Raj: Hey Vijay, I’m thinking of buying a life insurance policy with a limited premium payment option—pay for just 10 years and get coverage for 25 years. Seems like a win-win, right?

Vijay: It sounds good at first, Raj. But have you looked at the details? These limited premium plans often look attractive on paper, but there are some real downsides.

Raj: Really? Like what?

Vijay: First off, the annual premium is much higher because you’re paying for a long-term cover in a shorter period. It can become a heavy burden on your yearly budget.

Raj: Hmm. But at least I won’t have to worry about paying premiums after 10 years.

Vijay: True, but the returns you get from these traditional policies are very low—somewhere around 4 to 6% per annum. That’s barely beating inflation. You’re locking up a lot of money, and getting little in return.

Raj: I thought these plans give bonuses too?

Vijay: They do, but even with bonuses, the overall return doesn’t go much beyond 5–5.5%. Plus, the opportunity cost is huge. If you had invested the same amount elsewhere—like mutual funds or even PPF—you’d likely end up with a much larger corpus.

Raj: But at least my money is safe, right?

Vijay: That’s a common perception. But what if you need to exit early due to an emergency? The surrender value in the first few years is very low, and you could lose a significant chunk of your money.

Raj: Okay… that doesn’t sound great. So how do insurance companies benefit from this?

Vijay: Good question. They collect your premiums upfront, invest them in long-term instruments like government bonds earning 7–9%, and return only a small part to you. Plus, many policies lapse or are surrendered early—so they make money even if you don’t complete the term.

Raj: Wow, that’s stacked in their favor.

Vijay: Exactly. Let me give you a real example. A 35-year-old man buys a traditional limited premium policy with a Rs. 10 lakh life cover. He pays about Rs. 68,000 per year for 16 years, which is Rs. 10.96 lakh in total.

Raj: Okay.

Vijay: At maturity after 25 years, the insurer projects he’ll get around Rs. 24.5 lakh, assuming the best-case bonus rate. That’s an annual return of just around 5.3%. If bonuses are lower, he may get only Rs. 18.5 lakh—an IRR of just 3.4%.

Raj: That’s less than what a decent FD gives!

Vijay: Exactly! And if he were to pass away in the 10th year, the nominee would receive Rs. 10 lakh plus accrued bonuses—maybe around Rs. 13 lakh total. But by then, he’d have already paid about Rs. 6.8 lakh in premiums.

Raj: Hmm. So what would you suggest instead?

Vijay: Simple. Buy a term insurance plan for Rs. 1 crore. It’ll cost you around Rs. 8,000 per year. Then invest the remaining Rs. 60,000 every year in mutual funds. Over 16 years, that investment could grow to Rs. 41 lakh or more at 10% CAGR by the time 25 years are up.

Raj: That’s a huge difference. And I get 10 times the life cover too!

Vijay: Exactly. That’s the power of separating insurance and investment. Insurance is meant for protection. Investment is meant for growth. Combining both usually benefits the insurer, not you.

Raj: Thanks, Vijay. You just saved me from making a costly mistake.

Vijay: Anytime, Raj. Just remember: If it sounds too convenient, it’s probably more convenient for the insurer than for you.

This blog talks about how your “psychology” can play a major role with the way you make your investment decisions. This can even lead you to make wrong choices impacting your returns.

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Riya:Sujit, I’ve been investing for a few years now, but honestly, sometimes I feel like my emotions mess things up. Is that normal?

Sujit:Completely normal, Riya! In fact, most investors struggle with psychological biases. Our brains are wired in ways that can sabotage our investment decisions.

Riya:Really? Like how?

Sujit:Let’s start with Loss Aversion. Imagine you find ₹500 on the road—feels great, right?

Riya:Absolutely! Instant joy.

Sujit:Now imagine you lose ₹500 from your wallet. That hurts more, doesn’t it?

Riya:Way more!

Sujit:Exactly. We fear losses more than we enjoy equivalent gains. So when markets dip, many investors panic-sell—even if it’s temporary. That’s loss aversion.

Riya:Oh! I think I did that in 2020 during the market crash.

Sujit:You’re not alone. Now, here’s Recency Bias. Let’s say you ordered food from a new place last night and it was bad. You might avoid that place forever—even if it’s usually great.

Riya:Haha, yes! I totally hold grudges like that with restaurants.

Sujit:Investors do the same with stocks. If the market just crashed, they assume it’ll keep falling. If it recently surged, they think it’ll never fall. Both are dangerous assumptions.

