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Building Generational Wealth: Trusts and Estate Planning

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  “Wealth is not just about money; it’s about legacy.” In India, discussions around wealth are often focused on accumulation—earning, saving, and investing. However, what is often overlooked is what happens to that wealth once we’re gone. Who manages it? Who benefits from it? Will it be preserved or squandered? These questions form the foundation of estate planning and building generational wealth. This chapter explores how Indian families can use trusts, wills, and succession planning to preserve and transfer wealth to future generations without unnecessary legal hurdles or emotional disputes. 1. Why Generational Wealth Matters Generational wealth is the financial legacy you leave for your children, grandchildren, and beyond. In the Indian context, generational wealth often includes: Family businesses Real estate Gold and jewellery Investments in mutual funds, FDs, PPF, EPF Life insurance Agricultural land and ancestral properties However, lack of proper est...
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My Relationship with Money & Wealth

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  Money. It’s one of those things we all think about but rarely talk about openly. Ever stop to wonder what your relationship  with money looks like? Is it healthy, toxic, complicated—or all of the above? For me, it wasn’t love at first sight. In fact, for most of my life, money was a source of stress, confusion, and even shame. But like any relationship, it evolved. And with time, patience, and a few wake-up calls, it turned into something far more empowering. Let’s unpack this journey. Childhood Experiences Shape Financial Mindsets Lessons We Learn From Our Parents Growing up, I watched my parents stretch every dollar. They were hard-working but constantly worried about bills. I internalized that money was scarce  and needed to be hoarded or feared. The Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized I was living in survival mode. I was afraid to spend yet spent impulsively out of rebellion. Switching from a scarcity mindset to an abundance one ...
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Location: Delhi, India
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"Biases Are Part of Investing – But You Can Outsmart Them"

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  Investing isn’t just about numbers and charts. It’s also a battle against your own brain. Hidden mental traps, called  cognitive biases , can trick even smart investors into making poor decisions. The good news? Once you spot these traps, you can learn to avoid them. What Are Cognitive Biases? Imagine your brain has two “modes” when making decisions: Emotional Mode : Driven by feelings like fear or greed. For example, panic-selling during a market crash or buying a trendy stock because everyone else is. Logical Mode : Relies on facts and analysis. But even here, your brain takes shortcuts, leading to errors like clinging to outdated beliefs or focusing only on information that confirms what you already think. These biases evolved to help ancient humans survive (like avoiding danger), but they backfire in investing. 6 Common Mental Traps in Investing Overconfidence Bias :  “I’m smarter than the market!” Example: A new investor thinks they can “time the market” a...
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Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India
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"Smart Money Habits: How Waiting Now Can Secure Your Future"

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 We often face choices between enjoying something today or saving for tomorrow. In India, where family responsibilities and rising costs are a reality, learning to delay small pleasures today can lead to a safer, wealthier future. This idea, called  delayed gratification , is about making smart choices now to build financial stability later. Why Delayed Gratification Matters Imagine you want to buy the latest smartphone on EMI, but you also need to save for your child’s education. Choosing to save instead of spending on the phone is delayed gratification. It’s not easy, but it helps avoid debt and creates opportunities. For example, skipping expensive weekend outings or trendy clothes today could mean having enough funds for a medical emergency, a home down payment, or retirement. Benefits for Indian Families Avoiding Debt Traps:  Many Indians rely on credit cards or loans for luxuries, leading to stress. Delaying purchases until you can afford them keeps yo...
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Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Unveiling the Secrets: What Your Spending Reveals About You

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  The Psychology of Spending At the heart of understanding what your spending reveals about you lies the fascinating realm of psychology. Our purchasing decisions are influenced by a myriad of factors, including our upbringing, social environment, emotions, and aspirations. For instance, someone who grew up in a frugal household may exhibit cautious spending tendencies, while others might seek fulfillment through material possessions as a means of validation or status. Values and Priorities One of the most telling aspects of what your spending reveals about you is your values and priorities. Take a moment to review your recent transactions. Do you often splurge on experiences such as travel, concerts, or fine dining? This might indicate that you prioritize creating memories and savoring life's pleasures over acquiring material possessions. Conversely, if your expenditures primarily revolve around acquiring the latest gadgets or fashion trends, it could suggest a focus on self-expr...
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Location: Delhi, India
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Indian Stock Market Outlook for 2024: Key Points

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1. Budget Impact: India’s 2024-25 Interim Budget has set the stage for targeted growth initiatives. Key highlights include: ·          - Capital Expenditure Boost: The budget allocated INR 11,11,111 crore for capital expenditure, signalling a focus on infrastructure development. ·          - Fiscal Deficit: Projected at 5.1% of GDP, indicating a balance between expenditure and revenue. ·          - Sectoral Initiatives: Emphasis on uplifting marginalized sections like farmers, women, and youth through targeted schemes. ·          - Taxation: No changes proposed in tax rates, ensuring continuity in fiscal policy. 2. Market Reaction: Following the budget announcement, the stock market experienced initial volatility. The BSE Sensex dropped 106.81 points, while the NSE Nifty fell 28.25 points, reflecting mixed sent...
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Location: India
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