​Investment As A Long Term Business.

Future planning is an important ingredient for successful life. The more detailed the future planning is, the more easier your path towards success gets. For past few months, I have made it a habit to do the future planning and tracking my progress on regular basis. It has helped me a lot in my journey of life. 
The toughest thing about future planning is writing it on paper. It’s quite too easy to talk. However, when we begin to write the same, we face numerous hurdles. Yes, we struggle in the beginning. Gladly, the process gets easier every subsequent times.

 

Yesterday night, we (my wife and me) sat down to analyse our progress and to make some changes in the plans. Our main objective was to find out how we can gain accelerated growth over next couple of years. Currently we are invested into equity shares and we are garnering excellent returns. However, we wanted to find out opportunities which can give us better returns than equity shares and is risk marginal low risk.

During our search we reached to different options. Let me share them with you.

A) Starting our own brand of clothing and selling the goods so produced online as well as offline. This process can pay really well. Especially when you target a particular segment and produce your clothing in line with some broad objective. In our case we had the objective of coming ahead with Indian ladies kutis which won’t lose their colours so easily.

B) starting a hotel or delivery based food business. This business requires medium investment. However, there are quite too many factors that decide the success. You should have good offerings in menu at reasonable prices; you need to take care of hygiene at utmost level; the locality of restaurant should be good etc. 

C) starting a tour’s and travels business. This business needs medium level of investment along with experience. This sector is very competitive and full of risk.
Thus, we took different options and found that we didn’t like any of them. Thus we decided that for time being we won’t venture into any different business. We can keep up with investing in domestic equity, bonds, debuntures. 
What are the challenges underlying this option? 

A) its a sector riddled with risks. The share market is a risky place. It is dependent on quite a lot of factors like geopolitical issues, weather, different reports and all.

B) uncertainty of returns – no one can predict the returns of share market.

C) one wrong advice can ruin you. You need to study on your own.
In spite of all this. We decided to take investing as our long term business. Here’s what we thought about it.

1) we will not invest to get reach overnight. Instead our focus and target will be sustainable wealth creation. Shares market is a good place to accumulate wealth over long time.

2) we will not venture into small cap shares. These shares are high on returns and risk. We will avoid them. Instead we will trade in mid caps and large caps.

3) we will not be greedy. We are satisfied with 5 to 10% growth. 

4) we will not follow any advisory. The reason, no one knows the share market.

5) shares market isn’t gambling. So, we will not gamble on shares. Instead we will study each scrip carefully before making even the smallest purchase. 
We will follow these guiding principles every single time. 

We will keep you posted about our progress. 
Do share your views and opinions in comments. Waiting to hear from you.

Becoming a Better Person From Today #FatherForgets

It’s close to 6 a.m. I am awake from 5 a.m.. This is the new habit I am trying to inculcate in myself. It has been four days since I have began. I must say, I am pleased with my response to this new regime.

When we wake up earlier than rest of the world, there’s a greater chance that we will workout more than them. I found out that by waking up at 5 a.m., I am living 2 hours more than most people around. Happily enough, the morning hours are so cheerful. I can do a lot of things in couple of hours. I could become what I what. I could pursue my hobbies and interests and thus develop myself as a man. I could make myself stronger than yesterday.

The best way to make myself stronger than yesterday is through continuously improving my physical fitness, my ideas and my mental ability. I am taking up different tasks that take care of above mentioned areas. I am reading for half an hour so that I get the new knowledge. This knowledge will bring me in sync with the world. I am going for a morning walks, this helps me with physical fitness. I am writing the articles, as I am doing now. This gives me the stronger mental ability and improves my emotional quotient.

Today morning I read the short article titled, ‘Father Forgets’. It’s an immensely beautiful piece of literature. I happen learn the way to forgive and forget. I also learnt how to understand the feelings of your loved ones. And more importantly, I learnt the lesson in human relations. Now I can tell you, how you can improve your human relations too.

In Father Forgtes, the father resents and apologizes to his little boy for being harsh on him. He does this when he is asleep. The father recounts the episodes that happened throughout the day. He finds that he had been sullen with him for doing mistakes typical of little children. The father feels sorry for his own mistakes. He says that he expected so much out of his child. He agrees that he was wrong, because the child can’t behave like a man with dozens of years of experience. When the article concludes, father resolved to be a better person from next day.

This piece of art opened my eyes towards many mistakes I have recently committed. In my case these mistakes were against my wife. Now, don’t be hasty. Women never really grow-up. Theres always a kid in them.

