Grow with wealth website banner

Follow on X @GrowwithWealth
Subscribe to Newsletter

Author: Ashish

  • Should you invest in Gold ? 9 Smart Alternatives for Diversification

    Should you invest in Gold ? 9 Smart Alternatives for Diversification

    Introduction

    Gold investment in India is more than just a financial decision—it’s a cultural ritual, an emotional experience, and a symbol of prosperity. From weddings to festivals, gold has long held a sacred place in Indian households. However as inflation rise and economic realities of jobs shift, many are asking: Is gold investment in India still the smartest way to invest?

    Let’s explore our connection to the precious metal.

    In the end, we will explore 9 alternatives to gold investment.

    Gold affects us Indians on two spectrums.

    1. Happiness on the micro level
    2. Suffering on a broader level

    Why Gold Investment in India Feels So Personal on micro level

    How you ever bought gold? Believe me it is surreal feeling.

    Gold investment in India – jewelry display

    In India, gold is not just a shiny element—it’s an emotion. For generations, Indian men and women have adorned themselves with gold as a symbol of beauty, security, and tradition. From weddings to festivals, gold is woven into the very fabric of our culture.

    Our family’s gold-buying, minuscule ritual is a cherished one. We usually visit Tanishq on weekends during festive seasons. The experience is grand—from valet parking to the gleaming displays, it feels like a celebration.

    Interestingly, I’ve noticed something : the higher the gold price, the more grandiose we feel about the shopping experience. It’s as if the rising cost adds to the perceived value and excitement of the purchase.

    We buy gold as it brings happiness and a feeling of ecstasy like no other. The glitter in her eyes and the happiness are all worth the gold investment in India.

    How it cost us? – The Burden of Gold Investment on the Macro level

    While we celebrate this golden legacy, there’s a side to the story that often goes unnoticed.

    India is one of the world’s largest gold importers. Consequently, we spend a significant amount of foreign currency to satisfy our national appetite for gold.
    Thus, directly impacting our economy. Gold imports increase our trade imbalance. This leads to :

    1. Pressure on the currency.
    2. Fueling the Fiscal Deficit
    3. Idle Wealth

    To understand the scale, here’s a chart that depicts the amount of gold we bought over the years. While the emotional value is undeniable, the economic cost is substantial—especially when this wealth sits idle.

    Chart Source : gold.org: India gold market update

    Unlike investments in businesses or infrastructure, gold often sits in lockers, not contributing to economic growth. Consequently, it limits the government’s ability to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

    In a nutshell, it costs us insufficient infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

    What can be changed? – Rethink Our Relationship with Gold

    After gold is bought, how does it serve?

    • It does not pay interest.
    • It does not pay dividends.
    • It sits there

    Don’t believe me? Check the video what Warren Buffett says about investing in Gold.

    A Personal Confession: My spouse and I do not believe in buying and holding jewelry as an investment. I am fortunate she shares the same feeling. We believe money can be invested better in income generating assets.

    Let’s explore where money can be better invested.

    Serious Investors look elsewhere.

    Where can we invest instead of Gold?

    This isn’t a call to abandon tradition. Rather, it’s an invitation to reflect.
    If gold investment in India doesn’t pay, then what will?

    Let’s explore 9 income-producing assets, Indianized for context and practicality

    Asset ClassAnnual Return
    (%)    		ProsCons
    Equity Mutual
    Funds / Stocks    		10-14– Strong returns
    – High Liquidity    		– Volatile
    – More financial literacy
    Bank Fixed
    Deposit    		4-6.5– Safe
    – Less financial literacy    		-Taxable nature
    Property
    (Resi. /
    Commercial)    		8-12– Strong returns
    -Social status    		– Low liquidity
    -Maintenance
    Farmland / Agricultural Land6-9– Strong returns
    -Emotional value    		– Low liquidity
    – Cash component
    Govt Schemes
    (PPF/KVP/etc.)    		7.1-8.2– Safest
    – Less financial literacy    		– Low liquidity
    REITs (Embassy, Mindspace etc.)7-10– Real estate exposure
    – Regular dividends    		– Variable Returns
    – Volatile
    – More financial literacy
    Royalties (Music, Books, IP)??– Passive income
    – Creative satisfaction    		– High risk
    – Low involvement
    Build small business
    (Small shop, manufacturing firm, etc)    		??– Huge returns possible
    – Satisfaction    		– Higher risk
    – High involvement
    Build Large business
    (Zomato, Lenskart, etc)    		??– Generation Wealth possible
    – Deep satisfaction    		– Highest risk
    – Highest involvement
    Adapted from Of Dollars And Data by Nick Maggiulli.

