Four Investing Lessons from Teachers

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 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 these articles, I specifically refer to these three products. To conclude Teachers did more than explain textbooks; they prepared us for life. Happy Teacher’s Day! (The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)