How to invest in the stock market as a beginner

    

    The recession induced by the ongoing health crisis brought about many changes to the world as we know it. But many business-minded youth and adults took this as an opportunity to invest. Guess what? So did I. 

But unlike many of them.... I read up on articles, research papers and books in order to find out how exactly to do it well. After all, I'm a young economist...We like to make calculated decisions. 

A land of risk and rewards is the way I see investment. I agree... I too am still a rookie at this. 

I'm not here to convince you that you'll quadruple your principal amount if you follow my steps.... There's no way to predict the future.... But here are a few tips that will help you get a better understanding of the market in order to make better decisions for yourself.

1. Know current events 

Knowing what's happening in the world isn't just useful for your entrance exams and job interviews. If you have invested in a company or are thinking about it...you have to be aware of what's happening in that company or industry. News about any change in management, big deals, scandals, losses, innovations, court cases...they all make it to the newspapers and social media. So know about it and stay aware. This is one of the things that molds investor/business expectations and this is reflected in the stock market.

Even past events could be significant as some of them either made a company's reputation or destroyed it. 

2. Buy cheap, sell costly

Many investors make the mistake of buying when a stock is costly and selling when its cheap. Your goal is to appreciate the value of your stocks and maximize your profits. So, buy stocks when it's priced less than its usual value and sell it while its value is peaking. Some investors even do a calculation called "Value investing" to find out the intrinsic value of a stock.

3. Study historical stock and dividend data 

Its freely available online to view and it's fairly easy to analyse with all those fancy graphs. Of course, you can't predict the future with the past, but if you see a company come out of several crises....you'll understand the resilience and discipline of their management. So even though no company is immortal, you would get an understanding of which company has a good chance of fighting every adversary that comes its way. 

4. Know the products and services you and your friends/families love 

Invest in products you believe in and are confident in their potential to succeed. Investing is all about giving a good innovator and business, the money to be able to do even better in the future. 

5. Don't expect quick returns 

It takes a little patience for the stocks you buy, to grow. Don't be impatient, you can do something else which you wait. Check it on it periodically though, not all stocks are destined for success!

6. Be weary of shady stocks 

"A" group shares tend to be the safest type of shares as they are highly liquidable and tend to have steady growth. The other shares (of T, S, TS, Z, B and other groups) while being more volatile, hence having higher probability of rising suddenly, are extremely risky for a beginner. Buy other kinds of stocks, only once you are aware of all the risks they have, are more experienced and when you have an appetite for it. You need not buy other types of shares at all if you don't want to.  

7. Read financial reports 

At the end of every financial year, a large company prepares their financial report for the public and potential (and current) investors. It's usually available on their site. See their profits, losses and capital. Some may even mention new projects in the works of launching. It's a very interesting document that really makes you feel like a real investor. 

8. Don't check your stocks every day unless there's a reason to

Unless you know of a major crisis in the industry or company, there's no reason to check the share prices of your stock every day. It will only stress you out unnecessarily. Check your share prices every few months or once a year...that's more than enough. 

9. Don't believe in stock market influencers

Many people follow every move of big business men and investors. I'm not sure if anyone has ever made money out of it though. Many such influencers buy their stocks long before they announce it. Then, because of their announcement, they artificially inflate the value of the stock and make their profit out of people's naiveness. Don't fall for the trap.

10. Invest in other types investments

There is a real risk in stock markets. Don't shy away from other less risky investments that could keep your money safer. 

11. Learn about the taxes you'll need to pay 

Taxes aren't fun....but it's your duty as a citizen to pay them if you fall under a tax bracket payable to the government. Stay organized and aware of areas to put in your money for tax deductions instead of running in trouble later on. 

Recently, there was a change in taxation by the new tax code. Earlier, the companies would pay an amount of tax for dividends they give, now the tax has been shifted to the investor. (1)

Like the above example, there are many important laws you will need to take care of now and when your wealth has grown considerably. Don't shy from the challenge...money is a headache, but it's also a power. 

12. Don't treat your stocks as a showpiece

Don't just keep it in the share market forever. I don't understand people who just store shares, never sell them nor use that money for themselves. What's the point of all that wealth if you can't use it for yourself? I agree.... It's being used for productive purposes in the company you invested in. But don't you want to eat the fruit of your hard work instead of just viewing it?