Riya:That explains why people buy high and sell low!

Sujit:Right. Then there’s Overconfidence. Ever played fantasy cricket?

Riya:Of course!

Sujit:When you win once, do you feel like you’ve cracked the code?

Riya:Totally. I start thinking I’m the next expert selector.

Sujit:That’s overconfidence. In investing, people think they can time the market or pick the best stocks consistently. But it rarely works long-term.

Riya:Guilty as charged…

Sujit:Next up: Herd Mentality. Remember when everyone was buying fidget spinners or that dalgona coffee craze?

Riya:Yes! I joined in just because it was everywhere.

Sujit:That’s what happens with IPOs or trending stocks. People buy because everyone else is buying—not because it makes financial sense.

Riya:Hmm… I bought into an NFO recently just because everyone in my WhatsApp group was investing.

Sujit:There you go! Then there’s Anchoring. Say you saw a dress priced at ₹5,000, then later it’s ₹3,500. You feel it’s a good deal, right?

Riya:Yes, because my mind is stuck on the original ₹5,000 price.

Sujit:Exactly. Investors do the same. They anchor to a stock’s previous high and keep holding it hoping it’ll bounce back, even when fundamentals have changed.

Riya:Oh, that’s why I kept holding that penny stock I bought in 2021. I wanted to “at least recover my cost.”

Sujit:That’s Disposition Effect too—selling winners too early to feel good and holding losers too long hoping they bounce back.

Riya:I do that too! Selling after a small gain and then regretting it when it keeps going up.

Sujit:You’re not alone, Riya. Then there’s Confirmation Bias—you know when you Google “Why is XYZ stock great” instead of looking at both pros and cons?

Riya:Haha yes! I do that all the time. I only read articles that support my views.

Sujit:That can be dangerous. We tend to ignore red flags. Lastly, there’s the Endowment Effect. Ever tried selling old clothes online?

Riya:Yes, and I always feel they deserve a higher price than buyers are willing to pay.

Sujit:Same with investments. We overvalue stocks just because we own them.

Riya:Wow, I didn’t realize how much psychology played a role!

Sujit:That’s why I always tell clients:

• Stick to a long-term plan
• Diversify your portfolio
• Review it regularly, and
• Don’t let emotions drive decisions

Riya:That makes so much sense. I’m glad we had this chat.

Sujit:Always happy to help. Remember, the market is not just about numbers—it’s also a mirror reflecting human behavior.

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Naveen: Hey Ramesh, I just realized my car insurance expired last week. I’ve been juggling office deadlines and totally forgot!

Ramesh: Oh ho, Naveen! That’s like forgetting your anniversary—harmless at first, but can explode anytime! And trust me, if your car gets even a scratch now, you’ll be footing the whole bill.

Naveen: Haha, fair point! But I haven’t taken the car out. Can I still renew it online?

Ramesh: Yes it’s quite possible insurance companies usually offer a grace period for car insurance renewal, though it’s not mandated by the IRDAI. The grace period typically ranges from 30 to 90 days, but the exact duration is determined by the individual insurer. It’s like the grace period after missing a train—you can still catch the next one.

Naveen: Phew! What about my No Claim Bonus? I was banking on that 20% discount!

Ramesh: Ah, the NCB is like a loyalty reward card at your favorite tea point —valid only if you keep visiting. You have 90 days from the expiry date. After that, poof! The discount’s gone.

Naveen: Duly noted! Also, I might sell my car next month. Should I just leave the insurance as is for the buyer?

Ramesh: Big no-no! Selling a car without transferring the insurance is like handing over your house keys but keeping the nameplate. For the first 14 days, only third-party cover continues. The buyer won’t be covered for own damage unless they get it transferred.

Naveen: Interesting! So my NCB goes with me, right?

Ramesh: Exactly! Think of it like frequent flyer miles. You earned them, not the car! You can use it for your next car’s policy, but the new owner can’t.

Naveen: Makes sense. When I renew, should I go with the same insurer or explore others?

Ramesh: Depends. If your current insurer treats you well—good claim support, decent premium—stick with them. If not, it’s like a bad gym membership. Dump it! Other insurers may offer better rates, even loyalty or switcher discounts.

Naveen: Hmm… anything else I should watch out for?

Ramesh: Definitely. Don’t blindly accept the Insured Declared Value (IDV) they give—check if it reflects your car’s actual worth. And consider add-ons like zero depreciation or engine protection. Think of them like seatbelts—you don’t need them until you do.

