There are pivotal days in a country's history, tomorrow is one for India.
[1] Either we are going to do something sensible. Take a chance. And, set a new course.
[2] Or keep the status quo. And, give a clear reason: why nothing is going to change at least for the next 4 years.
#2 will be enough incentive for (at least people with money) to leave India for good.
Rest will pay the price--- overtime.
You are responsible for improving your lives, not your politicians. The sooner you get this point, the happier you will be.
1) Own a house in close proximity to a beach
2) Learn skills that helps you make money online
3) Move away from a high population density city to avoid traffic, pollution, stress, arguments
4) Switch off news channels permanently
5) Build 3X the wealth you need
6) Keep 1.5X of it outside India to give your kids options (the way politicians do)
7) Keep 1 arm distance from people who have nothing to talk except for cricket and politics
8) Get sunshine, travel, live in good weather locations around the year
9) Try to eat natural food & walk a lot -- like Japanese people
10) Be grateful, smile and give 0 fucks about people's opinions
20 years ago, if you scored 90%+ marks it meant something.
And, you felt like a champion.
But, now we have kids who score 97% marks, but don't get into top colleges.
Stock markets are no different from this example.
People keep quoting the last 20 year data on NIFTY 50. That the average CAGR is 12.5%
10 year ago, the value of 12.5% CAGR was different.
12.5% CAGR meant real wealth growth.
But, over the last 10 years: the world has added crazy money supply.
In India, we keep quoting inflation as 4-6%. But, this is nowhere close to the reality if you are someone with a disposable income, inflation for you easily be 2X this number.
Add to the fact that: the taxes were lower 10 years ago. So 12.5% looks like a great headline number: but adjust it for higher STT, LTCG, GST etc.
Summary: 12.5% today pre tax allows you to preserve your wealth (not grow it).
Natural question: okay, then should we stop investing in the markets? No. That way you won't even preserve your wealth.
So what's the answer: unfortunately-- to get the same "reward" as in the past, we need to take higher risks.
Rise in interest in gambling apps, P2P, FnO etc just highlights this reality.
Short videos will kill long videos.
Quick commerce will kill Slow commerce.
Memes will kill articles.
Chats will kill emails.
AI tools will kill outsourcing.
You don't live your life to do SIPs.
There is a rising trend that portrays doing SIP as some kind of magic.
Sorry to break it to you: it is not.
Consider this:-
- You are 30 years
- Doing regular SIPs
- With the intent to retire at 60
What if the LTCG on equities goes up from 12.5% (current) to 30% by the time you are 60?
(If you think this can't be done: do consider the fact that LTCG on equities was 0% in the past)
Calculate and tell me: how the retirement you are planning would change?
People are doing 2-2 hour podcasts on: WHY ONE SHOULD SIP. And, not addressing this simple point.
Natural question comes: okay, fine. Get it.
Now tell me what to do?
Your knowledge alpha creates better returns (not some overused investment strategy)
Be vigilant. Learn. Diversify.
And, don't consider easy fix as some golden remedy.
PS: Not criticising SIPs. Do it, if you like.
But, understand, why you still need a diversified plan for wealth protection.