It makes sense to not sell all your shares at once. But by just keeping it in the market forever, you never know when your golden stock's value will drop down and fail. So when the opportunity comes up... consider using it sometimes. 

13. Learn about the various investment strategies

There are many investment strategies that are popular among investors. Some of them are: Value Investing (buying stocks at a discount), Growth Investing (buying potential), Momentum Investing (riding waves), Dollar-cost Averaging (buying at regular intervals) and Barbell Strategy (high risk, high returns and low risk, high security). Do Google them for more information.

14. No need to feel bad about missed opportunities 

Lots of investment teachers talk about all the missed opportunities of their lifetime. They talk about how great it would've been if they had invested in Warren Buffet's stock when it first came into the stock market. Here's the thing, for every hidden-treasure stock that makes it big in the future, there are hundreds of similar stocks as well. You can't predict the future so don't be hard on yourself for not knowing. 

15. Never stop learning 

Go to Investopedia, seminars and read books about investing. And hopefully, over time, you'll build wealth over the stock market. 

References and further reading:

1). India to consider shifting dividend tax to investors from firms, Economic Times

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/india-to-consider-shifting-dividend-tax-to-investors-from-firms/articleshow/72035822.cms

2) Investopedia https://www.investopedia.com/

3) Rich dad, poor dad - Robert Kiyosaki 

4) Fooled by Randomness - Nassim Nicholas Taleb

14 Perks of Diary Writing

    

    Like mentioned earlier on this blog, I have been writing a yearly diary since the year 2012. It was a fad I wanted to follow that I kept seeing in movies and shows…and you know what? I’m glad I did. It has helped me throughout the years for multiple reasons. 

There is something romantic about picking up my diary anytime during the day or night and just writing my heart out. The way the pen scratches and makes an impression on the paper…the way the ink glides and guides me on the path to balance and peace…and the way I don’t notice how many pages I’ve written until my train of thought reaches its station. 

Diary writing has been the reason I run out of books to use for it every few months. I think for just this year, I’ve already used up three 200-page books! But it rarely feels like a task like it used to feel when I just began. Writing just comes naturally to me now and some might say I keep way too many diaries!

Before further ado…let’s get into the many perks of diary writing:

1. Improves grammar and writing skills

Here’s the perk I noticed instantly after reading past diaries. In my first diary, my hand-writing was horrible and unreadable. It had too many grammatical & spelling mistakes to decipher. In just the next year’s diary, the writing actually made sense and the improvement was drastic. I was surprised.

2. A place to vent

My diary is my preferred place to vent out all my uncomfortable feelings like sadness or anger. It feels safe to write all the curse words and depressing thoughts you have ever thought about. And the best part of this is…the feeling of relief and well-thought out conclusions you come to after a long session of diary writing. It feels like therapy. No need to burden another person with your problems and the expectation to understand…nor having to wait patiently for your close one's availability…just pick up your diary and a pen and get on with it!

3. More fluid writing

Since the first years of writing in my diary, I’ve noticed how easily I can write sentences that are connected to each other. It isn’t a random rambling of detached thoughts and people who have read any of my essays lately, also testify the same. 

4. Better emotional control

Because of repeated self-soothing and compassion that I accomplish through diary writing, I feel more at peace and control of my emotions. Emotions don’t overwhelm me as much as it used to (it could also be the fact that I’ve grown a lot since then). I can now more easily hold on to anger or discomfort and express it in a healthy way like diary writing. 

5. A healthy coping mechanism 

During phases of my life in which I used to not write in my diary as often, I noticed how easily disturbed I was and how much more likely it was that I’d indulge in unhealthy coping mechanisms like stress-eating, temper-tantrums and so on. I really felt very mentally exhausted and overwhelmed in the times I didn’t or couldn’t write it out which caused my mind to feel like stagnant water. 

6. No rules 

A big perk to diary writing is that there is no way to do it wrong. You create the rules and you are the only authority. If you want to write a 3-page manifesto at the beginning, or imagine what would it take to break into your school, or rant about your annoying friend for 10 pages…there isn’t anything or anyone stopping you from expressing yourself. Go do it!

