

72. Use the tools of the trade

There are many different investing tools available. It is important to use the right tool for the job. For example, if you are trying to assess the value of a company, you might use a tool like the price-to-earnings ratio. If you are trying to prevent substantial losses, you might use a stop-loss order. 

73. Look for asymmetric opportunities

This means that you should look for investments where the potential upside is greater than the potential downside. This way, even if the investment doesn't work out, you won't lose much. 

However, if it does work out, you could make a lot of money. This is the type of risk-reward that you should be looking for in investments. 

74. Consider the opportunity cost

Whenever you invest, you are giving up the opportunity to invest in something else. This is called opportunity cost. For example, if you invest in stock A, you are giving up the opportunity to invest in stock B. You should always consider opportunity costs when making investment decisions.

75. Don't fall victim to paralysis by analysis

With so many options available, it can be easy to get caught up in the research and analysis. However, you should never let this paralysis prevent you from making an investment decision. 

The more options you have the more stressful it can become because you can begin to second guess all of your choices. At some point, you have to trust yourself and make a decision.

76. There's no such thing as a free lunch

Dividends can be a form of passive income but it takes capital away from the business when it can be reinvested. The free stock tip from a stranger can be a pump and dump scheme. 

When it comes to investing, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true. There's always a cost to everything, even if it's not immediately apparent. 

77. Know what you're up against

If you are trading, it's important to know that you are up against other traders who may have different information, objectives, or risk profiles than you do. In general, it's important to know your competition and the same goes for companies that you invest in. 

What are the other companies in the same industry doing? How does your company stack up?

78. Invest early

The earlier you start investing, the more time your investments have to grow. This is due to the power of compounding. Compounding is when your investment grows at a rate that is higher than the initial investment. 

For example, if you invest $100 and it grows at a rate of 20%, your investment will be worth $120 at the end of the year. 

However, if you reinvest that $120, it will grow at a rate of 20% on the new balance, which is $144. This growth will continue as long as you keep reinvesting your earnings. 

79. Invest enough

It is important to invest enough so that you can reach your financial goals. Even with a 100% gain, if your initial investment is only $1 you will only double your money to $2. However, if you invest $100,000, you will have a balance of $200,000. 

As such, it is important to invest enough so that your gains are meaningful. 

80. Beat Inflation

The real rate of return is often ignored by investors. This is the rate of return after inflation. For example, if you have a stock that has increased in value by 5% but inflation was at 10%, then your real rate of return would be negative. 

Your investment would have lost purchasing power. Inflation is a silent wealth stealer. It's not fun to talk about but it's important to consider when making investment decisions.

81. Expect Volatility and Profit from It

This is one of Benjamin Graham's most famous principles. It means that you should expect the stock market to be volatile and that you should use this volatility to your advantage. 

When prices are down, buy more shares. When prices are up, sell some of your shares and take profits.

82. Cash is king

This principle is true for both taking advantage of generational wealth-building opportunities with the market crashes as well as for businesses. In terms of businesses, it is always important to have cash on hand to take care of unexpected expenses or opportunities. 

Look at the company's balance sheet to see if its cash position is adequate to preserve its foundation throughout tough times. 

83. When in doubt, zoom out 

Looking at the short-term volatility can cause a lot of anxiety. But if you zoom out while looking at the price charts, you will get a better sense of the long-term trend. 

This will help you stay calm when the market is going through a correction or a bear market.

84. There's no perfect asset allocation

Each investor has different circumstances and risk tolerance. As such, there is no perfect asset allocation that will work for everyone. The best thing you can do is to figure out what asset allocation works best for you and stick to it. 

85. Reinvest dividends until you're ready to retire

Dividends are a great way to earn passive income. And the best thing about dividends is that you can reinvest them and compound your gains. This is a great way to grow your wealth over the long term.

86. Automate your investing

Rather than having a portion of your paycheck enter your checking account, automate the cash flow into an investment account. This can help limit your discretionary spending and ensure that you are staying consistent with your investment plan. 

87. Not all financial advisors give good financial advice

Many financial advisors are salespeople first and foremost. They are incentivized to sell you products that may not be in your best interest. This brings us back to the first principle. It's important to think for yourself.

88. Hope is for spirituality, not investing

When making investment decisions, it is important to be rational and objective. Hope is wishful thinking and has no place in investing. 

89. Be opportunistic

One of the best things you can do as an investor is to be opportunistic. When there are market crashes, take advantage of the situation and buy shares at a discount. 

If the entire market is missing out on an undervalued stock, take the opportunity to load up on shares. 

90. Be aware of sunk costs

A sunk cost is a cost that has already been incurred and cannot be recovered. An example of this would be if you bought a stock at $50 and it is now trading at $40. You may be tempted to hold on to the stock in hopes that it will rebound. 

Sunk costs can also come in the form of time spent during research. If you spend hours researching a company, you might be tempted to just invest or your time would have been wasted. This can often be a mistake. 

91. Buy the panic, sell the news

This is an old principle that means that you should buy when there is panic in the market and sell when there is good news. The reason for this is that markets tend to overreact to both good news and bad news in the short term. 

