Why You Should Never Save Money

Yes, you read correctly. I don't think one should be saving money at all. But, you say, what else are we supposed to do? Haven't we grown up hearing that it is most sensible to squirrel away funds, a little every month, and save it up? That it is the only way you can get rich.

Yes, we've heard that. But it's wrong.

 

You shouldn't save. You should invest.

A lot of people save money, putting it into their bank accounts or fixed deposits. How much interest do you get from a bank account? Four percent? Six percent, at max? And that comes at conditions of a minimum balance to boot.

What about fixed deposits, you say? Even the best FD interest rates do not go beyond 7% in India. And they have a mandatory lock in period.

Does this equate to making money? No. It does not. Because it does not really make you any money at all. Over the long term, interest rates balance out the inflation rates that are rising every single year. What this essentially means is that while you are making money on paper, and you do get to see interest added in your account, the overall gain does nothing but bring you at par with the rising inflation.

Basically, even with the increased money in your account, you have pretty much the same purchasing power with the increased amount of money. This is an oversimplification of the fundamental theory, but you can read a little more about it here at Investopedia.

The point I am trying to make is - the money you manage to save every month? Don't just leave it in your bank account. Invest it in more viable options where you can build assets with that money.

That is the trick to building a large corpus of funds - building assets. Assets will bring you even more money in the long run. As they say, make your money work for you.

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This is the very first post of a new series I am starting about how to manage your finances. This was something I'd been wanting to do for a long time but I never really got around to it. I felt like maybe it was time to let people know about everything I've learnt over time. I am still in the process of learning everyday and I hope you can also benefit from the same.

Join me on my Facebook page to stay updated with my posts or follow me on Instagram for posts about my life + blog post updates!

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Photo Credit:
ohmconnect.com

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4 Things that Ensure your Morning Productivity

I previously wrote a post about how you can slow down a little in the mornings and give yourself some love and self care. Till date it remains one of my most read articles.

So I decided to follow up with the next step. After you do takeout some time for yourself -- and don't let anyone tell you self-care isn't important because that's the most important thing there is.

Once you've taken care of yourself and your sanity, it's time to get down to business!


Whether you're a student, run your own business, work somewhere, or you're hard at work at anything really, this works for everyone!

1. Gratitude

Write down 3 things you are grateful for. Every single day. This will put you in a positive mindset. Even on the days when you are feeling really low, do this activity. Just three things. Not more, not less.

I know that this works. It makes you count your blessings. Often, we don't realize how blessed we really are. We have a roof over our heads, goof food, clean water. We have been given so much, and now we have to make ourselves better. Writing down what you're grateful for will put you in a positive mindset, ready to take on the day!

2. Visualization

Once you're down with writing down three things you're grateful for, you'll be in a positive mindset. This segues into the next step, which is visualization. Patiently, without being too hard on yourself, think of what your goals and intentions are.
Think of your short term and long term goals. Create a mindmap.
See yourself in the future, having accomplished those things. It could be anything -- writing a book, creating good artwork, becoming a good cook, being a successful entrepreneur -- whatever it is that drives you. Once you see yourself, having accomplished all those things, it really boosts your confidence and faith in yourself.
This is a good way to change your psyche to a growth mindset. It ensures that you will always have the courage and strength to go for it!

3. Write

Here, it doesn't matter if you're a writer or not. Just pen down whatever comes to mind basis the visualizations you made above. Writing down your intentions has a twofold benefit.

The act of writing it down makes it 'real' --  it makes it tangible. It's your way of telling the universe that this is what you want. Intentions work in mysterious ways.

Secondly, the fact that you've written it down and put it out there, ensures that you have brought it to the forefront of your mind and day. Often, we push back our goals, or we don't accept them because we are scared to admit it (even to ourselves) that this is what we want. Writing it down makes you accept it, face yourself and face your fears. Facing your fears is a big part of the next step - doing.

You're going to succeed at everything you've written down on that piece of paper. No two ways about it.

4. Proceed!

 Go for it! Start small, because there is no other way to start. Begin somewhere, because that's the only place to begin. Word hard, because that is the basis of success. Luck plays a part -- I won't deny it. But the people who get lucky are people who have been trying for a long time and then when an opportunity came up, they were ready to take it. That's what luck is. Being ready for opportunities. That's what makes you lucky. Go for it. Get lucky.

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I hope this helped! If you want any other specific guidelines, feel free to comment below, and I'll write a post on it!

Photo Credit: pinterest

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Passion Isn't Everything

It definitely isn't. Passion is just a part of it. I almost did believe that passion is everything, and in the process I almost let my passion handicap me.

It is about passion, yes. But it is more about consistency.
You may have that one thing you are passionate about. Music, books, movies, art, writing, painting, photography, dance, programming, creating websites, training animals - I don't know what you like most. But whatever the case may be, just passion doesn't cut it.

The secret to success in any field, creative or otherwise, is consistency. You just gotta show up.
And you gotta show up every single day.

Add something to your treasure trove every single day. Even if it's just a small dust particle of shimmer. It's still shimmer. And all those little particles of shimmer will add together one day into a huge dazzling stone, and that stone will just keep getting bigger and better and shinier.

It is then, when your shine gets bigger and better than most, is when people start noticing. Hey that's one shiny rock!, they'll say. Wonder how they got that!

But you don't get gems like these. You make them.

You make them with showing up everyday and adding a bit of glimmer everyday.

Passion helps you discover the glimmer. It makes you want to find the shine. But consistency is the one that makes you find it. Consistency is what pushes you to get that damn glitter particle every single day.

If passion is what keeps you up at night dreaming, consistency is what will not let you sleep till that dream has become tangible.

There are no overnight successes, but consistency ensures that there will definitely be success some day, irrespective of how long it takes.