7. Improves memory

I noticed how much more easily I can hold on to details of my day because I normally do so to be able to write down that detail in my diary at the end of the day. Many of my friends also agree that when it comes to details of my day, no-one can beat me on my recall. (Given I was paying attention)

8. Improves conversation

The thoughts that I express in conversation has greatly improved because of years of training to write my thoughts in diary. I can put complex feelings & experiences into words and this is what helped me in my conversations with people in real life. I can express myself to others more easily when I can express things to myself well. 

9. Opportunity to decorate

Diaries are an amazing opportunity to decorate! Be it the cover or the pages in between. Use all the cool art supplies you have and go crazy. Use beads, ribbons, cut-outs, drawings, tickets, stickers…write the year in calligraphy, block or graffiti-inspired fonts. Do whatever you want and be pleased with your creation. 

10. A treasure chest of good (and bad memories)

This is my personal favorite. I love how easily I can journal about my most beautiful memories of my life as they happen. I can remember every detail of it. I don’t have to worry about forgetting the good times cause it’s all there in my diary, systematically dated. I have so many memories, etched into paper that I can always go back to and relive. 

11. Tracking goals, habits and appointments

It’s hard to keep track of everything you need and want to do. This is why journaling helps you know what your goals are and actively pursue them. You can track your progress on building or breaking a habit or your next dentist appointment or even a school function. It’s easy and it’s all in one place. (And there’s no way your book’s battery will die, unlike electronics)

12. Feel them later

There have been many times when I have scribbled away a difficult feeling or experience and then referred to it later after I’ve calmed down to re-evaluate myself and my reaction. This helps me look at my responses to stress and assess what beliefs/biases are hurting me & my life.

 

13. Improves writing speed and stamina

In the process of writing everyday or every time you're overwhelmed, you find that you can easily write several pages without tiring over time. Suddenly, writing exams and assignments are easier and you get done faster than before. Even note-taking during classes and lectures are effort-less after starting this adventure. 

14. Looking into the deep past

It’s just a fun thing to do I guess, reading old diaries & seeing how the problems you once faced & cried about, are long gone. It’s hilarious to read about the people I once liked and the friends I once had. I love the nostalgia. But I love seeing myself grow and discover this beautiful world, again and again. It gives me a sense of gratitude for having this life and it also gives me hope imagining an older, wiser version of me looking back and laughing at my present-day problems that also got resolved eventually. It’s a magical experience of pseudo-time travel. 

There are times of great stress or change when I feel my sense of self spinning. It's so uncertain about who I am sometimes that I look back to see who I used to be in my journals. It gives me a sense of stability despite always changing and growing through life.

Did I convince you to keep a diary? I certainly hope I did. 😊

Online classes don't work (and possible solutions)

 It's dark when the first lecture begins, I switch on the light of my table with freshly brushed teeth...still half asleep when I login for my lectures. 

With gloomy eyes and the sleepy atmosphere, you bet I find it tough to pay attention. Another issue is that I don't eat until the break in between. 

   Online classes have started for those students who have the privilege of an internet connection during these tough times. We're all cozy and safe  in our homes from the dangers of a minuscule yet deadly virus. We are perhaps too cozy, in my case, to focus on what is being taught. 

Initially I was super excited for this academic year, with only economics to focus on, I thought it would be a garden of roses without thorns. I was also excited about the experience of online classes, for years I'd complain whenever I travelled all the way to college, only for the lecture I was rushing for, to get cancelled at last minute. 

    Within a few weeks of online classes, I got over the excitement. It was tougher than I first imagined, because for the first time, I had trouble focusing in class. 

Blame it on the lack of exercise first thing in the morning, running around the place to reach the finish line on time. Or blame it on not being able to see my professors face while they teach. Maybe the issue is in the lack of non-verbal interaction between student and teacher which doesn't take place when the video is off and the teacher goes on explaining. Maybe it's my habit of using my phone/computer for recreational needs and not education (though I'd sometimes watch educational videos as well).

We all know that every real world problem is a multi-factorial issue, and this certainly is.

But if I could blame a single major cause of my impaired focus, I'd blame it on how lazy my brain has become due to quarantine. 

Online classes are great, but the structure that gets students into the study mode isn't really there. 

So how do I get my focus back? I found some helpful tricks.

The truth is, online classes need to be more interactive. And this interaction need not be the traditional way of reading student's facial expressions. 

