Today , I would like to share the secret behind me writing these articles and sharing with all. There was a time when people would misinterpret my role . A few months back when anybody would call me for a discussion , I would ask “ What is top of your mind ,when you called me ?”
people had some specific questions in mind :
“What is the best return you can get me ? “
“ What products do you sell?’
“Ohh ,you don’t sell products , you only advice “?
( even after last 10 years history has evidences how people burnt fingers by investing without proper advice and by purchasing products without guidance)
It used to take a while to explain and put my point across that personal finance is not all about investments . Not anybody’s mistake , since the environment itself is like that these days .
I therefore decided to write and dissipate the knowledge I have as daily experiences . This relentless writing for past few months , brought in new experiences for me . Today I see people giving a serious thought to every decision they take . Even when they call me for a discussion , specially in the last 2 months , I see a sea change in the thought process . My question even today is the same :
“ What is top of your mind ,when you called me ?”
But the responses have changed .Would like to share a few .
1.“I am earning , I am spending and I am saving but I don’t know if the direction I have taken is right. Can you help me analyze it ?”
2. “Is my saving pattern sufficient to fulfill all my requirements and aspirations in future. What additional income should I create to fulfill all of them? “
3.”I have a surplus but I am not sure if I am deploying this in the right proportion across different saving instruments . Can you guide ?”
4. “Are my choices tax effective , what is the tax implication on each ?”
“I have understood Deepa , that these are questions can’t be answered by my insurance or investment advisor . It’s a financial planner who can take a holistic view of my financial life and guide me the way forward .So I have come to you . What is the best advice you can give me ?”
I am glad with this change in perspective that I have seen , and I thank all my readers for taking my messages in the right spirit.I have never written much in my life except essays in school and official correspondence at work, but its all your encouragement and queries ,that showed me the way forward to write more and more .
A big thankyou , and my best wishes for a great financial future . Lets take these right decisions , let’s think before we act , let’s act immediately and lay the foundation , to start with a great year 2014 ahead.
Good luck and have a great day !!
Thanks
Best regards
Deepa Nittala
Deepa Nittala 