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By:

Kaustubh Kale

10 September 2024 at 11:37:15 pm

Four Investing Lessons from Teachers

AI Generated Image Every September, we remember our teachers - the ones who shaped our thinking, disciplined our efforts, and instilled in us habits that stayed far beyond the classroom. Teacher’s Day, celebrated on 5th September, is not just about gratitude for academics; it is also a chance to revisit the timeless life lessons that apply to every sphere - including our financial journey. Let us look at four lessons our teachers gave us: 1. Level up as you grow Remember how each year in...

Four Investing Lessons from Teachers

AI Generated Image Every September, we remember our teachers - the ones who shaped our thinking, disciplined our efforts, and instilled in us habits that stayed far beyond the classroom. Teacher’s Day, celebrated on 5th September, is not just about gratitude for academics; it is also a chance to revisit the timeless life lessons that apply to every sphere - including our financial journey. Let us look at four lessons our teachers gave us: 1. Level up as you grow Remember how each year in school meant tougher chapters, larger books, and more hours of study? Teachers always reminded us: “You will need to study more this year than you did last year.” The same applies to our finances. As we grow older and our incomes rise, our responsibilities also expand. A higher salary should never mean only higher expenses. Just as we studied harder year after year, we must also invest harder - by increasing our SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) regularly and topping them up with lump-sum contributions when possible. The discipline of “leveling up” ensures that our wealth creation keeps pace with our career growth. 2. Prepare in advance Every student has faced the nightmare of trying to cram lessons the night before an exam. And every teacher warned us: “Do not study at the last minute.” The message was clear - preparation is the key to confidence and success. Financial planning works exactly the same way. Delaying investments until the last moment - say, a few years before your child’s education or your retirement - can leave you stressed and short of funds. In finance, as in exams, timely preparation and action is everything. 3. Life is a race Most of us disliked hearing it, but our teachers were right when they said, “Life is a race.” As children, marks were compared. As adults, our financial achievements are. Financial goals form the racecourse of adult life - a dream home, a dream car, a dream vacation, your child’s education, your child’s marriage, and finally, a comfortable retirement. Achieving these six milestones requires more than wishful thinking. You need to invest adequately, consistently, and wisely. 4. Think long term Teachers instilled habits and discipline in us because they knew the benefits would unfold over time. Similarly, in finance, we must measure the cost of decisions on a long-term basis. True wealth creation happens only when we think beyond the short term. For long-term goals, equity mutual funds, stocks, and gold remain the priority. Wherever I talk about investments in this article, I specifically refer to these three products. To conclude Teachers did much more than explain textbooks. They taught us discipline, preparation, consistency and patience - qualities that can help us not only in life, but also in building wealth. Happy Teachers’ Day! (The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

Gamble and the Challenge

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Eknath Shinde

As Maharashtra eagerly anticipates the election results on November 23, one name dominates political discussions: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Known for his bold moves, Shinde has reshaped the state’s political dynamics in unprecedented ways. In June 2022, Shinde set the stage for upheaval when he, along with several MLAs, left for Surat, plunging the coalition government into crisis. Just days later, with the BJP’s support, he assumed the role of chief minister, marking a shift no one saw coming.


The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, a coalition formed in 2019 by Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, had governed Maharashtra until Shinde’s exit. The impact of this political drama on state politics cannot be understated, as Shinde’s departure led to the fall of the MVA government. Over the past two years, Shinde has defied expectations, run a successful government while demonstrating independence from the BJP—a scenario few anticipated. His political acumen has now positioned him as a rising figure in BJP’s inner circle, potentially posing a challenge to BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis.


For Shinde, this election marks a crucial turning point. His objective is clear: securing wins for as many of his candidates as possible, solidifying his position in Maharashtra’s political landscape. However, the real test lies beyond the election results. In a political era where party loyalty is fluid, Shinde’s task will be to retain the loyalty of the elected MLAs.


Shinde’s journey from auto-rickshaw driver to prominent Shiv Sena leader has endeared him to the people, especially in Thane. Known for his humble behavior, he has built strong connections across all levels, from party workers to local households. However, this simplicity has led some BJP leaders to underestimate him. Now, even his allies realize that Shinde’s strategic mind and influence extend far beyond appearances.


One of Shinde’s significant achievements has been implementing the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ an initiative originally from Madhya Pradesh’s BJP government, which gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. This move not only showcases his keen sense of public sentiment but also distances him from his allies by establishing his independent policy-making approach.


Despite his growing influence, Shinde faces a challenge from the grassroots Shiv Sainiks who view him as a “traitor” for breaking with the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction. Recasting the narrative behind his decision to part ways with UBT will be essential if he hopes to gain widespread voter support.


Emphasizing his motivations and successes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ may help him connect with skeptical constituents.


With solid connections at the local level and rapport with senior BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s influence is likely to endure. This election will ultimately test Shinde’s leadership, resilience, and ability to navigate Maharashtra’s intricate political landscape. As Maharashtra’s political future hangs in the balance, Shinde stands at the forefront, steering the state’s uncertain course with both determination and ambition.

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