Pooja Patel - Approach Financial Literacy as a Gradual Journey Rather Than a Race (Content Creator with 336K+ followers)

My favorite aspect of blogging is witnessing the transformative impact it has on people's financial awareness.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I hold a bachelor's degree in BSc Garment Technology. During my second year, I began my journey towards becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through FPSB, a recognized authority in this domain. I successfully obtained my CFP certification in 2020.

Simultaneously, I embarked on a mission to enhance financial literacy among my family and friends, encouraging them to invest in Mutual Funds. This initiative took root in 2018. Subsequent to achieving my CFP, I gained a year of invaluable corporate experience as an Investment Advisor at FundsIndia.

Following this, I ventured into establishing my own investment platform, MyFundSIP. Additionally, I ventured into content creation on Instagram, where I foster a community of 335K followers. This multifaceted journey has provided me with extensive insights into the financial realm and has reinforced my commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering individuals in making informed financial decisions.

2. What is your favorite thing about blogging? Why did you started blogging.

My favorite aspect of blogging is witnessing the transformative impact it has on people's financial awareness. Through my videos, I can help individuals grasp fundamental concepts in finance, such as investment strategies, identification of financial scams, budgeting techniques, goal-oriented planning, and essential thumb rules.

The ability to contribute to others' financial literacy and empower them with knowledge motivated me to start blogging in the first place.


3. You preferred Financial Daily and why?

My preferred financial daily is "The Economic Times" because of its comprehensive coverage of global financial markets, in-depth analysis of economic trends, and expert insights on various investment opportunities.

It provides me with the latest updates and perspectives that are crucial for staying informed and making well-informed financial decisions.

4. What is your idea of success or mantra in your life?

My perspective on success is multifaceted, encompassing both hard work and a strong foundation of knowledge and experience. While relentless dedication and hard work are undoubtedly key components, I firmly believe that a comprehensive understanding of one's field, coupled with hands-on experience, is equally instrumental in achieving success.

In my view, success is not solely defined by the hours of sweat you put into your pursuits; it's also about acquiring the necessary skills, gathering wisdom from various experiences, and continually adapting to the dynamic landscape of your chosen path.

In my life, I've embraced a mantra that extends beyond the conventional definition of work. It's about exploring every corner of my mind, nurturing every idea, and giving them the space to grow and evolve. I believe that fostering an environment of continuous thought and introspection, even during moments of apparent stillness, eventually leads to groundbreaking insights and innovative solutions.

This philosophy has not only guided my professional journey, from becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to founding my own investment platform named MyFundSIP, but has also infused my content creation endeavors with depth and value. I am a firm advocate of nurturing the intellect and harnessing creativity to find unconventional solutions that drive success.

In essence, my approach to success revolves around the synergy of hard work, continuous learning, and the cultivation of innovative ideas through thoughtful introspection. This approach, I believe, serves as a catalyst for not only personal growth but also the enrichment of the world around me.

5. Your tips to the younger generation on how to go about understanding the basic financial stuff.

To the younger generation, I would like to emphasize the importance of patience and a steady, well-informed approach to understanding financial matters. While the allure of quick riches is tempting, it's essential to recognize that true financial security and growth are products of consistent efforts over time.

My advice is to approach financial literacy as a gradual journey rather than a race. Avoid the trap of seeking instant millionaire status through speculative avenues like stocks, gambling, or cryptocurrencies. Such shortcuts often lead to disappointment and financial instability.

Instead, focus on building a strong foundation of financial knowledge. Start by taking small steps to educate yourself. Pursue certifications like those offered by NSE and NISM, which can provide you with comprehensive insights into various financial instruments and concepts. Additionally, leverage the power of online resources, such as educational videos on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, to grasp the basics.

Remember, gaining financial wisdom is akin to constructing a solid structure. Each piece of knowledge and experience you accumulate serves as a building block for your financial future. So, take your time, explore various aspects of finance, and gradually shape a robust understanding that will serve you well throughout your life.

6. One Advice that you feel would have helped you while starting out in this field? 

Looking back, if there's one piece of advice that could have immensely guided me when I was starting out in this field, it would be this: Don't underestimate the simplicity and potential of the finance domain.

At the outset, I held the misconception that finance was an incredibly challenging realm, filled with complex jargon and intricate concepts. If I had known then that finance is a realm where you can genuinely fall in love with numbers and find joy in unraveling its intricacies, I might have chosen this path much earlier. The misconception of it being overly difficult led me to pursue a different field initially, but discovering the accessible and intriguing nature of finance transformed my trajectory.

So, to those stepping into this domain, my advice is to shed any preconceived notions about the complexity of finance. Embrace it with an open mind, as you might discover that it's not just about crunching numbers; it's about a journey of understanding, strategizing, and ultimately thriving in the financial landscape.

Bio :

I am a CFP with a 5+ years of experience in the Finance and Investment field with 1 year of corporate experience. I have also done NISM Research analyst and now I have my own investment platform called "MyFundSIP" where we guide people on how to invest, where to invest, along with a personalized investment plan - execution and tracking of investments on our apps and website. Also I am a content creator with a community of 336K+ where I educate people about basic finance and investments tips ! 

Interviewed By - Aarya Gode