Money Vichara

The Missing Link in Personal Finance: Why Awareness and Measurement Matter More Than You Think Have you ever wondered why some people seem so calm and in control when it comes to their money, while others are constantly stressed or confused—regardless of how much they earn? The difference often comes down to one powerful habit: they consistently track their money and measure their progress using meaningful, realistic benchmarks. We grow up learning how to earn, how to save, and sometimes even how to invest. But very few of us are taught how to track our financial life or how to know if we are actually doing well. Without tracking and benchmarks, personal finance becomes a guessing game. It is like trying to reach a destination without a map or a GPS. You might be moving, yes—but are you headed in the right direction? The truth is that  numbers do not lie . When you know what to look at and compare it with the right standards, you gain clarity. You can spot mistakes early,...

The Comfortable Lies We Tell Ourselves About Mutual Funds There is something deeply reassuring about the idea that you are “ doing the right thing ” with your money. For millions of Indian investors, mutual funds have become that comforting choice. Easy to access, well-marketed, and recommended by everyone from your office colleague to your mobile app, mutual funds are now a default setting in the Indian investment mindset. But familiarity often breeds complacency. Somewhere along the way, many of us have stopped questioning how we are investing — and started blindly trusting what we are investing in. The stories we repeat to ourselves — “ SIP is always safe,” “long term guarantees return,” “more funds mean more safety ” — may sound wise, but are often half-truths. And half-truths in investing can be more dangerous than not knowing at all. Let me be clear — I am not against mutual funds. In fact, I am a mutual fund investor myself. But over the years, I have realised that the w...

Gold has always had a special place in our hearts, from ancient times to modern investments. Gold holds a special place in Indian culture and emotions. It is deeply linked with traditions, festivals, weddings, and financial planning. Whether it is for a daughter's marriage or an auspicious day like Aksya Tritiya, Dhanteras, buying gold is often seen as a sign of good fortune. But beyond tradition, many investors wonder: Is gold still a good investment today? Let us explore gold’s history, the ways to invest in it, and whether it continues to shine in modern times. Gold Investment Options in India A Look Back in Time: The Story of Gold Prices Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, and historically, it even served as the backbone of global currencies under the gold standard. When economies moved away from this system, gold’s price became more sensitive to market forces like supply-demand dynamics, economic stability, and world events. During periods of uncertainty — think financial...

Finding Your Balance: Asset Rebalancing Strategies for the Everyday Investor When we begin our investment journey, we often spend a lot of time trying to get things right. We carefully select the mix of assets, hoping they will grow and support our goals over time. But markets never move in straight lines. Some assets rise faster than others, and slowly, without us noticing, the balance we started with begins to shift. This shift might look harmless at first, but it can bring in more risk than we are comfortable with or leave us underprepared for our future needs. Rebalancing is one of those things that quietly holds everything together. It does not promise overnight riches. But it helps us return to our original plan. In a way, it is like tending to a garden. In fact, I had shared in an earlier article how the care and attention a mother gives her plants reminds us that our investments also need regular nurturing. Without that, even the best garden can become wild, and the same ha...