Naveen: Engine protection? Really?

Ramesh: Absolutely! Monsoon in India is like a wildcard IPL match—anything can happen. One flooded street, and your engine’s gone. The add-on saves you from a massive bill.

Naveen: This is gold, Ramesh! I never thought insurance could be this interesting.

Ramesh: Bro, insurance is like a helmet. You won’t feel the need… until you crash. Always better to be 5 minutes early than 5 lakhs sorry!

Naveen: Haha, true that! Let’s renew this thing ASAP.

Ramesh: Done. Sending you options now. And this time, let’s set a reminder on your mobile phone, like you do for cricket matches!

Riya: Hi Amit! I just bought my first car and I’m super excited… but a bit confused about which car insurance to pick. Everyone says different things.

Amit: Congrats, Riya! And don’t worry — I’ll simplify it for you. First, do you know the two types of insurance?

Riya: Umm… third-party and comprehensive?

Amit: Spot on!

• Third-party is mandatory — it covers damages you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property.
• But Comprehensive insurance covers both third-party damage and your own car’s damage — due to accidents, fire, theft, floods, etc.

Riya: Got it. So comprehensive is like full coverage?

Amit: Exactly. Think of it like this — if someone hits your car, or a tree falls on it during a storm, third-party won’t help. Only comprehensive will.

Riya: Makes sense. But I saw different premiums based on something called IDV?

Amit: Good observation. IDV stands for Insured Declared Value — it’s the current market value of your car. That’s the amount you’d get if the car is stolen or totally damaged.

Riya: So higher IDV = higher premium?

Amit: Yes, but also better compensation. Don’t reduce the IDV just to save premium — it’ll hurt during a claim.

Riya: Okay. Now what are these add-ons people talk about?

Amit: Add-ons are like toppings on your pizza — optional, but useful.

Here are some:

• Zero Depreciation: You get full claim without any deduction for parts’ depreciation. Perfect for new or premium cars.
• Engine Protection: Great if you live in flood-prone areas like Mumbai.
• Return to Invoice: If your car is stolen, this add-on gives you the full invoice value of the car — not just market value.
• NCB Protector: If you’ve never made a claim, you get a No Claim Bonus. This add-on lets you keep that bonus even if you make one claim.

Riya: Ohh! That’s actually helpful. I didn’t know the difference. What about deductibles?

Amit: Good question.
There are two types:

• Compulsory deductible: Set by the regulator — you must pay it during any claim.
• Voluntary deductible: You choose to pay more from your side, so your premium goes down.

For example, if your bill is ₹10,000 and you chose a ₹2,000 voluntary deductible, you pay that, and the insurer pays ₹8,000.

Riya: Hmm, I’ll keep that in mind. Anything else?

Amit: Yes! A few important things:

• Check claim settlement ratio – A company that settles 95% of claims is more reliable than one at 70%.
• Cashless garages – Make sure they have garages near your area.
• Know the exclusions – Accidents due to drunk driving or without a valid license aren’t covered.
• Discounts – You can get discounts for installing anti-theft devices or being a member of automobile clubs.

Riya: Wow Amit, you made that so easy! I was expecting insurance to be all boring fine print.

Amit: Haha, it can be. But with the right guidance, it becomes manageable. And hey, pick smart now, and you’ll be thanking yourself later during a claim.

Riya: I’m definitely going with comprehensive insurance now — and maybe a few add-ons. Thanks again!

Amit: Anytime, Riya. And congrats again on your new ride. Drive safe!

Rimmi: Gyan, guess what? I finally bought my dream mobile phone — on Zero Cost EMI! !

Rimmi:No interest, no extra charges. Feels like a total win.

Gyan: Ah, the sweet illusion of “free.” You’re not wrong, but also… not entirely right.No interest, no extra charges. Feels like a total win

Rimmi: Wait, what do you mean? I’m paying ₹10,000 a month for 6 months. That’s the exact price — ₹60,000. Zero cost, right?

Gyan: To you, yes. But behind the scenes, it’s like a magic trick. The interest still exists — it’s just being paid by someone else.

Rimmi: So… who’s footing the bill? The mobile company?

Gyan: Could be a mobile company. Could be the store. Whoever is desperate to make the sale. Think of it this way: –  If the bank normally charges 15% annual interest, that would’ve been around ₹2,500 extra for your iPhone over 6 months.  But the merchant quietly pays that to the bank for you — so the EMI feels “free.” or in other ways your cost is somehow inflated to an extent that covers up for the free interest part !

