Invest Wisely, Sleep Soundly

 

 

Aditi closed her shop shutters at 8:30 PM, as she did every evening. The small tailoring boutique she ran had been her pride for over a decade. Nestled in a bustling neighborhood of a mid-sized town, her store served generations of families—from school uniforms to bridal lehengas.

That evening, as she counted the day's earnings, her thoughts drifted to something her cousin had said over a video call: “Bhabhi, you should invest more real estate - that is the way to grow your wealth fast!”

Aditi smiled faintly. She had heard this before. But whenever she considered moving her money around, one question always came to her mind:

"Will this help me sleep peacefully at night?"

Over the years, Aditi had built her own way of handling money. She owned a small house (no home loan), the shop where she runs her boutique, held fixed deposits that provided her with stability, and had a modest collection of gold—partly for tradition, partly for security. She recently started a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in an equity mutual fund, cautiously but confidently.

But her calm confidence had been hard-earned.

In her late 30s, encouraged by friends, she invested in a piece of land on the outskirts of town, thinking it would double in value within a few years. It didn’t. Legal issues, delayed approvals, and a dishonest agent made it a stressful, expensive mistake. For nearly three years, she was tied up in paperwork and sleepless over uncertainty.

That experience taught her a lasting lesson: any investment that brings more worry than comfort isn't worth it—no matter how lucrative it sounds on paper.

Aditi’s story brings home a powerful truth about personal finance - understanding your risk tolerance is as important as understanding the product. For her, the security of fixed income, the predictability of gold, and the measured risk of mutual funds suited her temperament. She didn’t chase the highest returns. She chased peace of mind.

She had friends who made profits flipping property or trading stocks. And while she admired their success, she never felt the urge to follow. Her financial philosophy was simple : Spend wisely, Keep debt low, Save consistently, Invest in what you understand.

Each person, like Aditi, has their own comfort threshold. Some can handle volatility. Others prefer the calm of slow, steady growth. Neither approach is better—what matters is whether your choices let you rest easy at night.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

To sum up, “Will this help me sleep peacefully at night?" test is a powerful tool for making financial decisions that align with our values and priorities. By prioritizing peace of mind and emotional well-being, we can create a more fulfilling and sustainable financial future.

The content made available in this article is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, it should not be considered as a substitute for professional consultation. 

About the Author