    Conclusion

    So, to answer the question, Should you invest in Gold, can finally be answered.

    With the current run-up in gold prices, discarding its investment utility entirely would be impractical.

    I, along with many financial experts, suggest, gold investment in India can be done :

    • A modest allocation—especially in solid form—can still serve as a hedge and a source of emotional comfort.
    • For the rest, let your portfolio be powered by assets that work while you sleep.

    Despite all the economic logic, I must admit: buying gold is a shared joy. It’s a moment of celebration, a tradition many cultures cherish. The sparkle in her eyes when she finds the perfect piece? Worth every rupee.

    Celebrate it for its beauty. Hold it with intention. But

    So, to gold or not to gold? Maybe the answer lies in how we hold gold.

  • India’s Stock Market in 2025: The Right Time to Invest?

    India’s Stock Market in 2025: The Right Time to Invest?

    Current Scenario for Investment

    Inflation is cooling, growth is accelerating, and technology promises to add trillions more in the coming decade. That’s India today. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest — this might just be it.

    Last year, India was struggled with high inflation, cost of everyday essentials were increasing. Growth was modest, salary raises were minuscules from 6.2% .

    Today, the story is about to be flipped: let me put forth a compelling argument on why I feel it is the right time to invest in India.

    Why it feel the right time to invest?

    As per the editorial in The Hindu dated 15 September 2025

    The differential between growth and inflation at this time last year was about 2.1 percentage points. This year, it is about 5.5 percentage points, a welcome and large gap.

    As per MOSPI the real GDP growth stood at 7.6%

    India’s Stock Market in 2025: The Right Time to Invest? GDP vs CPI data

    For us, it means that – Retail inflation in August 2025 stood at just 2.1%, well within the RBI’s comfort band of 2–6%. At the same time, GDP growth has surged, widening the growth–inflation gap to 5.5 percentage points, compared to only 2.1 points last year.

    For anyone watching the economy, this gap signals healthier corporate margins (↑), stronger consumer demand (↑), and a more stable macro environment (=) —> the ideal backdrop for the stock market. Perfect setup for stocks to rise in the future based on improving fundamentals.

    How the Current Macroeconomic Turnaround Helps

    Stock market returns on Nifty 50 TRI has been 0% over the last year. Let us see which factors are converging to make this “Right time to Invest in India” moment particularly supportive.

    Falling food prices:

    Falling inflation and especially, prices of vegetables and pulses contracted nearly 16% and 14.5%, respectively, making essentials more affordable. This leads to boosting household purchasing power. Consequently, more money is available to spend on discretionary items.

    Stable fuel costs:

    India has received crude at discounted rates.

    On the oil trade, a barrel of Urals crude is now $3–$4 cheaper than Brent.

    Even if India moves away from discounted Russian oil, global crude remains relatively low, limiting inflationary pressure. Currently, it is available at $67 per barrel. Pretty stable.

    Global Crude Oil Prices Trend (2024-2025)

    GST rate cuts:

    Lower indirect taxes on goods and services reduce costs and stimulate consumption. To give you a glimpse of how much savings we are talking about, have a look at the chart below. It shows the reduction of car prices by M&M.

    Potential rate cuts by RBI:

    With inflation under control, borrowing costs may fall, supporting both businesses and consumers. Loans will be cheaper, leaving more buying power with the consumer.

    Together, these factors create a macro environment conducive to equity investment — a stark contrast to last year’s high-inflation, low-growth scenario.

    I feel, the data points towards making a case for

    India’s Stock Market in 2025: The Right Time to Invest!

    What Could Amplify Growth: AI as a Game-Changer

    The present stability is only part of the story. AI can be the game-changer.

    Looking forward, artificial intelligence could supercharge India’s economy. According to NITI Aayog’s “AI for Viksit Bharat” report:

    1. Accelerated AI adoption could raise India’s GDP growth to ~8% annually, compared to a baseline of 5.7%.
    2. By 2035, if AI is used optimally, India’s economy could reach $8.3 trillion, compared to $6.6 trillion if growth were 5.7%.

