I was totally going for a "Hello, dost!" vibe, and it sounded way too cringe. But guess what? I'm absolutely thrilled to be back curating this monthly newsletter for you after a break! And with Friendship Day peeking around the corner, I figured, why not dive into the world of money and friendships? Get ready, because it's about to get interesting. Oh, and did I mention we've got an awesome guest piece lined up?
Here’s what’s in store for you:
Market performance & the Indian economy
A not-so-funny money story
Best ways to get friends to pay you back
Coolest book I read this month
I know you’re already hooked, so read on!
🤨 ‘Sup with the market
I am so proud of (read: I borderline jinxed) how the Indian economy has stood through the onslaught of Global recessions, and economic fluctuations over the past few months! *Happy tears*
That said, here's proof of how hopeful our economy seems: According to the Union Minister of India, Japan is eager to spend roughly 5 trillion Japanese yen in India across several sectors, including steel. The comments were made by the steel minister following a meeting in the nation's capital with the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
This month too, India's domestic equity markets rose for the consecutive week with Nifty & Sensex surpassing 67,000 and 19,800 levels respectively, corresponding to consistent buying by FIIs. It's good to know that many of us our investing not just in tomatoes and groceries at the moment.
🫂🥳 Friends, Finance & New Horizons
Think about it— we've shared countless secrets with our friends, weathered storms together, and laughed until our sides hurt. But amidst all the conversations, there's one topic that often remains locked away: money matters and investments. It's a curious phenomenon how we comfortably discuss almost everything under the sun except our financial well-being.
But here's the twist: talking about money doesn't mean divulging every detail of your financial life. It's about sharing and learning from each other's experiences. It's about acknowledging that we all have different perspectives, knowledge levels, and goals when it comes to our financial journeys.
Imagine the treasure trove of insights that can emerge when we break down this barrier! That one investment avenue your friend swears by might align perfectly with your aspirations. That bit of advice you casually mentioned could be the golden nugget that helps your bestie make a smarter financial move.
Financial well-being isn't a solo journey; it's a collaborative effort. And who better to collaborate with than the friends who've stood by you through thick and thin? So as a mark of moving forward, from the coming friendship day, seek help, offer your insights, and create a culture where learning and growing together extend beyond personal anecdotes (Or just get them to follow us, duh!!)After all, friends don't just laugh together; they invest in each other's success, too. 🌟🤝💰
Following Sayali’s suggestions, I got started with A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder, finished it, and got around to the second book in the trilogy, Good Girl, Bad Blood and it was a pretty good read. It was racy and intriguing, just as a Young Adult fiction must be but I felt like it could’ve been written/edited better. I loved the character arcs though, pretty cool stuff, worth a read, I’d say!
📌 3 Tips To Reclaiming Money From Friends The Right Way ft. Deepak Pareek
In the ever-evolving landscape of friendship and finances, there's a symphony of stories waiting to be told. Meet Deepak Pareek, an Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Content Creator, and true Cricket Enthusiast. But above all, he's a dear friend of Sayali's, and he's here to light up this edition with his unique perspectives on toning the awkward level down with friends on money matters!
Since I don’t have a picture with Deepak, this is all you get!
1. Be Kind and Direct: Openness Fosters Clarity
Navigating money matters can be uncomfortable, but the best policy is to be kind yet direct. Honesty is the secret sauce here. Instead of dancing around the topic, have a straightforward conversation. It's all about ensuring clarity from the beginning. This not only sets expectations but also minimizes the chances of any misunderstandings down the line. Being respectful and understanding in your approach goes a long way in keeping the relationship intact.
2. Leverage Apps for Gentle Reminders
In the digital age, there's an app for almost everything, including handling financial matters between friends. Apps like Splitwise provide a convenient platform for splitting bills and shared expenses. If a friend owes you money, instead of awkwardly bringing it up in person, consider sending them a gentle nudge through the app. It might sound a bit funny, but it's an efficient way to remind them. Adding a note or comment alongside the nudge can make the reminder light-hearted and casual.
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3. Know Your Borrower
Lending money, even to friends, requires a certain degree of caution. It's not just about the money itself; it's also about how comfortable you are in dealing with potential embarrassment. Before extending a financial hand, consider how well you know the person. Are they reliable when it comes to financial commitments? Have they borrowed and repaid promptly before? Sometimes, it's better to avoid lending to acquaintances or those you're not particularly close to, to prevent an uncomfortable situation.
🍸 Cocktail Pe Charcha
Is it too overwhelming to research & plan your investment? Say no more, we can personally guide you into mixing the perfect financial cocktail to manage your money!
People always associate only lending/borrowing when we talk about money and friendships but there can be so much more! Amid the whirlwind of modern life, where friendships and finances often dance side by side, we've unveiled a whole new dimension to celebrating those we hold dear. Just as friendship flourishes when nurtured, so does our financial well-being when we infuse it with camaraderie and a touch of fiscal prudence. So, as you embark on this enriched journey of blending friendship with financial mindfulness, may your bonds grow stronger, your pockets wiser, and your life brim with shared joys and prosperous strides.
Happy Friendship Day, in advance!
Here's to lasting friendships and sound finances – may they forever flourish!🎉🤝💰