And time taken is okay, because there is belief and faith. Because when you show up every day, there is no chance of not winning.

You are winning. A little every day.

And major wins, whatever those wins are to you, will also be a part of it. They'll come before you know it, and make you even more excited for the next milestone.

And that's why passion isn't everything. Passion is what ignites everything that comes after. What comes after is what determines your success.

Photo Credit: pinterest

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Bloggers Lunch at Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha

I was so happy to be a part of the Bloggers Table at Peshwa Pavilion. The invite was for the launch of their new menu, The Luxury Collection. ITC has a huge focus on Responsible Luxury and has revamped their menu to reflect this. They are also big believers in local, organic, and sustainable produce, at the same time ensuring that still maintain the luxury, perfection and attention to detail that ITC is known for.



I was super excited about this meet because I couldn't wait to see what they had come up with. Imagine how my expectations were raised when this was in front of me:

I couldn't wait to try all these! Being vegetarian, I was glad there were an equal number of options for veg and non veg. Not too many places do us the courtesy of an equivalent number of options.

We met Chef Sourabh Rai, who is the junior sous chef at ITC Maratha and also oversees the operations at Peshwa Pavilion, has been with ITC since 2014. He explained to us each of the terms below.

Sattva - Food marked with this tag is made in a quarantined area away from contact with all non vegetarian items

Swasthya Cuisine - Sustainable + Healthy! For example, salmon contained a rich quantity of omega-3, which is a good fat and hence good for your body as it does not negatively affect your cholesterol levels. 

This ties in perfectly with their 'Choose Wisely' initiative. This was created in collaboration with WWF and Central Marine Fisheries Institute. Did you know ITC is the first company in India to adopt the Choose Wisely program with WWF? To illustrate this, Chef Sourabh Rai told us that the per capita consumption of fish in India has increased from 9.9 to 19.2 - from the 60s to now. More people need to be aware of this issue.

Also, there is an emphasis on local produce, and hence regional specialties like kokum are extensively used in their new revamped menu. Another example would be the use of local nuts like cashews instead of hazelnuts in a recipe.

The very first thing on the list were the Swasthya Beverages.

The first one was Carrot and Mono Floral Honey. This was just the right amount of sweet and high in vitamins and antioxidants. In case you didn't know, Mono floral honey is that which is made by bees which collect it from solely one plant.

The next was the Jamun and Mint Muddle. I liked this one a lot, and I don't even usually like Jamun! Sharp, tangy but still quite sweet. It had a slight astringent taste, which for some reason I liked. The mint leaves were extremely fresh, and added in no small measure to the flavor palette of the drink.

Last, but in my opinion best, the Date and Tender Coconut Blitz. The taste of both comes across strongly. An amazing combo, which was elevated in no less measure by the addition of black salt.

Chef Sourabh suggested Crusty Bread for the table, for something to munch on between courses. 

This crunchy bread was made of pearl millet(ragi), rye, rajgira (amaranth) and sundried tomatoes. Served with classic basil pesto. The bread was quite nice, and of course, super healthy. But I believe the pesto could've been a tad thicker. Otherwise, it was pretty good.

Next up, Molten Brie with Pretzel Crusts.

This was an entire wheel of cheese, breaded with pretzel crust. I mean, do you really need me to tell you that this is amazing? It was served with roast beet and spiced apple chutney. The spiced apple was a tad too tangy for my taste when I tied it solo, but no doubt it went really well with the apple chutney. I also paired it with the crusty bread, and the contrasting textures made it so gooood! It was also served with dill, mint and parsley mayo. What a great play of flavors! I just couldn't stop eating this. 

What was next? A Seasonal Squash and Carrot Puree.

This was served with melon seed. green onion, sambal, and flat rice noodles. I am a fan of flat noodles anyway, and I was not let down at all! It was amazing! I wanted more. Yummy, thick, and hearty. All the ingredients complemented each other so well. A dish I would definitely come back for.

The Green Burger BOP (BOP = Best of Pavilion)

Then buns are 'Good for You' rye and sunflower seed buns, served with a side of greens and fries. What's green?

Look at the patty! So Green! Zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, green peas, with some ricotta and oats. This was super yummy! Oats and crumb on top to complete what is possibly the healthiest burger I've ever had.

Next, Vada Pav. Now, I do love street food, no two ways about it. However, I don't much like Vada Pav, but I was willing to give it a shot here.

Served with teekha chutney, meetha chutney and the dry powder that they usually sprinkle on the bun before putting the vada inside.The chutneys were served in a pipette, which was something that all of us found super cute.

Last of the mains, Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi.

Embellished with amber butter, dates, and charoli nuts, this was absolutely fabulous! The medley of flavors were to die for. And the amber butter, oh God. Such delightful flavor combinations. I had never even thought pumpkin and ricotta would work so well with each other before I had this dish.

On to my favorite part of every single meal - Dessert!

First, Pavilion Chocolate Fudge, served with jaggery caramel sauce.

Served with berries, nuts, mascarpone and ice cream. Absolutely delectable. I was not sure how jaggery and caramel would fit, but it fit beautifully. And the fudge was just the right amount of sweet. Even with the ice cream and mascarpone, it didn't get cloyingly sweet. The berries added a much required tartness, too.

Next and last dish of the day, White Chocolate Cheesecake, served with spiced forest berry compote.

Being a major chocolate lover, and a dark chocolate fan at that; I was so surprised when I loved this more than the Chocolate Fudge! With white chocolate shavings on top, and the citrus freshness, there was already a flavorful bite right there. But the addition of the spiced berries took it to ecstasy levels.

One of the best meals I've had at a bloggers' table, I heartily recommend this place to everyone! Their food is not just tasty and healthy, but truly does follow their concept of Responsible Luxury.