I have been expecting quite a lot out of her these days. So much so that I have condemned and criticized and had been angry with her on several occasions. I called her lazy quite a number of times and hurt her morale. Here onwards, I am making it a point to be a loving and considerate husband. Now, I understand that she, actually is, a little girl inside her heart. I will let her live in her dreamy world. She will be happy this way. And I will be happier.

Life As I See It #HowLifeWorks?

I used to conceive life as a mysterious thing. As I grew up, I used to observe more and more. Here are some of the observations from my life:

• My parents raised the orphan child from our relatives. The good thing about this episode was, I was exactly the age of the boy whom we had gotten as a new family member. I was more than happy to have one more playmate. For my parents, it was another responsibility. The already had 3 kids. Raising a kid is no child’s play. It takes a lot of patience, time, resources and off course, money. I often observed that they did not treat him as they treated us. Ones I heard them speak, “these type of orphan kids are never loyal. I am sure one day when he grows up, he will not respect us at all. He will just forget that we raised him.”

What they spoke, came true. 20 years later that same kid, who has grown up now, said, “I felt like a prison in there.  I hated every moment of my childhood.”

What my parents used to discuss came true after 20 years. 

• Love marriages are considered taboo in my village. Whenever someone from the village did love marriage, my mother used to tell to us brothers , “you guys never do the love marriage. It’s scandalous. And if you guys did anything like that, I will hang myself.”. She repeated this lesson much often. 

Sad as it may seem. Two of us brothers have done the love marriage. What she feared came true.

• While I studied in engineering college, I had least of money in my bank account. However, I never cared. I lived like there was a lot of surplus money with me.

On more than a dozen occasions, my account was credited by my father even when I had not informed him to do so. I always had a lot to spend that way. What I liked to feel, happened in 99% of cases.

• while I was in the final year of engineering, I was not sure about what I would do after completion of college. Whenever someone asked me what I was going to do next, I would say ,”I am not sure about what I will do. But I am pretty sure that I will not write competitive exams for higher education and government jobs.”

Guess what happened. The first thing I did after completing my degree was to join a study centre for preparation of competitive exams. 

What I had often spoken about not doing, I did it.

• While I courted Bhagyashri, who is now my lovely wife, she often said, “when time comes I will leave you. We aren’t going to be married. So don’t you be broken hearted.”

You are right in your disposition, we did love marriage when the time came for her to leave me.

• I am a lofty liar. I lie about a lots of things. Sometimes I inform people about things of which I had no knowledge. Then surprisingly I come across the articles and videos are sent to me by unrelated friends on the same topics.

What I lie about so often I start believing. And what I believe in often comes true.

• last week while I was driving the two wheeler, I saw a dog on the roadside.  I thought to myself, “today I do not want a dog to chase me.” 1 minute later, I was chased by the dog across street and I survived it.

What I had dread about came true.

That’s how life works. In my simple understanding, we are like a Television sets. We have antennas to send and receive signals. Technically speaking, Antennas receive only those signals to which they are tuned. And can send the signals at which frequency  they are oscillating. 

Considering ourselves to be antennas, we give out the signals of what we are thinking and feeling. That’s the reason we receive the signals that are the responses to our thoughts and feelings.

• Had my parents thought only about giving love and raising the child properly, their actions would have been that of love And caring. Kids feel the emotions more strongly compared to elders. He felt there emotions and later came to despice them. They brought upon the situation by spreading what they expected from the kid. That’s how life works. We get what we ask for.
• Had my mother informed us about what she wanted rather than focusing on what she did not want, I have a strong reason to believe that she would have got what she asked for. She made us think about love marriages and we attracted it. Now she feels that we cheated on her. But truth is she attracted the consequences. That’s how life works. We get what we do not wish for but tell so very often.
• In my college days, had I managed on meagre expenses, I would have grown miser. My father would have thought that I would manage with whatever money I had. However, I used to spend a lot and he deposited money whenever he went to the bank. Life tends to keep us thinking what we like. If we think we are broke or we have surplus money, we are right either way.
• While I was in college, had I focused on what I wanted to do with life, I would have focused on it. I would have collected resources and gained knowledge of the things I wanted. However I focused on what I did not want. That was the only answer to my future plan. And I got what I thought I did not want. That’s how life works. We get what we speak about regardless of whether we want it or don’t. We should focus and speak and think and feel about WHAT WE WANT.
• Had my girlfriend often spoken that she will marry someone else, rather than saying she will not marry me. She would have done so. 
• While driving the bike had I thought about pleasant experiences, I woukd not have been so afraid when an angry dog showed up. That’s how life works. Negative feelings bring upon negative experiences and positive feelings bring about positive experiences. Thus it’s up to us what we want from life. Life tends to give away what we feel for. That’s why philosophers teach us to feel positive. 

