(This article was first published in Yahoo Finance.)

It’s Teachers Day on 5th September! It’s the day to say thanks to all of our wonderful teachers who have taught us so many things all through life. Teaching is often a thankless job, which is even more reason why our teachers need to be celebrated.

Of course, the lessons we learn and the teachers we have is never limited to our school or college classrooms. There are other people who teach us valuable lessons as well. So today, let’s thank investment and finance experts from around the world for these priceless lessons on personal finance.

“You can’t be in debt and win.”

Dave Ramsey, American businessman, author and speaker

Your home loan is a debt, your credit card is a debt. Debt comes in various forms and you won’t be able to win the battle with your finances as long as you don’t take care of your debt. Maybe you can’t do away with debt, but you should at least pay it on time to avoid further complications and additional interests.

“Financial freedom is available to those who learn about it and work for it.”

Robert Kiyosaki, American businessman and author of Rich Dad Poor Dad

Financial freedom is achieved by spending less than you earn, investing what you save and not getting buried in debt. To do all of this, you need to learn and understand how money works. You won’t be financially free overnight, but the effort will be worth the outcome when it does come.

“Believe in your principles and keep it simple.”

Dhirendra Kumar, Founder and CEO, Value Research India

When it comes to insurance and investments, the simpler things are, the better they will be. If understanding a financial product or service takes too much work, then you are better off leaving it alone. Choose the product or service that is easy-to-understand and fulfills your needs.

“Market is above individuals. An individual can never be smarter than the market.”

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Indian investor and trader

Never try to time the equity markets. People have suffered innumerable losses trying to predict the movements of the market. No one can do that successfully in a sustained manner. The best thing to do is focus on your goals and invest systematically, the ups and downs notwithstanding.

“Become greedy when others are fearful and become fearful when others are greedy.”

Parag Parikh, veteran Indian investor

The oldest and most effective strategy of successful investing is to buy low and sell high. Yet, many of us forget this and get carried away by the euphoria around a stock market bull run. And then we shy away from equities when the markets crash. Doing the opposite is what would make you a successful investor.

“Invest, and don’t speculate, if you want to create serious wealth from the stock market.”

Raamdeo Agrawal, MD and Co-founder, Motilal Oswal Financial Services

The difference between investors and speculators lies in their approach to the stock markets. While investors have a long-term view and look to create wealth, speculators have a short-term view and look to make an earning. To be a successful investor, don’t fall for tips or tricks, just invest.

“The key to making money is to stay invested.”

Suze Orman, American author and financial advisor

There is something called compounding interest, which is an almost-magical way to making more money from your investments by staying invested. Compounding interest allows you to earn returns even on the interest you have already earned. And all you need to do is stay invested and continue investing.

“Owning stocks is like having children–don’t get involved with more than you can handle.”

Peter Lynch, American investor and mutual fund manager

Be it stocks or mutual funds, the more is not always the merrier. Many investors have the misconception that they need to invest in a lot of instruments to diversify. But that is not how diversification works. If you’re investing for the long-term, a portfolio of 3-5 funds is all you need.