Teachers can make online classes better/more interactive by:

1. Asking easy and relevant questions in between lectures, not just the beginning and end. For example, if the lecture is about Game Theory, a simple and relevant question to ask would be, "Does anyone like to play Chess? Or Clash of Clans? Or Call of duty?" Most games that are popular today have some aspect of strategy.

2. Having a short (no marks allotted) verbal/written quiz at the end of every lecture to see if everyone has understood. Ask random students, but make sure to distribute rewards to person who gets the answer right. (Rewards like, compliments and praise....or if you're rich then courier a gift box :P)

Another tip for teachers is:

3.  Having Power Points full of colour and pictures.  (Yes, my attention span is that of a Kinder Garden student)

Ways for students to improve their attention during online classes:

1. Asking lots of questions. (I use this, unfortunately too often sometimes because my attention randomly diverts....I'm so sorry, Professors)

2. Stop surfing the net during lectures, Pearl(/other unfocused students)!! Oh my gosh, gotta get this girl a fidget spinner or something.

3. Don't watch your lectures in bed. I tried this once and I kept dozing off for that one lecture.

4. Exercise a little before lectures start. It wakes us up.

5. Eating a good breakfast.

6. Getting someone to supervise you sometimes, like your mom or dad or sibling.

It is really difficult for many teachers and professors to suddenly adapt to such high level technology. Even I had to learn, because I had never been in a Zoom meeting before my lectures began. But since I'm a Generation Z kid, I learnt it relatively easily. I am really grateful for all my teachers who worked so hard to learn so much in so little time to continue earning from their jobs. 

These are tough times but to still have a job, or to still be studying is really a blessing. 

Please note : Students and Teachers who suddenly start screaming/speaking loudly...please have mercy on my ear-drums, I use headphones. 

How to easily learn French

    I've been studying French since the past few years. It all started back in my high school days, but I hated it back then. Giving myself some time, I really began appreciating the process of language learning and so I resumed learning the language, this time on my own, via an app called, “Duolingo”.

After that, I liked French and therefore, I decided to take it up again by studying it in the formal education system (since we had that option).

As a student, I get bored easily. Even when it comes to studying subjects I like. But I also wanted to do well and so I tried many ways to learn this language. Here are the best ways I found to learn French :

1. Establish why you want to learn the language 

Is it for travel? Is it for impressing your friends? Is it to get a good grade? Is it just for the sake of learning something new?

Get to know why you want to do something so that in times you feel demotivated, you can remind yourself why you took it up in the first place.   

2. Duolingo

If you wish to learn the basics thoroughly, this is a good way to. It's also helpful to get your vocabulary nice and sharp. You will get familiar with French words which will enable you to take up bigger, greater challenges in the language.

3. Watch a French show in a genre you enjoy

Or a show you already like, but in French. Use no subtitles at all. This makes you force your brain to listen attentively to the way words are pronounced and the conversations one can have in the language. It helps you with your sentence structure, keeps you interested and helps you speak the language for real.

I used to watch “The adventures of the Miraculous Ladybug and Chat Noir”. It was awesome. I highly recommend.

4. Study a little everyday

The difference between learning a language versus any other subject is the fact that you can learn other subjects the day before and probably manage passing a test on it. But when it comes to languages, you can't really do that.

So do learn a little everyday, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Just make sure, it's 15 minutes of dedicated study time.

5. Write things you would normally write… In French.

Your shopping lists, your planner, your diary… at least a few words/sentences will be helpful for you. This ties the language to your everyday life.

6. Google translate

This goes without saying. Download the offline French pack also if you need to. I can't explain how helpful this application has been to me. Most of the translations are extremely accurate. If not, there's always a dictionary.

7. When translating passages from French…

Try to find out the meaning for each word… Don't just blindly write all the translated sentences.

8. Travel to a French speaking place if you can

I went to Pondicherry. I went for a mass there in French. There were also many native French speakers around the place. I felt super dumb for not understanding much anything they spoke. But it was a wonderful experience, it reminded me of the fact that when it comes to fluency, it's an ongoing journey, I mean, I've been learning English since I was a child and I still learn new words every other day!

