Warren Buffett says even the dollar isn’t untouchable. Here’s how smart investors are preparing for currency risk and inflation.
“Governments are always tempted to weaken their own currency.”
— Warren Buffett, 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting
At the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting, someone asked Warren Buffett:
“How do you view the U.S. dollar today? Is it still as safe as people think?”
Buffett didn’t hesitate.
He said his biggest concern was how governments—over time—tend to give in to the temptation of weakening their own currencies.
“All governments want to print more money. Over time, they always feel the pressure to devalue their currency,” he explained.
“And unfortunately, we haven’t created a system strong enough to resist that temptation.”
That comment stuck with me.
I started thinking:
What if even the dollar isn’t as steady as we assumed?
This post isn’t about fear.
It’s about how thoughtful investors are quietly preparing.
1. The Debt Is Growing, and So Is Doubt
By early 2025, the national debt had climbed past $34 trillion—a number that’s hard to even grasp.
Countries like China and Japan, once major buyers of U.S. bonds, are quietly stepping back.
And it’s not just overseas; many American investors are getting more cautious too, wondering if Treasuries are still the safe haven they used to be.
Long-held beliefs—like “Treasuries are always safe”—are being challenged.
2. Why Buffett’s Concern Matters
“Governments want quick fixes... when debt gets too high, they weaken the currency.”
Buffett’s point is clear:
Don’t blindly trust any currency—even the dollar.
The IMF echoed this warning in 2025, stating that persistent overspending and unsustainable debt could accelerate the dollar’s decline【IMF Outlook, 2025】.
3. A Simple, Durable Strategy
Rather than timing the market, many long-term investors are shifting toward resilience:
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Gold and silver – small, accessible holdings as a backup
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Consumer staples – companies like Coca-Cola and Costco
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Cash – enough to stay flexible
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Real estate – tangible assets with long-term utility
This approach isn’t flashy.
It’s built to last.
4. Small Steps You Can Take Now
If you're in your 20s or 30s, here’s how to start without needing big capital:
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Buy fractional gold using apps like Public or Cash App
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Use Acorns or Stash for automated, stable investing
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Save consistently with Chime or SoFi
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Try platforms like Fundrise to access real estate with just $10
A 2024 Bankrate survey found that 60% of millennial and Gen Z investors are already turning to these alternatives to hedge against inflation and currency volatility.
“You don’t need to predict the future—just prepare for it.”
This post was inspired by Warren Buffett’s remarks at the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting.
He reminded us that real strength isn’t about guessing right—it’s about holding steady when the system gets shaky.
In the next post
we’ll look at one of Buffett and Munger’s most underrated habits:
“Reading is like having lunch with the smartest people who ever lived.”
Let’s talk about why books—not trends—might be your most undervalued asset.
After all, Buffett spends up to 80% of his day reading, and Munger once said,
“I’ve had lunch with everyone—I read their books.”
That mindset might just be the greatest edge an investor can have.
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