Start with the Right Mindset
Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, emphasizes that investing should begin by mastering core principles—not jumping straight into specific products like stocks, fixed deposits (FDs) or mutual funds (MFs). As she aptly puts it, it’s like “trying to swim without knowing how to breathe or float.” 1
1. Understand Saving vs. Investing
Gupta highlights the need to draw a clear line between saving (parking money with minimal risk) and investing (generating longer‑term returns). She warns that debt, if unmanaged, can derail financial goals. Cultivating healthy money habits—budgeting, emergency savings, and disciplined allocations—forms the essential foundation of a sound financial plan. 2
2. Master the Basics of Risk & Return
Every asset class tells a tale of risk and reward. Gupta advises understanding how much risk you’re taking and calibrating it to your goals and timeline. Whether you’re eyeing the stock market or a low-risk FD, matching risk with expectations ensures smarter investment decisions. 3
3. Separate Protection from Investment
Protection (e.g., insurance) and investment serve different purposes. Gupta stresses they should not be mixed—combining them often leads to diluted returns and unnecessary costs. Both are necessary, but clarity in purpose is key. 4
Personalize Your Portfolio: “Suno Sabki, Portfolio Apni”
Gupta urges investors to listen to advice—but make decisions that reflect their own goals, risk appetite, and timelines. Whether it’s equities, small‑caps, crypto, or fixed income, your portfolio should reflect ‘you’, not your social circle’s choices. 5
Investment Wisdom from “Mango Millionaire”
These investing fundamentals are core to Gupta’s upcoming book, Mango Millionaire!, co‑authored with Niranjan Avasthi. The book places foundational investor education at its heart, before diving into product recommendations. 6
Why This Matters for Quiz & Trivia Fans
- Remembering these 3 basics—saving vs investing, risk/return, protection—can make for smart quiz questions.
- The phrase “Suno sabki, portfolio apni” is a catchy tagline reflecting personalized finance strategy.
- Mango Millionaire! joins a growing list of finance books by fund managers aimed at demystifying markets.
Final Takeaway
Before you decide between stocks, FDs or mutual funds, ensure you’ve built financial foundations first. Understanding core principles, personalizing your strategy, and keeping protection separate will ultimately lead to smarter, long‑term investing.
Source: The Economic Times