How Difficult It Is To Change Ourselves? #ForLove

Today I have done something which I never thought I will ever do. Even i have surprised myself with this actions. For years, I have been advocating myself for being a rational person- an atheist. However, today, I have broken my own image. I have installed the Ganesha idol in my home as the celebration of Ganesh chaturthi.

What can be a more funny thing in this unprecedented act than my acceptance. When Bhagyashri called me to ask whether we should celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi, I happily agreed. I agreed as if I was waiting for her to raise the topic.

I find the roots of this sudden unprecedented action in my childhood. As I child, I enjoyed the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. I enjoyed the dancing, music and the aura of celebration. When I was in 4th or 5th std, I had asked my father whether we could install the Ganesha idol in our home. He had denied. The reasons were obvious, it was a waste of resources. However, that wish lingered in my mind for years. And today, when Bhagyashri asked me I happily consented and celebrated with her.

As another form of explanation, I can say that I did what I did today out of sheer love. I love her, and I am ready to do whatever makes and keeps her happy. Thus, I believe, I am serving love. I want to say myself and I want to believe that i am an atheist. I wish to stay atheist. But if that comes in the way of my love, I will not keep it as a barrier.

Now coming to what my mind is thinking now, I am feeling completely normal. For past half a dozen years, I had grown distant. I had come to despice loud music, loud celebrations and ultimately religious activities. However, a man with hate in his heart is less a man. Hate for anything creates a hollow vacuum in our heart. We start to become weaker and distant from ourselves. And honestly, when we realise that we need to change, we can’t. Because by that time we become a slave to our older ways of thinking. We imprison ourselves in the self created world of dillusion and sadness.

Today, I have learnt one thing for sure, atheist or no atheist. I want to stay happy. That’s all. I do not wish to stop myself from enjoying diffrent parts of my life Only because they are behind the barrier of my beliefs. 

I am fighting with myself to find a perfect balance. It’s the conflict of mind. The more time you take to take your side, the more trapped you feel. I need to make my choice and make it faster.

Do you have similar experiences? Do Share your experiences in the comments box. 

How to Manage Finances For Month #LearnFromWife

I have been working in the field of marketing for last 3 years. When I calculated the amount I have received from various sources I was amazed at the number. I have earned 10 to 11 Lakh Rupees of salary. I took the personal loan of 2 lakh from a bank. I earned as much as 50 thousand rupees from my investments. Inspire of all this, my savings are close to zero. I have not built any assets. Nor I have invested in any shares or bonds keeping the larger picture in mind.

To learn the art of managing finances, I shuffled through some books, some books came my way, I watched some videos. Finally I found a book I can relate to. 

The secret of managing our finances lies in one simple thing- the willingness to do so. Many of us are not simply aware that we need to start saving. RIGHT NOW. Some of us have got good jobs, some of us are born with silver spoon in their mouth while some of us believe in living for the day. But, neglecting the much needed need of savings can be disastrous in long term.

Just think about this, how have you prepared for medical emergencies; have to taken care of the education of your children; how have you taken care of your retirement funds. If the answer to any of the above questions is negative you should start building your savings right away.

The technique I am going to discuss is the simple one. And is equally effective. 

Buy three piggy banks. Lable them as “SPEND / DONATE”, “EMERGENCY FUNDS”  ,”SAVINGS / INVEST”. As soon as you receive your paycheck you need to segregate it. 

It is advisable to put 10% of amount in savings box. By savings box, I imply putting the money in savings account or buy shares, bonds. Invest the money. Dont let it lie idle. Remember the science of inflation, the money kept unused reduces in value over the period of time.

One should put close to 15 – 20% of the salary or earnings into Emergency funds. You can use this amount in the times of needs. This money can be used to meet with medical situations, education of the children etc. 

The remaining amount is for you. You can pay your rent, EMI ,buy things etc with it. But, no matter what happens let your savings grow. Do not use the emergence funds casually. 

I have started planning my expenses and savings right on my salary day. I separate the amounts of day one itself. Thankfully my wife is a pro in this art. I may take savings casually but she doesn’t. She takes pen and paper and plans out the foreseen expenses. While she does so, she keeps separate funds for movies and entertainment. It’s always good to seek counsel from your wife. That way she feels the responsibility equally. She gets the respect she deserves. By including her in planning your finances you give her a place of equality. That’s a must have thing for a healthy relationship. 

