When he dies, Warren Buffett wants 90% of wife’s inheritance put into 1 investment. Here’s what it is, and how to get it

Upon his demise, billionaire investor Warren Buffett wishes for 90% of his wife's inheritance to be invested in a specific asset. In 2013, Buffett disclosed his final wishes in a letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. He advised the trustee to allocate 10% of the funds to short-term government bonds and 90% to a low-cost S&P 500 index fund.

The S&P 500, Buffett's preferred index, has demonstrated impressive performance. From 1964 to 2025, Berkshire Hathaway, under Buffett's leadership, delivered an extraordinary return of 6,099,294%, or over six million percent. The S&P 500 itself climbed 16.39% in 2025, or 17.88% including dividends. Despite this remarkable track record, Buffett remains confident in his chosen strategy.

He believes stock picking is not the optimal approach for most investors and advocates for index funds as a more passive investment option. These funds provide exposure to numerous companies across diverse sectors, thereby spreading risk while offering significant rewards. Even small investments can grow substantially over time, thanks to tools like Acorns, which allow users to invest spare change into diversified ETF portfolios managed by experts.

However, Buffett did not prescribe investing entirely in the S&P 500. He also recommended setting aside 10% of the funds in short-term government bonds. These bonds can be appealing to investors seeking lower risk or a stable, predictable income stream. Bonds are also more liquid than long-term bonds, enabling easier access to funds without substantial penalties or value loss.

The optimal investment mix depends on individual circumstances and investment goals. While many Americans aspire to grow their savings alongside the S&P 500, others face additional financial responsibilities. In such cases, seeking guidance from a financial advisor can help navigate complex decisions and minimize costly errors.