    As explained in BussinessToday, the report highlights three key levers through which AI can add incremental growth:

    • Accelerating AI adoption across industries, improving productivity and efficiency, bridging nearly 30–35% of the growth gap.
    • Transforming R&D with generative AI, which can help India leapfrog into innovation-driven global opportunities, and bridging 20–30% of the gap.
    • Innovation in technology services, which can strengthen India’s reputation as a global leader, contributing 15–20% to the uplift.

    Key sectors like manufacturing and financial services stand to gain disproportionately.

    Do you know, even I have created this website using AI tools. AI helped me in writing this blog, too. If I can use it, what stops the key sectors from using AI? Subsequently, its use will percolate into profits.

    In short, today’s macroeconomic conditions provide a solid foundation, while AI-driven innovation offers a structural boost for long-term growth.

    Again, making a compelling case for “India’s Stock Market in 2025: The Right Time to Invest! “

    Conclusion

    Though there will always be risk, both domestic and external, data thoroughly suggests a turning point for Indian markets is just around the corner.

    I am personally invested in the stock market through Index funds and flexicap funds. I intend to keep buying at an accelerated rate.

    Why invest now? Because India’s growth-inflation gap is favorable.

    How does it help? Strong consumer demand, supportive policies, and falling costs align in favor of investors.

    What’s next? If AI adoption accelerates, India could leap to an $8.3 trillion economy by 2035 — a future that rewards early attention.

    This is India’s investment moment. The question is: will you notice it early?

  • How to introduce yourself – 3 easy steps

    How to introduce yourself – 3 easy steps

    Introduction

    Giving your Icebreaker Speech or in other words introducing yourself is a daunting task. Be it social setup, formal or informal set up.

    Why should we learn How to introduce yourself?

    My dear friend if you are the brand, your story is your card. Even in your absence it continues to speak for you.

    How will you learn?

    I’ll share with you the same steps that shaped my journey as a speaker. They’re simple, they work, and if you practice them, you’ll become someone people remember..

    What will you learn?

    You’ll learn 3 steps to up your game. Specifically learning:

    • A simple structure for introduction
    • Choosing a personal story that connects
    • Things to avoid as a speaker

    Results –

    Once you apply these, within next few introductions, you will see the difference. The tell-tell signs will be,

    • You will be easily remembered.
    • You will get more smiles at you.

    Wondering what makes me such an expert?

    I’ve introduced myself across three countries, in every role and team, sometimes formally, sometimes casually, but always with impact. Over time, I’ve learned how to turn nerves into stories and stories into connection.

    Do you want to linger like a sweet perfume in their sub-conscious, this post is for you.

    Let’s Learn –

    Picture this:

    You’ve to introduce yourself to a room full of seniors, colleagues, or maybe someone you like.
    Is this your approach? Hello, I am Julie/Joans/Ashish. I work in XYZ department. I live near ABC area. I am here to explain about ABC / introduce myself.

    People react to it unenthusiastically. A few nods and fake smiles. The engagement is not real.

    Why does it not work?

    I will tell you the secret, no Story = no connection. I remember the following quote –

    The goal of communication should be connection, not perfection

    Mr Matt Abrahams, the Author of “Think Faster Talk Smarter”

    The secret Ingredient

    Stories help to build that elusive connection. It must be the heart of any icebreaker or introduce yourself speech.

    Well let’s start by helping you to create that one “Hey, this is me,” speech by creating structure.

    Structure For your Icebreaker Speech

    Speech structure consists of three parts:

    Andrea Wojnicki gives us a simple way to create a structure using past-present-future format. Building further on this-

    Introduction part of your how to introduce yourself speech

    When learning, how to introduce yourself or how to give icebreaker speech, remember introduction sets the tone. It is a reason to listen, and our chance to build curiosity.

    First, choose your style and apply past-present-future format

    Casual or Humorous Style – Social setting

    Example : “Hi, I’m Riya. I once tried to impress my boss by fixing the office printer. Long story short—we now have a new printer.”

    Note: The tone is playful, working well with a relaxed audience, open to a laugh. Just keep it light and respectful.

    Informal Style – Team settings

    Example :“I’m Ashish your team lead. We are about to start this new project. In the past project, with help of efficient use of sub-contracting, my team exceeded management’s profit estimates. Subsequently the team won the Star Performer award. Looking forward for to working with you all.”