 I suggest you do the same. It’s the effective way of building a good future for you and your loved ones.

Do write back your views. I would like to learn how you manage your savings. 

Stray Dogs Bark A Lot #PurposeOfLife

The saying ‘Barking dogs seldom bite’ happens to be true. Because the only time when a dog got hold of me, he did not bite. But, ones I had that experience with me, I do fear barking dogs. I fear that barking dogs can also bite sometimes. We cannot predict the animal gone rogue.

I observe a dozen of stray dogs every morning while going to the jogging park. These dogs are always barking on my fellow #MorningWalkers. They fight a lot among themselves. Today, while I was returning from the walk, one of the dog frightened the hell out of me. He got too close that I feared he will bite. And he would surely have, had I not shouted at him. This incident sparked a chain of thought in me. I had seen similar situations happening with others, but that hadn’t set me thinking. I went on to compare stray dogs with that of the purpose less person. They both exhibit some similarities between them. Both of them seem to share the common mentality. 

Stray dogs are more active in early mornings and late nights. They just go rogue. But during day times they hide somewhere and lie lazily on the pavements. The purpose less person does the same. He doesn’t seem to utilize his life for anything good.

Stray dogs do but one thing in their life- barking. The purpose less person does the same. He spends most part of his life complaining about things. He complains about his luck. He complains about how he was cheated. He always has an excuse ready with him. He is just happy in whatever he has. Complaining doesn’t earn anything. And he has nothing but his purpose less days with him. 

Stray dogs die a dogs death. Why would anyone care about them. They did not give anything to the society for which people will be humble sad for their death. Purpose less person’s life ends in the similar way, one cares if they exist or not.

I solemnly believe not everyone will become rich, successful and strong. But, everyone can have a purpose in life. That’s a must have resource for life. Because if you don’t have a purpose chances are you will be considered and behaved like a stray dog. No one will think twice before pelting a stone at you. No one will care about your rights and emotions. No one will care if you are there or not.

There’s a chance that someone has lead a purpose less life. There’s a chance that he has shifted from one goal to other. There’s a chance that he has given up all hopes to rise. But, that’s the beauty of life. There’s always another day to start a fresh. There’s always another day to start from scratch. There’s always another day to #MakeYourMark.

Have a purpose. It can be a grand one or a small one. It’s your purpose. Your purpose doesn’t have to become a richest person on earth. It can be as simple as educating your children to make them successful. There can be so many small purposes your life can be about. I would go on to say, its good to have purpose which you die striving to achieve. But its no good at all to have no purpose in your life. #HaveAPurpose , #MakeYourMark.

I don’t mean to harm anyone’s feelings. But have used this sarcastic toning on #Purpose.

The Girl in Dustbin #LifeIsGood

I go for morning walk almost on daily basis. Morning walks have been an important part of my routine for years. I wake up with a confused mind. And then I decide to change how I feel. I wish to feel happier. I wish to feel different. In wish to go out and get a speed in my life. If I did not run, I will stop, I know that. And I should run if I can and not scrawl on my fours.

 Only sometimes I really get tired and avoid getting from the bed. The sweet morning sleep is certainly a bliss. It has started raining now. And now I find all the more reasons to not wake up in the morning. I really don’t like the clumsy surroundings. 

 I did not enjoy today’s walk so much. Though the atmosphere was pleasant. Greenery is slowly spreading her legs around. The roadsides that looked pale and sad a week ago has got greenish hue on it. As the monsoon will progress the atmosphere will become greener and happier. 

It is custom in Indian cities to throw the garbage on roadside. The municipal corporations do keep the large metallic dustbins on roadsides. But not many civilians like to take pains to walk to the dustbin. The fact that dustbins smell a lot add to this lazy behaviour. I have made it a routine to throw my garbage in right way. Every morning.

Today while coming back from walk, I noticed that a girl was inside the dustbin. She was a young girl might be in the age of 18 to 20. The girl of fair complexion. She was sorting the garbage from dustbin into biodegradable and not biodegradable. I looked at her and felt that she will look like a really beautiful girl if she cleans up and wears a nice dress. Only thing was, she was born into a family where she had to do this stuff. Not that it is bad.

Sometimes we get depressed with our lives. Sometimes life seems fo unfair and unjust to us. But, it really isn’t so. When I looked at that girl in dustbin sadly enough I felt good for myself. Sometimes someone’s loss is our gain. This time her loss of luck gave me an insight that I need to feel better for myself. We all should feel better for ourselves. Life is beautiful.