Buffett's own history of love is as unconventional as it is enduring. He married Susan Thompson in 1952, and together they raised three children—Susie, Howard, and Peter. In the 1970s, Susan left Omaha for San Francisco to pursue her singing career, but their bond never dissolved. Around this time, she introduced Buffett to Astrid Menks, a local waitress who eventually moved in with him in 1978. The unusual arrangement lasted decades, with Susan, Warren, and Astrid sending out Christmas cards signed by all three. 

He has also been clear that who you marry matters more than almost any other decision you make. Beyond companionship, your partner influences your habits, your confidence, and yes, your finances. Buffett has said repeatedly that a spouse can either amplify your ambitions or drag them down. Marriage, like investing, is about alignment—having the same goals, managing risk together, and building for the long term. It's about choosing someone who won't squander what you've worked for, but who shares the same discipline and vision to help it grow.

A marriage, like a portfolio, can unravel if partners are pulling in opposite directions. One spends while the other saves, one embraces risk while the other panics, one invests in growth while the other hoards cash. Just as markets punish inconsistency, relationships strain when goals don't align. The secret isn't only low expectations—it's shared ones. Buffett's reminder is that choosing the right partner is the ultimate investment decision. Get it right, and the compounding returns—both financial and emotional—can last a lifetime.

• Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund Just Backed This Farmland Manager — Accredited Investors Can Join the Same Fund
• $100k+ in investable assets? Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes – no cost, no obligation.