Rimmi: Ohhh. Like a hidden sponsor in the background. Kind of like my dad when I first got my OTT subscription.

Gyan:  Exactly! You enjoy the show; someone else handles the bill.

Rimmi: But why would the bank go for this? What’s in it for them if I’m not paying interest?

Gyan: Good question. Let me break it down:
Interest subsidy from the merchant – in your case, ₹2,500.

Interchange fee – the bank earns 1.5–2.5% from the store, say ₹1,200

You’re now locked in with that card for 6 months. Loyalty = future business.

Rimmi: Wow, they really planned this out. It’s like everyone’s making money off my excitement!

Gyan: True. And here’s the kicker — if you miss even one EMI payment? Boom. Late fees. Interest. Your “Zero Cost” EMI becomes “Mega Cost” EMI.

Rimmi: Okay okay, lesson learned! No late payments.

Gyan: And it’s not just phones. This happens with TVs, refrigerators, even fancy mattresses.
Rimmi:  Mattresses?! So I could be paying for sleep… on EMI?

Gyan: Yup. Imagine paying ₹2,000 a month for 12 months — for a bed. That’s ₹24,000. But the bank gets a hidden ₹3,000 from the brand, and you sleep happy thinking you won the deal.

Rimmi: This is blowing my mind. So in a way, I’m part of a giant retail-finance conspiracy!

Gyan: Haha, not a conspiracy — just capitalism wrapped in a bow. But to be fair, if you’re financially disciplined, Zero Cost EMI can genuinely help spread out big purchases without strain.

Rimmi: As long as I don’t miss a payment or get carried away.

Gyan: Exactly. Use it smartly — like fire: great for cooking, dangerous if you don’t respect it.

Rimmi:  Alright then, next stop: a new fridge on Zero Cost EMI — responsibly, of course. 😉

Dheeraj (worried): Raj, I think I messed up. I didn’t pay my full credit card bill last month. Just paid the minimum due. Now my new bill looks inflated, and I have no clue what’s happening!

Raj (calmly): Relax, Dheeraj. You’re not alone. Tell me, how much was your total due?

Dheeraj: It was ₹10,000. I paid ₹500—the minimum due. I thought I was safe.

Raj: Ah, that’s where the trap is. Let me explain. That ₹500 kept you safe from late payment fees, but it didn’t save you from interest.

Now you still owe ₹9,500, right?

Let’s say your card charges 3% monthly interest. That’s ₹285 in just one month (3% of ₹9,500). And that’s just interest—no principal paid.

Dheeraj (wide-eyed): ₹285 on top of the ₹9,500? Already?

Raj: Yes. And if you made any new purchases, say ₹2,000, they’ll start attracting interest from day one, because you’ve lost your interest-free period.

So now, your total dues next month will look like:

₹9,500 (old balance)

₹285 (interest)

₹2,000 (new spending)

₹60 (interest on new spending at 3% for 1 month)
= ₹11,845 total due next month!

And if you again pay just the minimum, say ₹600 this time, the rest keeps snowballing.

Dheeraj: Oh man. This is like a debt trap!

Raj: Exactly. That’s how credit card companies make money. The minimum due is just enough to keep you from defaulting, but not enough to get out of debt.

Dheeraj: So what should I do now?

Raj: Three things:

1. Stop using the card until it’s paid off.
2. Pay the full outstanding, even if it takes two or three installments—just pay more than the minimum.
3. If you’re struggling, check if your card offers EMI conversion or a balance transfer to another card with lower interest.

And most importantly, going forward—always aim to pay the full due every month. That way, you get up to 45 days of interest-free credit.

Dheeraj: Got it. This ₹285 lesson is one I won’t forget.

Raj (grinning): Good. Credit cards are like fire—great when used wisely, dangerous when mishandled

[Scene: A coffee shop. Shyam looks anxious, sipping his coffee. Reny notices.]

Reny:Shyam, you look tense. Everything okay?

Shyam: Ugh, not really. The markets have been falling for the past few weeks, and my portfolio is bleeding. I’m wondering if I should just pull my money out before it gets worse.

Reny (smiling calmly):
Ah, the classic investor panic moment. Let’s talk this through. When markets fall, it’s not your portfolio you should look at first — it’s yourself.

