"Watch it grow" - Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary advises his kids to invest in ETFs

Kevin O’Leary, "Mr. Wonderful" from Shark Tank, shared investment advice for his kids in a December 5, 2024, Instagram reel, emphasizing saving a portion of income for long-term growth.

"The idea is take 10% every two weeks, put it away and then watch it grow," he explained, highlighting the role of consistency in financial planning.

The reel, which included a detailed caption, reflected O’Leary’s point of view on the effectiveness of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a straightforward investment tool. Initially, his kids were hesitant, but they soon adapted the approach, realizing its potential to secure their financial future.

Using tools like Beanstox, an app that simplifies ETF investments, O’Leary encouraged young earners to start early and stay consistent, underlining the long-term benefits of this strategy.

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Kevin O’Leary’s advice for young earners

Kevin O’Leary’s Instagram post outlined a practical plan for building wealth. In his caption, he wrote,

"I gave my kids the best advice about money: take 10% of your paycheck and invest it in ETFs for the long term. Simple, effective, and life-changing. They ignored me at first—but now they’re on board. Start early, stay consistent, and watch it grow. It’s that easy."

To make the process more accessible, Kevin O’Leary recommended the Beanstox app, which automates investments and ensures that users can easily allocate a portion of their earnings to ETFs. He believes that regular contributions, made every two weeks, are crucial for leveraging the benefits of compounding returns.

This approach highlighted O’Leary’s focus on promoting financial planning and consistent investing. By recommending ETFs, which offered diversification and stability, he outlined a practical way for young individuals to build wealth over time. His advice emphasized steady growth through regular investments rather than relying on high-risk options.

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Kevin O’Leary’s portfolio insights and the role of ETFs

Beyond personal advice, Kevin O’Leary shared his professional perspective on investment strategies through a LinkedIn post in April 2024. He discussed the importance of cash-flowing investments in a balanced portfolio and shared that the majority of his family’s wealth is tied to ETFs like the ALPS O’Shares US Quality Dividend ETF (OUSA) and the ALPS O’Shares US Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF (OUSM).

"A couple of years back, I sold my ETF company to Alps, the biggest ETF player in the States. It’s called O’Shares, and that’s where my family’s wealth is parked," he shared.

These ETFs were designed to offer reliable income through dividends while reducing volatility, forming a key part of O’Leary’s financial strategy. He mentioned the importance of steady income over speculative investments, noting that while high-risk options like Bitcoin or start-ups can be appealing, a stable foundation is essential.

"Forget Shark Tank, forget Bitcoin. Sure, I’ve got a 5% stake in Bitcoin and another 5% in gold, but the meat of my US portfolio? It’s in OUSA or OUSM," he wrote.

O’Leary highlighted that cash-flowing assets such as ETFs, real estate, or private credit provide opportunities for consistent returns. For investors seeking diversification, these options offer potential for financial security and gradual growth, demonstrating the benefits of focusing on income-generating investments alongside more volatile ventures.

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Watch Kevin O'Leary in the current season of Shark Tank, streaming every Friday at 8 pm ET on ABC.