By buying when there is panic, you are usually getting a discount. And by selling when there is good news, you are usually selling at a premium. 

92. Don't worship your idols

Just because someone is successful in one area does not mean they are a good investor. There are many successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and celebrities who have made terrible investment decisions. 

93. Develop your own system

There are many different investing philosophies out there. It's important to develop your own system that you are comfortable with and that fits your investing style.

94. The market is the market

You cannot control the market. The best you can do is to be aware of the factors that are influencing the market and make your investment decisions accordingly. If a company brings out a new product and no one wants it, the stock price is going to go down. 

You can't do anything about that. Understanding the consumer market and how they will react to new products is crucial to being a successful investor. After all, they are the ones that are going to determine if a company is successful or not. 

95. Walk before your run

Before you start the most sophisticated investing strategies, it is important to get the basics down first. This means understanding the different types of investments and how they work. Once you have a solid foundation, you can start to branch out into more advanced strategies.

96. Don't try to time the market bottom

Trying to time the market is a fool's game. It is impossible to know when the market is going to bottom out. The best you can do is dollar cost average when the market is down and hold on to your investments for the long term. 

But make sure that the asset you're buying is something that you understand and are comfortable with holding for the long term. 

97. Don't buy the top

Of course, it can be difficult to know when the market is going to peak. However, there are certain warning signs that you can look for. If a company's stock price is increasing but its fundamentals are deteriorating, that is a red flag. 

When everyone is talking about how great investment is but can't articulately explain why that is another red flag. 

98. Quit trying to get rich quick

Delayed gratification is an important principle in investing. Rome wasn't built in a day. And neither is wealth and financial security. If you want to be successful, you need to focus on the long term.

99. Invest in things people will always need

Fancy toys and luxury items are great, but they aren't going to be in demand during a recession. Instead, focus on investing in things that people will always need, such as food, water, and shelter. You can consider defensive stocks which tend to do well during market crashes.

100. The best time to sell the best assets is never

This is a difficult principle to follow. After all, if you have a stock that has doubled in value, it can be tempting to cash out and take the profits. However, if you believe in the long-term potential of the asset, it may be best to hold on to it. This is how generational wealth is created. 

How to use these investing principles

Now, that was a long list of investing principles. It can be difficult to keep them all in mind. That's why it's best to bookmark this article and return it for a review when you feel like you need a refresher. 

The most important thing is to develop a principle that works for you and that you can focus on. We presented many different options but some might not work for your investing style. The key is to find the ones that do and stick with them. 

Remember, self-awareness is a key principle in itself.

Why do investors need to have investing principles to follow?

Investing principles help investors minimize risk while maximizing potential profits. By sticking to a set of well-defined rules, investors can make smarter and more informed decisions about their investments. 

Having a clear set of guidelines also helps to keep emotions out of the decision-making process, which can lead to impulsive and costly mistakes. 

There are many strategies and principles to choose from, so how do you know which ones are right for you?

The best way to find out is to experiment and see what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to investing, so you must find the approach that fits your own goals and risk tolerance. 

However, value investing has worked well for many investors over the years, so it is a good place to start if you are looking for a solid set of principles to follow. It's best to stick with one strategy because it will be easier to keep track of your investments and monitor your progress.

Once you have a good understanding of how value investing works, you can record your progress and see how well it performs over time. Value investing is a strategy that focuses on finding undervalued companies with strong fundamentals.

Value investors believe that these companies are undervalued by the market and have the potential to generate high returns.

Value investing principles

There are many different value investing principles that you can follow, but some of the most important ones are to look for companies with strong financials, a history of profitability, and a track record of shareholder returns. 

You should also focus on companies that have a moat, or a competitive advantage, which will protect them from being replaced by new entrants. 

For example, if a company has a strong brand or a unique product, it is likely to have a moat. Another principle of value investing is to look for warning signs of a bad company. 

You can look for red flags such as high debt levels, poor customer satisfaction, or declining market share. 

By avoiding these companies, you can focus on finding the hidden gems that the market has overlooked. To summarize, the main focus is to find companies that are undervalued by the market and have the potential to generate high returns. 

By looking at the fundamentals and intrinsic value of a company, you can find profitable opportunities. The principle of value investing is to buy low and sell high. Of course, this is much easier said than done. 

But if you master and apply the principles of value investing, you can be successful in the stock market. Following these principles will help you make smart and profitable investment decisions. 

Adhering to these guidelines and strategies will help provide a framework for your investment decisions and help you become a more successful investor. The market is ever-changing, and new investment opportunities are constantly arising. It can be tough to keep up with the latest news and trends. 

But by doing your research and staying informed, you can make wise investment choices that will pay off in the long run. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different investing principles that you can follow to obtain success in the stock markets. However, value investing has proven to be a successful strategy for many investors. 

Its principles are simple to follow and have withstood the test of time. If you're just getting started in the stock market, following these investing principles can help you form a strong foundation for your future success. 

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to investing. You must find the approach that fits your own goals and risk tolerance. 

But if you stick to a solid set of investing principles, you will be on the right track to achieving your financial goals. What are your thoughts on these investing principles? Do you have any to add? Let us know in the comments below!