As we enter March and celebrate International Women’s Day this month, much of the spotlight rightly falls on women’s achievements in business, leadership, science, and public life. Yet one area where women often outperform men - and still receive too little recognition - is investing. Money management is often seen as a male-dominated space. However, across households and financial markets, women have quietly and consistently demonstrated qualities that make them better inves

Valentine’s Day was celebrated recently this month. Remember this line: love and wealth both blossom when nurtured with the right person. It sounds romantic, yes. But it is also practical. Because the truth is, love rarely thrives in chaos - and wealth rarely grows in confusion. What Love Teaches Us Let us start with love. Most relationships do not break because of one big dramatic fight. They break because of small, repeated stresses: misunderstandings, ego clashes, and unme

Mahashivratri is associated with discipline, stillness, and control over impulses. Most people interpret fasting as a food ritual. But what if you tried a different kind of fast this year - one that improves your finances and your health? I call it as “Wants Fast” for 30 days. The Simple Rule The idea is simple. For one full month, you do not spend money on wants, only needs. Not as punishment, but as a reset - because in personal finance, the biggest damage rarely comes from

When we talk about personal finance and investing, most conversations revolve around returns. How much did an investment make last year? Which asset is performing best right now? But seasoned investors know that wealth creation is not just about chasing returns. It is equally about understanding risks, especially the ones that quietly derail long-term financial goals. Whenever you invest in any product or asset class, there are three important risks you must analyse before co

Every year on 1st February, the Union Budget captures the nation’s attention. From revised tax policies to increased spending in various sectors, people eagerly analyze every announcement, hoping for immediate benefits. While the national budget undeniably affects the broader economy, it's time to ask: are we giving it too much importance in our personal financial planning? Focusing solely on the Union Budget can pull us away from what truly matters - managing our own finance

On the eve of India’s Republic Day, we proudly remember the adoption of our Constitution - a document that gave structure, stability and direction to a young nation. It did not promise instant success, but it provided a framework strong enough to withstand crises, disagreements and change. Interestingly, the same philosophy applies to personal finance. Just as a nation cannot function without a Constitution, your money too needs a clear set of rules. Wealth is not built by ch

As the recent municipal elections come to a close, one powerful lesson stands out: every vote matters. Local leadership, in particular, plays a critical role in shaping infrastructure, public services, and the overall quality of life. In many ways, the same principle applies to personal finance, where the right decisions made today can significantly influence future outcomes. Collective Decisions Election results underline the value of individual participation. Every citizen

The recent stock market slowdown may have made you nervous. But there is good news - it does not last long, just like your New Year’s resolutions. Every year, countless people set New Year’s resolutions, vowing to change habits and achieve certain goals. Yet, studies show that most resolutions fade very soon. In the world of investing, stock market volatility and corrections share a similar story - they make headlines, cause momentary jitters, but often do not last long. Comm

As 2026 begins, it’s the perfect time to reassess your financial goals and make smart decisions to set a strong foundation for the year. The following six key strategies will help you take control of your financial future. Whenever I talk about investments below, I always mean a combination of mutual funds, direct stocks, and gold. These are essential for achieving your long-term goals (beyond three years). For short-term goals, you can stick to bank fixed deposits and recurr

As the holiday season draws to a close and the new year approaches, many of us are reflecting on the year gone by and planning for the year ahead. It is a time filled with joy, celebration, and thoughtful giving. But have you ever wondered why we need to escape from work to truly enjoy ourselves? Why can’t every day feel like a holiday season? Well, it can. The secret lies in gifting your future self through investing. One gift that keeps on giving, whether you are celebratin

Every year, investors eagerly anticipate dividends, much like children waiting for Santa Claus. These distributions of corporate profits, paid to shareholders, are one of the most rewarding aspects of owning stocks. While stock price appreciation is a major driver of returns, dividends often act as a reliable and consistent gift that keeps on giving. A Seasonal Surprise Just as Santa delivers presents annually, many companies reward their shareholders with periodic dividends.

SEBI’s recent action against a popular trading educator has once again reminded the country of a simple but powerful truth: do not misguide people by promoting the stock market as a get rich quick scheme. What SEBI Is Really Examining The regulator was not trying to curb financial learning. It was examining something far more serious - whether education had quietly turned into stock tips, fast money promises and unregistered live trading calls. The Ironic Reality SEBI Discove

In personal finance, we often worry about losing money in the stock market, dislike the volatility associated with equities or mutual funds, or feel anxious about missing out on a hot investment tip. Yet the biggest threat to our wealth is far quieter and far more dangerous: loss of buying power. It is the invisible erosion of your money caused by inflation - a force that operates every single day, without pause, without headlines, and often without being noticed until it is

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions in a person’s life. It is emotional, aspirational, and deeply personal. But it must also be financially sensible. A home is not something you buy on impulse or because everyone else is doing it. It is a long-term commitment that affects your lifestyle, liquidity, and future goals. So how do you decide when the time is right? The first question to ask yourself is simple: Am I going to live in this city for the long term?

Peter Lynch, one of the greatest fund managers in history, gave investors a timeless reminder: “Behind every stock is a company. Find out what it’s doing.” This simple line captures the entire philosophy of sensible investing. Today, when stock prices change every second and social media glorifies quick trading profits, many investors forget the basic truth that a stock is not just a ticker symbol on a screen. It is a real business. When you buy a share, you are buying a slic

As wedding season returns, many of us attend functions and realise how expensive a modern wedding has become. A wedding is not only an emotional milestone but also a major financial milestone for any family. If you have children or plan to have children, preparing for their future wedding expenses should be treated as an important financial goal. Among the major financial goals that families typically plan for, such as buying a home, purchasing a car, taking vacations, fundin

A modern long-short investment product is here - one that blends the trust and discipline of mutual funds with the sophisticated flexibility of hedge-fund-style strategies. SEBI’s newly approved Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) mark the next evolution in wealth-building vehicles for high-net-worth investors. For decades, Indian investors had to choose between two ends of the spectrum - mutual funds, which are long-only, and Portfolio Management Schemes (PMS) / Alternative

“Market ka kya lagta hai?” - this single question echoes everywhere - from office discussions to family WhatsApp groups. Whether the market is rising or falling or consolidating, people never stop asking: what will happen next? But the honest truth is simple - no one really knows. There are two timeless principles that every investor must remember.  Truth No. 1 – In the long run, markets go up If you study the history of the stock market you will notice one consistent trend:

During the recent festive season - Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali - you must have noticed how expenses tend to surge during these times. Expenses do rise significantly during festivals and vacations. Similarly, retirement, often viewed as the grandest festival and vacation of your life, can bring higher financial demands due to increased free time and completing your wishlist. This is why proper retirement planning is crucial. If not planned properly, you would have to signif

For most Indian households, Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali - a day when buying gold or silver is considered auspicious. Beyond the emotional and cultural significance, these metals have been time-tested stores of value, preserving purchasing power through generations. However, in today’s era of convenience and transparency, investors no longer need to buy physical jewellery or coins to participate in the precious metals story. There are far smarter, cost-efficient, a