9. The curse of the similar words

French and English have lots of similar words that confuse me. Even within the French language there's similar words. Polish yourself in these areas, as they surely play tricks on your brain.

10. Try speaking it

Start with one/two word responses and work your way to more advanced  sentences. I'm still working on this one.

11. Switch the language on your phone to French.

I'm not talking about keyboard language….that would be cool too. I'm talking about your whole device. Try it out for a few days. See if you survive. (Try this out only once you're moderately knowledgeable of the language.)

Learning French is great. And so is learning other languages.

You could try these tips in combinations or use all of them. Tell me how it goes using the contact form/comment section below.

Did you find this post helpful? Do you have any other ideas to learn this language? Please let me know. 

*Please note : I said "How to easily learn French". Learning a language can't happen overnight.

Know more about my French Tuition

Booked

I've been told that I keep way too many personal books. And today when I stacked all of them up for this blog post, I see why.

I have 9 different books I keep for different purposes.
And today I shall share with you some of the formats and themes of these books.

So if you have an empty book lying somewhere in your house and you're feeling kind of creative, go ahead, make yourself a book. Or a journal... Whatever you may want to call it. And be more aware of your thoughts, your interests and yourself in general.

1. The Classic Diary
This journal has nothing much to explain. It's the good old diary journaling. In it, exists all your thoughts and daily experiences.
I write almost anything and everything in my diary...from rants to lovely experiences, my day or even to-do lists. Sometimes I even write out quotes.. My quotes, mind you.
This is like a miscellaneous book about your life.
At times, I even write about my life in third person... Which is... Fun, I guess to me?

2. The Song and Poetry book.
I used to write songs as a kid, so this book contains all of them... Or all that I want to remember cause the rest are trash or I've forgotten it before it reached a paper.
It also contains poems and poetic deep thoughts, analogies. I've tried to write scripts too but that was an utter failure cause I got bored.
I like to write the date I wrote it and I also have a column for any extra remarks like... What was the situation in which I wrote it or who I wrote it for.

3. Universal learner
I like to study about random subjects that intrigue me during my vacations and pass times. So I made a book for it so I could have everything in one place. This book of mine consists of lessons I've learnt on YouTube and Google searches on philosophy, grammar rules, C++ codes and HTML tags.

4. Doodle book
I used to doodle a lot on my textbooks until I realized that I'd have to give those textbooks away after the academic term... Along with my previous doodles. So? I made a book specifically for my doodles during school/college hours. Not really to be used during actual lectures (unless your teacher is fine with it and you don't mind studying the same topic at home again)... But during break time or free lectures.
I'm currently using my 3rd or 4th doodle book.

5. Miracle journal
I began to write this book after seasons of discouragement where I felt like God didn't do anything and has never answered any of my prayers. It's like a gratitude journal but.... You say statements like, "Thank you God for ________".
I actually like to begin with what the issue was then I write out the miracle in between two stars...to put emphasis on how God handled the situation. It doesn't matter how small the miracle was.... What matters is that God took care of it... Whether or not you prayed for the miracle or not.
Once I started writing this book, I realized the many ways God's hand was on my life and I felt God's presence more deeply. And this helps me to be hopeful for the unanswered prayers of my life and the waiting period that it requires.
The more we recognize God in the answered prayers, the more we learn to trust Him for the ones He hasn't answered yet.

6. Travel journal
This is a relatively smaller book so that it can be taken along the journey. Though I don't take it out when I travel actually. (cause I'm afraid of losing it)
In this book, I write the dates and timings of my travel, with whom I traveled with or who all I met, where it was, how I went there, how much I spent, what I ate and a description of the entire experience.
Some of these travels aren't even all that great... It could be just going to the bookstore yourself. But the fact that I traveled somewhere besides the places I usually go to.. Makes it worth saving in my book.

7. Faith journal
Yes, by now its obvious that I'm Christian.
So here I write down favorite reflections I've read from the daily readings, cool prayers from the internet, favorite psalms, topics I've researched on, my faith journey for a time period, Pastor Joseph prince sermon points, talks I've heard at youth meetings, my own revelations, titles of Jesus and pointers of Christian articles/videos I've seen online.
It helps me know where I've been in my faith journey and keeps all the resources I need in one place so I can refer to it when I need to.

