"From Novice to Knowledge: My Investing Journey"

Are you someone who's just starting to explore the world of investment? If yes, then you've come to the right place! As someone who's been through the initial stages of investing and has gained some insights along the way, I want to share my experiences with you in this beginner's guide. Investing can be intimidating, especially if you're new to it. But with the right mindset and approach, anyone can become a master of investing. In this guide, I'll share tips on how to start investing, including doing research and learning from mistakes. I strongly believe that investing in your interests is the key to standing out in the future. Whether you're interested in stocks, real estate, or other investment options, this guide will provide you with the basics to start your investment journey. So, take that first step and dive into the world of investing with confidence. Let's get started!

Adil Murshid

3/28/20238 min read

blue and black city buildings photography
blue and black city buildings photography
1. My Two-Year Investing Journey: Basics and Beyond

Alright, it's obvious that I'm not a professional, and I am here to tell you about my experience of 2 years of investing. And please always study the things that need understanding. The day when I had no idea about Mutual funds back then but maybe you remember or not there was always an advertisement going on TV about Mutual funds and I get excited about what are mutual funds and the way they show that when you invest you will be rich if true, then how I can start doing this mutual fund thing well thanks to our school where it's not important to learn even the basics of these things anyway that something where I can make a separate topic, so yes I had no idea and if you don't know too that is okay from my side, more important is there is always a way to learn and by this post I will try to explain at least the basics.

2. Why Invest? The Power of Mindset and Discipline

In short, Invest to grow yes that's the answer and when talking about growing I didn't mean to be wealthy and grow wealth, in the beginning, when I started my investments I used to be like an investment can only bring us wealth in the future well if we have a lot of money then yes money will generate more money but what if we start with small? With less? It won't make us wealthy, and it did not get me rich and I don't take it as a negative point. I've watched so many people saying investment can make you rich but let me tell you investment can bring you more than money and by being able to invest every exact date of the month you decide even the smallest part of your income can change your mindset "yes mindset" being someone to do something frequently can transform you into a person where you'll be proud of yourself since the beginning you do not need to think to be successful you just need to think to stay disciplined. 

In conclusion, consider saving your income and saving regularly. There are so many ways where we can put hard-earned money, and the mindset of savings can eventually lead you to the place you have always dreamed of.

Investment Scrabble text
Investment Scrabble text
3.Types of Investments: A Beginner's Guide

There are several types of investments to determine for yourself. It's not necessarily necessary to invest in every asset. Consider 2 to 3 investment options to start. Do you know how sometimes we get so caught up in trying to move fast and get ahead that we forget to catch a breath and slow down? Well, there's a saying that says, "Be patient and be the best." And it's true! Taking the time to slow down, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions can help you achieve more in the long run. So, taking your time and making consistent progress is better than rushing and making mistakes. It's a must to have a long-term perspective when investing and not try to achieve quick gains. And more importantly, by investing wisely and staying committed over time, you can increase your chances of success and ultimately come out on top.

4.Stock, Bonds, Mutual Funds: Understanding Investment Options
  • Stocks: Stocks represent ownership in a company and can be bought and sold on stock exchange.

  • Bonds: Bonds are debt securities issued by companies or governments. They pay a fixed interest rate over a set period and are considered less risky than stocks.

  • Mutual funds: A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, and other securities managed by a professional fund manager.

  • Exchange-traded funds (ETFs): ETFs are similar to mutual funds but trade like stocks on stock exchanges.Real estate: Real estate investments include buying and owning property, as well as investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate mutual funds.

  • Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security.

  • Commodities: Commodities include physical goods like gold, silver, oil, and other raw materials.

  • Options: Options give investors the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price and time.

  • Futures: Futures contracts allow investors to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price and time in the future.

selective focus photo of plant spouts
selective focus photo of plant spouts
5.Recommended YouTube Channels for Learning about Investing

We have a lot of options to invest but as I've mentioned earlier it's not necessarily that we jump on every asset. The most effective way to invest is to do research. There are hundreds and thousands of resources available where we can devote a small amount of time to determining our perspective on how to choose and where to invest. I'll share some of my favorite YouTube channels where I've learned about investing

a man sitting at a table with a laptop
a man sitting at a table with a laptop
Ankur Warikoo 

His explanation of every investment will make you understand it deeply, which will make you stand out in your investment journey.

