Saver To Investor

My parents inculcated the habit of saving and investing in me. 

I started with saving and putting money received in piggy-bank. 

But, then, they said- "Money should not be left idle. It needs to be made to work for us."

Whether it was opening a bank account, PPF account or investing in the Stock Market and Mutual Funds, I have been an active participant and will continue to be. 

There have been ups and downs in the global environment. I have seen and learned lessons. 

Time is the greatest teacher.

Source: Pexels

How To Get Back Lent Money?

Have you ever borrowed or lent money? 

Those who have done so, would have realized how tough it is to retrieve.

How many borrowers actually follow you up to return the money they owe?

When the amount is "small or insignificant" meaning when the figure is within 1-3 digits then it is expected to be forgotten!

The expectation is not too different in the case of a four or five figure loan too!

The same thing applies for books.

I am yet to get back many of the books I have lent. This outcome is independent of the nature, size or cost of the book!

Borrowers have been reminded multiple times and yet they do not feel it necessary to even answer messages or calls.

Came across this interesting headline and news report published in today's edition of Economic Times (ET) -

Likely to miss monthly repayment? Don't worry, SBI will send you a chocolate

Which borrower wants a chocolate?

Will gifting a chocolate make borrowers return what they owe?

India's largest bank, the State Bank of India (SBI) certainly thinks so.

Source: ET

The Mad Woman's Money

Everyone in her neighbourhood was investing in the latest scheme.
Though Rahim Chacha* and Shanu Mama* did not see eye-to-eye, she saw them bonding over cups of tea and passionately discussing about the merits of the scheme.

The audience lapped up every word of the 'experts', who recommended such investment.
Everyone found it hard to stay away from the 'get-rich-quick' investment scheme.

For them, she was the- 'pagli' i.e. 'mad/silly woman'.
They called her so as she was the only one who had not invested even a rupee in the chit fund.
She regularly deposited all her money in her bank-account.
There were too many burdens on her and she wanted to be able to withdraw cash whenever she wanted.
For her, it was wise and safe to have money within her reach.

Welcome To Cafe Karma

Some time back, I borrowed money from my friend.
As I just needed a few extra rupees to spend...
Though I believe- "Never borrow & never lend,
If you want to keep a friend", yet I took from my friend.

Later, we moved to separate cities & were not in touch,
But, I did miss & remembered her many times as such.
My guilt of having borrowed, though amount wasn't much,
Nibbled my conscience; my repay-commitment was staunch.

Charity Or Empowerment?

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" 
- Chinese proverb, by Lao Tzu

Given a choice out of charity or empowerment, I choose empowerment for the same reasons as expressed by the above Chinese proverb.

But, then charity is also needed for empowerment.
Empowerment needs investment- resources like time & money. Charity can step in for this.

Charitable donations are a temporary solution, while empowerment is a long-term means for progress.

I Felt Rich!

I felt rich when I got to board an AC-Bus going my way-
Yesterday when I started for the local-market...
Also as I got a seat & didn't have to stand!
My purse made me feel rich when I had to buy a ticket.