8. Life goals and favorites book
I'm pretty sure it would've been better if these were two separate books but it's fine... I wanted to save the amount of books I spend doing my random things with.
Life goals... Here I write down all the things I want to do at least once in my life.  Some of these are pretty lame, like, "make it through a whole lollipop without biting it".
And some of these may take a lot of time to achieve, like, "be financially independent".
While some of these are just to have fun, "Sing to the sea at the beach".
There are some challenges here too, like, "Talk to a new person everyday for 10 days."
The possibilities here are endless and they make life fun.

Favorites book.... I list down all the books, movies and songs I've listened to and liked... Or even remotely liked. It helps me keep track of my interests and I can see them change over time. 

9. Book of secrets
In this book, I write down all my favorite quotes, rules I keep for myself, my boundaries, dating standards, passwords  and other secrets.

Extra tips
-always keep an index
-use different fonts, stickers and colored pens
-keep them safely away from nosey people
-don't feel bad if you don't regularly use your books. Use them as and when you please. It's your book, you make the rules.
-begin small... In quantity or quality. See if you can handle keeping one such book first then gradually increase.
-try not to mix contents too much. It may get confusing when you actually want to go back and read your books then.

So now, it's upto you. Do you feel inspired to write a book for yourself too?

The assertiveness game plan

I am strange, there have been times in my life that I allowed people to use me like a rug and times I stood up for myself despite the odds.

But I'm not exactly what you'd call assertive. I'm getting there though.

The idea of assertiveness is often mistaken for being bossy and rude. That was at least what was on my mind about it.

It's a spectrum of behaviours. On one end, it's people being spineless and letting everyone take advantage of them. And on the other end, it's people being bossy, demanding and controlling of others.

Assertiveness is a healthy balance between the two extremes.

It means asserting what you want and don't want but also being willing to compromise to be on the same page.

There have been times I had to show people the door because they couldn't come to terms with me calling out their misbehaviors. And I used to feel bad about it and so be the one to adjust myself to them instead. 

But now I know that what I tolerate is what I'll end up with.
And there are normal people who'll respect your boundaries.

So here's the game plan I formulated for myself to be more assertive in my life...

1. Know yourself
It's only with realistic knowledge of yourself that you'll be able to differentiate between people being mean and people telling you to improve on your flaws. 

2. Accept yourself
If you find out there's something actually incorrect about something you do or say....accept it and work towards making the necessary changes.

3. Develop good amounts of self confidence
There maybe several methods to do so. Try out different activities. Put yourself out there. Many a times I underestimate myself because I don't put myself in situations where my talent and abilities can bloom and then I think everyone around me is better at it.

4. Be firm and assertive when people around you try to make you do things you don't want to do and vice versa. If they don't understand, it's alright to leave them in their delusional world that demands that they be the king over everything and everyone. You don't miss out when you're away from those people...you gain. The best way to play a game that people try to play on your mind is by not playing at all.

*Bonus*
Understand what your boundaries are and why it's good to keep them. Think out all the positives that can come out from you being assertive with others. (Especially with the really annoying pushy people)

Truths about learning the violin

(from my diary)

Few have asked me how it's like to be able to play the violin and I'm always without an answer...Because I didn't expect that question.

So here are the lessons or truths I've learnt on my journey while learning to play the violin. Though, it can be applied to most musical instruments and other creative hobbies as well. (Yeah, because all hobbies are difficult to maintain and improve)

1. You will injure yourself and/or other people with your violin unintentionally. 

2. Random jealous people will tell you directly or indirectly that you won't be able to do it or that you'll "eventually give up".

3. You will make excuses to not practice.

4. You will spend days and weeks and even months sometimes without practicing at all.

5. But when you practice daily, you notice clear benefits and improvements. 

6. You will become a perfectionist.

7. Many young people who play way better than you will get on your nerves. 

8. You may feel really competitive or entirely demotivated to play sometimes.

9. Your neck, back and fingers will hurt as you keep pushing yourself to different techniques, longer time durations and new pieces.

10. You will learn to appreciate napping/lying down more.

11. You will feel like you can't do it and consider giving up several times.

12. But you will never quit.

13. Because you know that with the strength of God that powers you to practice, be patient and persevere, you can do anything.

14. Even if it is, playing the violin. 

What are your hobbies? Tell me in the comment section.