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On January 7th, 1943, Nikola Tesla, inventor and engineer, died in New York City.

Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was a Serbian-American inventor, engineer, and futurist whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern electrical systems and technologies. Born on July 10, 1856, in Smiljan (modern-day Croatia), his father was a Serbian Orthodox priest, and his mother was an inventor of household devices. From a young age, Tesla displayed extraordinary intellectual abilities and an interest in mechanics and physics. Tesla studied engineering at the Austrian Polytechnic in Graz and later attended the Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague. Although he didn’t complete his degree, his studies fueled his fascination with electricity. Tesla began his career working for the Continental Edison Company in Europe before moving to the United States in 1884 where he became known for work in areas such as Alternating Current (AC), Radio and Communication, Electric Motors and Transformers and envisioned wireless energy transmission.Tesla’s later life was marked by financial struggles and increasing eccentricity. He pursued ambitious projects, such as the Wardenclyffe Tower, intended for wireless energy transmission, but they failed due to lack of funding. Despite his contributions, Tesla died penniless in New York City. Tesla’s name is ubiquitous these days for reasons other than his history. And yet, the man himself has nine lessons to lend the modern investor. 1. Balance Vision with PracticalityTesla dreamed big but often failed to ground his ideas in the reality of his time. While it’s good to aim for strong returns, focus on practical investment strategies that align with your risk tolerance and retirement timeline. Avoid chasing overly ambitious or speculative investments without a clear plan.2. Partner with Reliable AdvisorsTesla thrived when he partnered with strategic backers but struggled when left to navigate finances alone. Work with trusted financial advisors or planners who align with your goals. A reliable advisor can help optimize your portfolio and navigate complex decisions.3. Protect Your Assets. Tesla neglected to protect his intellectual property, allowing competitors to profit from his ideas. Safeguard your investments through diversification, insurance, and estate planning. Protect your nest egg from unnecessary risks, fraud, or mismanagement.4. Diversify Your PortfolioTesla relied heavily on a few projects, leaving him financially vulnerable when they failed. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across several asset classes tactically to reduce overall risk and volatility.5. Be Cautious with ResourcesTesla spent recklessly on grand projects without securing stable funding, leading to financial collapse. Manage your savings carefully. Create a realistic budget for both your working years and retirement, and avoid depleting your funds on impulsive or high-risk ventures.6. Adapt to Changing ConditionsTesla’s resistance to adapt to market demands limited his opportunities for success.Be flexible with your investment strategy. As you age, gradually shift your portfolio from growth-focused investments and get on a “glidepath” into retirement. 7. Don’t Underestimate the Power of PlanningTesla’s lack of financial planning left him vulnerable to setbacks despite his genius. Start retirement planning early. Regularly review and adjust your plan as circumstances change.8. Prepare for UncertaintyTesla often relied on unpredictable funding, leaving him financially insecure. Build an emergency fund and ensure you have a financial cushion for unexpected healthcare expenses, market downturns, or other unforeseen events during retirement.9. Value Consistency Over Flashy ReturnsTesla’s projects were groundbreaking but lacked steady income streams, leading to instability. Focus on steady, reliable returns instead of speculative investments promising quick wealth. Consistent growth compounds over time to build a robust retirement fund.

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🎯Patrick Huey is a small business owner and the author of three books on history and finance as well as the highly-rated recently-released fictional work Hell: A Novel. As owner of Victory Independent Planning, LLC, Patrick works with families and non-profit organizations. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and an Accredited Tax Preparer. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Patrick previously served as a Naval Flight Officer from 1996-2005, earning the Strike Fighter Air Medal during combat operations and two Navy Achievement Medals.

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💡What Tesla Really Teaches Investors