BE YOUR OWN FINANCIAL ADVISOR: FINANCIAL PLANNING, INVESTMENT OPTIONS, RISK MANAGEMENT, TAX MANAGEMENT, SUCCESSION PLANNING

Investing without sufficient knowledge is speculative investing which can be disastrous. You need to take care of your own money.

Investment does not start and end with buying a financial product. Investment is a journey. It is a complete process:

1. That begins with learning investing basics,

2. Developing a planned investment strategy,

3. Knowing and choosing the right investment products,

4. Creating a protection ring around self, family and all assets,

5. Understanding implications of tax,

6. And, finally ensuring that the estate is passed on safely to desired beneficiaries.

The book covers all these aspects and more, and is, therefore, as much relevant to a beginner as to a person who is a seasoned investor.

The book aims to make you an informed investor.

Unlike many other books, there are no promises of making you rich overnight, but only to help you invest with knowledge and caution in a systematic way so that your investments grow in conformance with your desired goals.

Although all types of investing have been discussed, there is a serious attempt to caution and refrain the simple investor from investing into products that he does not understand.

Financial literacy helps in discussing your investment plans with advisors without the fear of being manipulated or exploited.

The world is changing fast. Covid-19 has impacted businesses and nations. There will be several serious disruptions. As investors we need to be vigilant and careful.

The investment options contained in the book are relevant to Indian investors. However, the book is relevant to overseas readers too as principles of investment are universal.

The important things you could do on your own after reading this book:

1. Create your own personal financial plan.

2. Choose investment products appropriate to your risk appetite and skill.

3. If need be, choose a good financial advisor.

4. Create a protective ring around you, your family and your assets.

5. Manage your taxes.

6. Create Wills for yourself and your family.

7. Create a good succession plan.

8. Know how to read and interpret a company's financial statement.

9. Know how to track your investments, and flagging actions to be taken.

10. Know how to plan an efficient documentation system.

Wishing you happy and safe investing!