Shyam (confused):Myself? But I’m not the one making the markets fall!

Reny:True. But your reaction to the fall makes all the difference in your long-term success.
Let me explain with some examples.

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1. Market corrections are natural

Reny:Think of the market like the seasons. You don’t pack away all your clothes in winter and swear never to come out again, right?
You prepare for it — maybe buy a jacket.
Similarly, market dips are just part of the financial seasons. They come and go.

Shyam:So you’re saying this is normal?

Reny:Exactly. Short-term pain is part of long-term growth.

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2. Avoid selling in a panic

Shyam:But shouldn’t I sell before I lose more?

Reny:Only if you want to lock in losses permanently. Imagine you own a flat worth ₹1 crore. Someone knocks on your door and offers ₹80 lakhs during a downturn.
Would you sell?

Shyam:Of course not!

Reny:That’s what panic selling is — selling at a temporary low just because someone else thinks it’s worth less today. Not a smart choice.

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3. Focus on your long-term goals

Shyam:But it’s hard to ignore the red numbers every day.

Reny:True. But remember why you invested — in a house? Kids’ education? Retirement?
You don’t give up on your 10-year fitness goal just because you had a cheat meal, right?

Shyam (smiling):Guilty as charged.

Reny:So don’t let short-term noise derail your long-term plans.

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4. Embrace simplicity

Reny:You don’t need fancy investment strategies right now.
Just like you don’t need ten different apps to track your steps. A basic pedometer works, right?

Shyam:Yes, the more complex things get, the more I overthink.

Reny:Exactly. Stick to the basics — diversify, invest regularly, and keep costs low.

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5. Use downturns and market fall as more of an opportunity

Shyam:Opportunities? In this mess?

Reny:Absolutely. Think of it like an end-of-season sale. Quality stuff at lower prices.
The best investors buy more when prices drop — not run away.

Shyam:So I should be investing more now?

Reny:If your financial foundation is strong — yes, gradually. Not all at once.

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6. Diversify your portfolio

Reny:You wouldn’t eat only chips all day, right? You mix fruits, veggies, grains…

Shyam:Now that you say it — yes.

Reny:Same with investments. A mix of equity, debt, gold, maybe international funds — reduces risk. When one goes down, others may hold you up.

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7. Stick to a plan

Shyam:But it’s tempting to change things when everything’s falling…

Reny:I get it. But think of a GPS. When you hit traffic, do you throw away your destination?

Shyam:No, I wait it out or take another route.

Reny:Exactly. Don’t abandon your financial plan just because of a market jam. The journey is still worth it.

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Shyam (sighing with relief):Reny, this was so helpful. I walked in thinking of selling everything. I’m walking out thinking of planting more.

Reny (smiling):That’s the spirit. Be the calm gardener, not the nervous weather reporter.

Shyam:Thanks again. I think I need this conversation saved and replayed every time the market dips!

Reny (raising her coffee):To calm minds and to the  long-term wealth creation.

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Riya: Shyam, I don’t get it. I was conversing with one of my colleagues when she showed her mutual fund statement to prove a point. Her fund made a staggering annualized 17% return while my returns from the same fund just yielded 9.2%. How is that even possible?

Shyam (smiling): Ah, great question, Riya! It’s actually very common. It’s not the fund’s fault — it’s usually because of how people behave while investing.

Riya: Behavior? What do you mean?

Shyam: Let me explain with a real story. You’ve heard of the Great Peter Lynch, right? He managed the Fidelity Magellan Fund back in the day.

Riya: Yeah, I’ve heard his name. Big investing guy?

Shyam: Exactly! Under Lynch, the Magellan Fund gave an average return of around 29% a year — truly amazing. But guess what? The average investor in that fund made only about 7%–8% per year.

Riya (surprised): Wait, what?! That’s such a big gap!

Shyam: Yes! And it happened because people behaved emotionally.
They would jump into the fund after it had a great year — when prices were already high.
Then, when the markets dipped, they got scared and pulled their money out — locking in losses.

Riya: Ohh… So basically, they were buying high and selling low?

Shyam: Exactly! Instead of staying invested, they kept reacting to short-term ups and downs.
Peter Lynch himself used to say, “The key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.”

Riya (nodding):Makes sense. So even if a fund is performing well, if I mess up my timing, my returns will suffer?

Shyam: Spot on, Riya.
It’s not just about which fund you invest in. It’s about how you behave while investing.
Consistency and patience are way more powerful than chasing returns.

