Finance beyond numbers
The occasion of Dasara is best suited to write about a different side of finance which is neither talked about nor forming part of financial reporting. When we think about finance as profession or even look at investing at corporate or personal level, what comes to mind instantly is MS-excel tables, charts, graphs or changing numbers on electronic screens at stock exchange etc. Even any promotional image having some nexus to finance, invariably uses numbers, tables, graphs, calculator in the background. The question is, Is finance only about numbers? Or it also has a different dimension which plays an important role in financial decision making.
Let us take an example which fits
apt on today’s occasion. Dasara is considered as one of the most auspicious occasion
out of 3-1/2 muhurtas followed by Hindus. It is believed that any investment
done on any of these 3-1/2 occasions brings luck and prosperity. Thus,
irrespective of the financial ability, innumerable households try to buy gold
on these occasions, thereby skyrocketing the sale of gold during this time.
If we have to go purely by
logic (of numbers and theory of economics), the prices rise when supply is
constant and demand rises, it clearly means the increased demand during these festive season drives the prices high, but who cares. Just visit any gold shop and you
will find it crowded. (Though crowd seems fierce in current situation)
Can we say that all the crowd at
the gold shop is financially illiterate and not having any formal education in finance?
Even if we consider this to be true, does that mean all the people buying gold
on these occasions are financial failures, obviously not, most of them may not
be successful financially which deserves a mention but certainly they have the
capacity to buy gold, however little it may be. Some may be financial success
as well. Does that mean all those who have formal education in finance always
take right decisions and never fail, at least financially? Even this statement is
far from reality.
Then what it takes to be
financially successful, in business or in personal finance. Does intuition play
a role? Does luck has any role? If yes. No formal education in finance will be
necessary but still any level of the same does not guarantee results.
I urge my readers to write
back to me about your opinion. I will be blogging periodically about this and
few other topics on finance, do subscribe the same to read my articles. I also urge you to share this blog to all those you think will find it interesting to read.
Wish all the readers a very
Happy Dasara, may this Dasara bring happiness and prosperity to you.
In India people follow Customs and Tradition while buying Gold on such auspicious day like Dussehra and Padva irrespective of cost and benefit they could get from the deal.
ReplyDeleteFor achieving financial goals through investment in such assets always warrants financial literacy.
In India people follow Customs and Tradition while buying Gold on such auspicious day like Dussehra and Padva irrespective of cost and benefit they could get from the deal.
ReplyDeleteFor achieving financial goals through investment in such assets always warrants financial literacy.
Happy durga puja sir
ReplyDelete