Rachana Phadke Ranade

One of her videos explaining the basics of the stock market has 24 million views at the time I'm writing this article.

a woman sitting at a desk with a keyboard and a laptop
a woman sitting at a desk with a keyboard and a laptop
a man in a white shirt and sunglasses
a man in a white shirt and sunglasses
Pratik Chauhan

His shorts videos explanation on Youtube will help you understand investing basics.

You just need to explore more videos and articles explaining investment when you go deeper into it.

6.How to Invest: Discount vs Full-Service Brokerage & Platforms

In most cases, we think it's so hard to start investing, but this is completely wrong. As of 2023, there are so many platforms to start with just a demat account. And for beginners, my suggestion is to start investing with a discount brokerage. You can learn more about discount brokerage and full-service brokerage. 

Full-service brokerage: Full-service brokerage refers to a type of brokerage firm that offers a wide range of services to its clients, including investment advice, research, and financial planning. They typically charge higher fees for these services, but they provide a higher level of support and expertise than discount brokerages. Full-service brokers may also offer additional services like banking, insurance, and wealth management. These firms are often recommended for novice investors who need guidance in selecting and managing their investments. However, they may not be cost-effective for experienced investors who prefer a more hands-on approach to managing their portfolios.

Discount brokerage: Discount brokerage is a type of brokerage that provides trading services at a lower cost than traditional full-service brokerages. Unlike full-service brokerages, discount brokerages typically do not offer personalized investment advice, research, or other premium services. Instead, they focus on providing streamlined and low-cost trading platforms, often through online or mobile applications. Discount brokerages are popular among self-directed investors who want to save on fees and commissions and are willing to do their research and make their own investment decisions.

Why I prefer discount brokerage: okay so maybe you got a question about why I mentioned that I suggest discount brokerage services, not full-service brokerage well because the reason to invest is not just making money in my perspective if you want to invest you need to make a mindset where you are going to be in discipline and will learn as I mentioned being in rush will make you rich maybe but it won't help in the long run making your research and making your own decisions on taking action making your likes and dislikes will help you more but Yes it's not mean I don't support full-service brokerage there is so many people that they don't really have time to do every research and making decisions and they just don't want to put their hard-earned money in a bank where it's never going to grow so here the full-service brokerage can help a lot so it's all about preferences and your situation in my situation as a person who loves to learn more I decided to go with a discount brokerage.

The platforms provide full-service brokerage and discount brokerage:

  1. Full-service brokerage

  • ICICI Securities

  • HDFC Securities

  • Axis Direct

  1. Discount brokerage

  • Zerodha

  • Upstox

  • Groww 

I started my journey with Groww and I liked their services and how they make investment easy for beginners they have good help articles and live chat support and email support with the good app they provide everything on a single app but last year I decided to move to Zerodha and the reason is on Groww I was not able to learn a lot so I decided to go with Zerodha since it has more things to offer but I'll still suggest going with Groww because it will help you a lot to learn by Groww support team and the app. 

What you need to create a Demat account 

  • Personal details: Your name, address, date of birth, PAN card number, and contact information.

  • Bank account details: You will need to link your demat account to your bank account. So, you'll need your bank account number and IFSC code.

  • Proof of identity: You'll need a copy of your PAN card, AADHAAR card, passport, voter ID card, or driver's license.

  • Proof of address: You'll need to provide a copy of your passport, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or utility bill as proof of address.

  • Passport-size photos: You'll need passport-size photos to open an account.

Different brokers may have slightly different requirements, so it's always advisable to check with your chosen broker to confirm exactly what documents and information you'll need to provid

a cell phone sitting on top of a table next to a laptop
a cell phone sitting on top of a table next to a laptop
7."Conclusion: Importance of Research and Learning in Investment"

Okay so for this article that's all i need to explain i believe in doing research to learn more nothing will make you perfect but your own experiences and mistakes will make you better i believe making your interest to knowledge is a key to make yourself start making yourself stand out for future i do believe on you and i believe whatever you will do and learn will make you a better person i hope this small article helps you to understand at least the basics in conclusion as I've mentioned before it's not necessary to do everything that the people are doing nowadays but it's important to at least know about the things which are important to know and investment is a part of it it's important and we need to accept by your own decisions and research you can start learning and investing which will make you master of investing one day with no doubt but always try to go slow you have your all life ahead and in my personal opinion the importance is to learn not to run and if you're thinking what is the meaning of writing this article where I'm not even providing a strategy and suggestions, well the reason behind to make you aware of investment and how to start I'm not professional and have a lot to learn in investment.

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