Riya:Wow. That’s a real eye-opener. So what’s the trick to staying calm and not panicking?

Shyam (smiling): I’ll teach you a simple mindset trick. Want to hear it?

Riya:Of course! Tell me the trick, Shyam.

Shyam (leaning in, smiling): Alright, here it is.
Invest with the mindset that you’re planting a tree, not flipping a coin.

Riya (curious): Planting a tree? How does that help?

Shyam: Think about it.
When you plant a tree, you don’t dig it up every month to check if it’s growing faster, right?
You water it regularly, give it sunlight, and trust the process.

Similarly, when you invest, you should stay patient, keep adding bit by bit — like watering your investment — and give it time to grow.

Riya (smiling): That’s such a lovely way to think about it.

Shyam: Exactly.
If you focus on the long term and ignore the short-term noise, you automatically avoid the mistakes that cause poor investor returns — like panic selling or chasing trends.

Riya: So basically, behave like a calm gardener, not an anxious trader?

Shyam (laughing): Perfectly said!
Think about other things in life too —

• You don’t abandon your studies just because one exam went bad.
• You don’t uproot a mango sapling just because it didn’t give fruit in the first season!

Riya (laughing): True! If I had judged my cooking skills by my first few disasters in the kitchen, I would’ve given up on cooking altogether!

Shyam (smiling): Exactly! Good things — investments, skills, health, relationships — all grow with patience, consistent effort, and time. It’s the same magic formula everywhere.

Riya (nodding thoughtfully): Thanks, Shyam. I think I just became a tree planter today! 🌳

Shyam (raising his coffee cup): Cheers to that! Here’s to patience, prosperity, and mango trees bearing sweet fruits! 🍋

Riya, a curious investor, and George, a calm and intelligent investor and an Analyst discuss the recent equity market scenario.

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Riya: George, have you seen the news? Markets are crashing again because of some trade war! Should I be selling my investments? I’m really nervous.

George: Ah yes, another day, another headline. Okay, let me ask you this—if your favorite clothing store runs a 30% discount, do you stop shopping there or do you consider picking up a good deal?

Riya: I mean… if I like the stuff and it’s cheaper, I’d probably buy.

George: Exactly. The stock market’s no different. When prices dip, it’s not always a disaster—it can be a discount. But panic makes us forget that.

Riya: But it feels scary. Every time I open a news app, it’s like the world is ending!

George: That’s what headlines are designed to do—grab attention. It’s like when a weather app shows “Thunderstorm Alert” but you just get a light drizzle. Doesn’t mean you cancel your whole trip, right?

Riya: True… I usually carry an umbrella and go on with my day.

George: Same with investing. Volatility is the drizzle. You don’t shut everything down—you just stick to your plan and keep going.

Riya: Okay, but my neighbor just sold off half his mutual funds and other investments. Says he’ll “re-enter when things settle.”

George: That’s like trying to jump on a moving train. Timing your exit and re-entry is extremely tough—even for professionals. You end up stressed, and often worse off.

Riya: But isn’t doing nothing kind of… lazy?

George: Not at all. It’s like planting a mango tree. You don’t dig it up every month to check if it’s growing, right? You water it, give it sunlight, and wait. Investing is the same. Staying invested is the hard part—not reacting.

Riya: Hmm… and what about my SIPs? Should I continue?

George: Absolutely. Think of SIPs like your gym routine. Skipping workouts when progress is slow won’t help. Staying consistent builds results. Right now, your SIP is buying more units at lower prices—that’s good for your future self.

Riya: And the extra cash I’ve been saving?

George: Deploy it gradually. Like how you don’t pour all the batter at once into a pan—you make pancakes one at a time, patiently.

Riya (laughs): Okay, now you’re making me hungry and financially wiser!

George: Good. Because investing, like cooking, needs timing, patience, and trust in the process. And when the news starts screaming again, remember—it’s just the smoke, not the fire.The hardest thing in investing isn’t picking the right fund—it’s doing nothing when everything screams at you to do something. It takes patience, discipline, and a bit of faith.

The hardest thing in investing isn’t picking the right investment—it’s doing nothing when everything screams at you to do something. It takes patience, discipline, and a bit of faith.

Riya: Wow, George. You always manage to calm me down. You should really start your own podcast!

George (laughs): Maybe I will like —”The Zen of Doing Nothing.” Episode 1: Ignore the Noise, Stay the Course. Ha…ha…