The Zoom Call That Changed How They Saw Money
A week after the first meeting at S&Co, Arjun messaged
Srini.
“Sir, I spoke to my friends. They’re also
interested in learning about money. We were thinking… if you’re okay, could we
have a short Zoom call?”
Srini agreed. The following evening, four young faces appeared
on his laptop screen, Arjun, two of his college classmates, and Asha, a
software trainee.
Srini: “Good evening, everyone. So tell
me, what brings you here today?”
Asha (smiling nervously): “Sir,
nobody teaches us about money. We want to avoid mistakes early.”
Srini: “That’s a great reason to be
here. So let’s start. What’s your biggest financial doubt right now?”
One of the boys jumped in.
Rohit: “Sir, everyone’s talking about
the share market, my colleagues say it’s easy money. Should we just start
trading?”
Srini smiled patiently.
Srini: “Let me clarify something
important. The stock market is not a casino. It is a tool to grow wealth, but you
need knowledge, patience and discipline. Long-term investing builds wealth,
while impulsive trading often destroys it.”
Asha nodded seriously.
Asha: “So how should we start?”
Srini: “First, invest only after
building the basics: emergency fund, insurance and monthly budget. Once that is
in place, start simple - index funds or mutual funds through SIPs. The aim is
steady growth, not thrill.”
Arjun added:
Arjun: “Sir, what about learning before
investing?”
Srini: “Absolutely. If you’re serious
about direct stocks, take time to understand businesses, not tips, not rumours.
Invest in companies you’d confidently hold for 5–10 years. Wealth comes from
patience, not excitement.”
There was a pause, then the last friend, Vikram, asked:
Vikram: “Sir, what if we make mistakes?
Everyone says the 20s are about risk-taking.”
Srini: “Take risks, but educated
risks. Financial mistakes at 20 can be costly at 40. If you experiment, do
it with small amounts, your learning budget. Keep major money in stable,
structured investments.”
The group listened more attentively than in a classroom.
Srini: “And remember, comparison kills
financial progress. Someone buying a bike, someone going on trips, someone
showing returns from crypto, that doesn’t mean you have to copy. Your journey
is yours. Don’t chase trends, follow goals.”
Asha leaned forward.
Asha: “So the formula is balance?”
Srini: “Exactly. Enjoy life, build
skills, invest consistently, and protect yourself from avoidable mistakes. If
you start now, financial freedom is not a dream, it’s simply the result of good
habits repeated over time.”
The call ended with smiles and clarity, not hype, and four
youngsters felt they had finally begun their financial journey with direction.
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