Lessons from Steve Jobs that every investor should know

Most investors obsess over forecasts, models, and predictions.
But sometimes, the best insight doesn’t come from economists or financial gurus.

It comes from unlikely places, like the mind of a tech visionary.

Steve Jobs wasn’t an investor.
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But he was a master at seeing the world differently.
And that mindset? It has powerful lessons for how we think about money, life, and legacy.

Here are three of our favourites:

1. You can only connect the dots looking backwards

Jobs said it best:
"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward."

Investors often fall into the trap of thinking markets can be forecasted.
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That if we just analyse enough data, we’ll know what’s coming.

But the truth is, markets make sense in hindsight.
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Never in real time.

That’s why the smartest investors don’t try to predict the future.
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They focus on making good decisions today, ones that will make sense in hindsight.

If you want financial clarity, don’t rely on a crystal ball.
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Build a strategy that works no matter what the market does next.
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2. Don’t live someone else’s financial life

Jobs also warned:
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life."

This hits especially hard in personal finance.
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Because many people make money decisions based on what others are doing, not what truly matters to them.

Without a clear vision, you can fall into the trap of mimicking.
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Bigger house. Fancier car. Flashier business.

But none of that guarantees peace of mind or purpose.

Real financial independence?
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It’s about building a life on your terms.
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One that reflects your values, goals, and priorities.

That’s the kind of plan that lasts.
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And more importantly, feels good to live with.
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3. Put a dent in the universe

Jobs believed we’re here to create, contribute, and leave a mark.
"We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why even be here?"

We believe that applies to money too.

Because wealth isn’t just something to grow.
It’s something to use, with intention.

Time. Energy. Capital. Skills.

These are the levers we all have.
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The question is: are you using them in alignment with what matters most?

Great financial planning isn’t about endless accumulation.
It’s about freedom, purpose, and impact.
For some, that’s giving more time to family.
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For others, it’s leaving a legacy or building something that outlasts them.

Whatever your version of a “dent” looks like, your strategy should help make it happen.

Final thought

Steve Jobs didn’t talk about ETFs, interest rates, or tax planning.
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But his mindset, clarity, originality, purpose, is exactly what most investors need more of.

Because at the end of the day, wealth isn’t the end goal.

A meaningful life is.

And money? It’s just the tool that helps you build it.

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