    Formal Style – Senior leadership and clients type of setting

    Example : “Good morning. I’m Aarohi, currently leading the Sales for south region. My focus has been on performance optimization. I’m passionate about using AI in estimating thus adding value to the client and our organization.”
    This tone is respectful, polished, and still gives a glimpse of your personality.

    Note – all the above short introductions have Past -Present-Future and a story for connection.

    Pro Tip: match your tone to the setting—and to be yourself while doing it. That’s what leaves an indelible impression on your audience.

    Body of your How to introduce yourself speech

    Further build that momentum by including relatable, enjoyable and informative stories. Subsequently these stories will build the connections.

    Body for Informal Settings

    In casual or social environments, feel free to share more personal details:

    • Who’s in your family
    • Where you live (or have lived)
    • Colleges or courses you attended
    • Hobbies is a go-to detail
    • Some interesting Jobs you’ve worked

    Among any one detail, add a story that’s specific and special to you.

    Why? Because audiences love stories. They remember stories more than facts.

    Example: “I grew up in three different cities. In one, I learned how to ride a bike. In another, I learned how to speak up. And in the third, I learned how to listen.” You can expand on it.

    Body for Formal Settings

    In professional or formal environments, focus on your career journey:

    • Colleges and degrees
    • Association with past Companies or departments
    • Past and current projects
    • Any special recognition or awards

    Continue with the story you told in Introduction.
    If time permits and the occasion allows, share a story that made you feel proud. Why? Because the story that makes you proud is the one you’ll tell best.
    Example:
    After telling about projects, you can slide into the story by saying “One highlight of my career was creating a central database for codes and drawings. It saved time across many projects and taught me a simple truth—small ideas can create big impact”
    Body is required to continue the momentum and adding more information about you.

    Pro Tip : Do do not have to by-heart your speech. Since it’s your story, you know the part well. Just remember you have to tell a story about one of your Projects.

    Conclusion of your how to introduce yourself speech

    Do not end the speech abruptly. I’ve heard so many speakers end their speech abruptly—no signal, no summary, just a sudden stop. You loose your audience in that moment.
    Here’s what myself—and many seasoned speakers—recommend:

    Signal the End Clearly

    Let your audience know you’re coming to the end. Use phrases like:
    “To conclude…”, “Let me leave you with this…”, “Now, this brings us to the end of my speech…”
    This helps your audience mentally prepare to reflect and respond.

    Summarize Your Message

    With a big smile, remind your audience what you’ve shared:

    • Who you are
    • Connect the story with the moral you received from it.

    Example: “So that’s a little about me—from the cities I’ve lived / projects I’ve worked on. I look forward to meet you / work with you / learn more about / from each of you.”

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Here are a few things to steer clear of in your first icebreaker speech:

    Trying to Impress Instead of Connect

    It’s tempting to list achievements or use complex language to sound impressive. But your audience is more interested in who you are than what you’ve done. Keep it real and relatable.

    Overloading with Details

    Don’t try to tell your entire life story in one speech. Stick to one or two meaningful moments. Too many details can bore your audience.

    Ending Abruptly

    A sudden stop can leave your audience puzzled. Always signal the end and wrap up with a clear, warm conclusion that reinforces your message.

    Watch what Vinh Giang has to say about speaking –

    One common mistake – Stepping Back !

    With these simple steps and a structure you can master the art of Introducing yourself during that crucial first meeting. If you use this, and see difference, do let me know. I would love a feedback.

    Conclusion of our Post!

    Here is a brief overview of 3 -steps on what we learnt in “How to introduce yourself speech”.

    By doing this, you will be able to create a genuine connection. And long after you’ve left the room, you’ll still be remembered.

    Our Ultimate goal must be to leave an imprint by learning to introduce ourself the right way.

    Keep Growing!

  • How to achieve Career Growth – 7 Steps

    How to achieve Career Growth – 7 Steps

    • What is Career?
    • Why is career growth important ?
    • How to achieve career growth?

    If these are your questions, look no further. We will explore it in this post.

    What makes me such an expert you say?

    Hello I am Ashish Gade, a millennial, worked in corporate world and a part of this “better-off” brigade. I have out-grown my comfort zone more than once, and every single time benefitted from it.

    By the end of this blog I intend to help you –

    • Understand , why you must grow with your wealth.
    • Will provide you with framework of how to achieve growth in your professional and personal life

    Let us start by understanding “Career & Growth”.

    What is Meaning of Career?

    As per Webster dictionary the meaning of career is

    a field for or pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement especially in public, professional, or business life

    The word Progressive achievement points towards growth. Career is selection, growth is its natural ally.

    We consider life as your career, and discuss following types of growth-

    Social Growth

    Humans are social animals and need to grow socially.

    Do you know social growth and mental resilience are directly connected?

    This monk explains the modern depression succinctly-

    Shaolin Monk on Depression.

    Why do we have too much time on our hands? Few instances are-

    • Want milk, veggies, etc – Get it in 10 mins
    • Want to buy a stock – Get in 5 mins
    • Want to write a code – Get it in 2 mins

    The other day, my daughter wanting new earphones, preferred a 10 min delivery app. Amazon’s overnight delivery seems slow. I was amazed.

    Another instance, she used ChatGPT, to reduce the pixel size of her photo. Me a Millennial, would have used Microsoft’s Paint. She and got what she wanted in less than 1 minute, effectively saving 30 minutes.

    This infers to the fact that technology saves our time.

    Excess time leading us to spend it on non-growth avenues. Christina Tiplea writes how people are wasting time.

    Incidentally, commencing your social growth journey will leave less time to waste, and more towards you will become an emotionally strong and resilient.

    Financial Growth

    Finally the perennial question that pops in our mind – Will career growth benefit me financially?

    It is a valid question. If we are going to invest time and money in learning and growing, will we be rewarded for it.

    It has been observed that the one who grows is rewarded. It is said-

    Nature favors the one who dares to grow—quietly, persistently, and without permission

    Let me tell you an instance where learning something new has helped me. During my PMP certification I invested money and time. It helped me in completing a digitalization project in my company. The project helped the firm. Subsequently I was rewarded with the star performer for the year along with handsome financial gains.

    How to achieve Career Growth
    Growth mindset delivers handsome returns

    That one decision, to learn a new skill not only changed my career journey but also rewarded me handsomely.

    Use or that skill in my personal life has been an added advantage.

    Let me put it clearly, career growth often goes hand-in-hand with better pay and benefits. When you show that you’ve got the skills, your company will choose you rather than look outside. And when you’re helping the company save money, there’s a good chance you’ll be rewarded!

    Personal Growth

    Personal growth is development of skills, knowledge and mindset.

    You start by being self aware about yourself. Personal growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones. Every challenge, setback, or failure is an opportunity to learn resilience and adaptability.

    By embracing discomfort, you expand your capacity to handle life’s uncertainties with confidence. Growth also involves learning continuously—whether through books, mentors, experiences, or reflection—because new knowledge opens doors to new possibilities.

    How to achieve Career Growth?

    Until now we have established the necessity of career growth. Next how to achieve career growth?

    Achieving career growth is not learning courses. Doing just that will be counter-productive.

    Say you a computer engineer, starts learning finance course, would do little to enhance your growth. On the contrary it will lead you further away from your goal.

    Following are 7 pointers which can lead to ensure you achieve career growth –

    1. Be aware of your current situation. Learn what will elevate you to the next level.
    2. Embrace Challenges and put your hand out for difficult assignments.
    3. Build relationships – Talk to people more often, attach to social causes.
    4. Surrounding yourself with growth oriented people will help you grow faster.
    5. Journaling helps. Writing your goal and the steps required, give you a perspective of your journey.
    6. Create something new – write, blog, get new hobbies.
    7. Be a Lifelong Student. Curiosity leads to you knowing what is required to be done to grow. See what M/s Indra Nooyi says about being a Lifelong student

    What I am doing, I have started blogging and attending workshops like Toastmasters and book clubs. This has provided me confidence to talk to people and mentally resilience towards my physical limitations.

    Conclusion

    Stagnation, you have to work against this one word. It erodes potential, dims the spark that makes us curious, creative, and courageous.

    But the good news? Growth is always within reach. It starts with awareness, is sustained by action, and blossoms through consistency.

    We saw-

    • What is growth
    • How to achieve it
    • Why it is necessary

    As a person we have to grow

    • Socially
    • Personlly
    • Financially

    Growth fuels purpose, builds resilience, and unlocks fulfillment and keeps us respected. Whether it’s learning a new skill, stepping out of your comfort zone, or simply choosing to do things better than yesterday—every act of growth adds weight to your presence in the world.

    So ask yourself—not just where you want to go, but who you want to become. Because in the long run, as Benjamin Graham said, it’s not about who gets noticed—it’s about who truly matters.

    Grow with the Wealth!