Sunday, December 14, 2014
Monday, October 13, 2014
Voice Biometrics
Read this morning that the current hot technology is to pioneer voice biometrics where one can use their voice as a spare key, talk their way through security and sign contracts vocally. Is Ventriloquism the skill i need next to stay relevant in this knowledge intensive industry? As a software tester, I already feel like a parrot trying to emulate. A Nerdy feeling indeed!
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Loom bands and the Inner Child
Pradyumna, our 2.5 year old son is not so picky about what he eats, unlike like most 2.5 year old are. He likes most of the things that Ranjini or my mother serve for lunch or dinner.Pradyumna is now developing a certain affinity to the screen and can happily be glued to the telly or the laptop for hours.
Samiksha, our eight year old loves art projects. She draws and paints and cuts paper and sticksthings together. She doesn’t like the cleanup part,staying away from the telly though, and will often get quite upset during that part.Samiksha also doesn’t like going to bed in time or eating her veggies either. She thinks she should stay up quite a bit later than she does and eat selective vegetables and often ensures that we know about it through lots of grumbling before mealtime and bedtime.
Each of them have strong impulsive desires. There are things that they should be doing and there are things that they want to be doing. When these things don’t overlap, it becomes very difficult very quickly. Fortunately, Ranjini reads these signs much better than I and therefore the situation is normally well under control
They want to justify doing the things they want to do and, at the same time, justify not doing the things they don’t want to do. Both Samiksha and Pradyumna eventually do what we want them to do.
In other words, they understand that doing the thing that isn’t enjoyable and they’re often driven by impulse, and that impulse almost always steers them to whatever choice is most enjoyable at that time
I understand that impulse.Do I deeply understand it?
Even now, it’s sometimes tempting to spend money with reckless abandon on whatever it is I want (although not always for myself) at the moment. Why would I otherwise buy 3000 rubber bands for my daughter or a 100+ Staedtler pencils(of course Tesco had an unbelievable markdown) or the two Hornby Train sets. It’s tempting to skip out on cycling on the weekends or to eat a tasty but unhealthy meal. It’s tempting to put down a challenging but thought-provoking book and pick up a page-turner(took me more than half a dozen attempts before I could get to the back cover of Dr Taleb's 'Black Swan'. It’s tempting to not “bank” some articles for the career upskill and instead follow near and not so near ones on fb or whatsapp
That impulse is the exact same thing I see on the face of my children when they’re caught between a good choice versus a happy choice. I know that they’re shaping up to what it takes to be a mature and hopefully rational person who can control their urges– but they’re still kids - well their dad is one too..
I’m an adult, of course, but that child is still alive inside of me.Some say conclusively that you try to do as an adult what you couldn't achieve in your childhood. Childhood deprivation is also attributed to this. I had a good childhood with our parents always trying to get us what we deserved in those technology starved days. The friend network was stronger which meant access to a friend's Atari or Nintendo,Archie Digests,tonnes of Amar Chitra Kathas and the never ending inflow of Russian publications that made their way to our home.One of the sadder part of growing up being Navakarnataka publications no longer have anything to do with Moscow. Even now, it’s that child that shouts at me to do whatever it is that’s most fun in the near term without thinking about the future.That explains my rather careless spending on all matters philately, expensive entries to museums and a general splurge on travel.I have temporarily fixed the latter urge by getting myself a yearly membership to the National Trust that allows me free entry to conserved properties across the UK. Is it worth? Probably not as I would not be able to distinguish between two noblemen from the Victorian era whose lavish lifestyles I pay to see in the form of conserved mansions,estates etc. It is this inner child that pushes me to spend money,sometimes needlessly because I’ll enjoy whatever I buy now.Did I tell you that I am, these days scourging sunday markets and car boot sales these days trying to find a bargain Kodak Vest Camera that was also called the soldiers' camera from the 1913-1920 war era. Can I leave without it? Absolutely!!
I am well aware that these pursuits could all be worthless and only a self reminder of containing such impulses can help.Sometimes, I listen to that inner child. It can be fun and very soul satisfying. That inner child is impulsive and he’s going to lead me toward something that’s enjoyable right now. Hopefully the adult in me knows that I’m going to listen often and has prepared a budget that allows for some “free spending” once in a while
So, over the years I have learnt that never, ever shut out that urge to spend/buy. Instead, learn when you can listen to that impulse and know what you can do in advance to make some impulsiveness possible.Hopefully I listen to the inner call :-)
Samiksha, our eight year old loves art projects. She draws and paints and cuts paper and sticksthings together. She doesn’t like the cleanup part,staying away from the telly though, and will often get quite upset during that part.Samiksha also doesn’t like going to bed in time or eating her veggies either. She thinks she should stay up quite a bit later than she does and eat selective vegetables and often ensures that we know about it through lots of grumbling before mealtime and bedtime.
Each of them have strong impulsive desires. There are things that they should be doing and there are things that they want to be doing. When these things don’t overlap, it becomes very difficult very quickly. Fortunately, Ranjini reads these signs much better than I and therefore the situation is normally well under control
They want to justify doing the things they want to do and, at the same time, justify not doing the things they don’t want to do. Both Samiksha and Pradyumna eventually do what we want them to do.
In other words, they understand that doing the thing that isn’t enjoyable and they’re often driven by impulse, and that impulse almost always steers them to whatever choice is most enjoyable at that time
I understand that impulse.Do I deeply understand it?
Even now, it’s sometimes tempting to spend money with reckless abandon on whatever it is I want (although not always for myself) at the moment. Why would I otherwise buy 3000 rubber bands for my daughter or a 100+ Staedtler pencils(of course Tesco had an unbelievable markdown) or the two Hornby Train sets. It’s tempting to skip out on cycling on the weekends or to eat a tasty but unhealthy meal. It’s tempting to put down a challenging but thought-provoking book and pick up a page-turner(took me more than half a dozen attempts before I could get to the back cover of Dr Taleb's 'Black Swan'. It’s tempting to not “bank” some articles for the career upskill and instead follow near and not so near ones on fb or whatsapp
That impulse is the exact same thing I see on the face of my children when they’re caught between a good choice versus a happy choice. I know that they’re shaping up to what it takes to be a mature and hopefully rational person who can control their urges– but they’re still kids - well their dad is one too..
I’m an adult, of course, but that child is still alive inside of me.Some say conclusively that you try to do as an adult what you couldn't achieve in your childhood. Childhood deprivation is also attributed to this. I had a good childhood with our parents always trying to get us what we deserved in those technology starved days. The friend network was stronger which meant access to a friend's Atari or Nintendo,Archie Digests,tonnes of Amar Chitra Kathas and the never ending inflow of Russian publications that made their way to our home.One of the sadder part of growing up being Navakarnataka publications no longer have anything to do with Moscow. Even now, it’s that child that shouts at me to do whatever it is that’s most fun in the near term without thinking about the future.That explains my rather careless spending on all matters philately, expensive entries to museums and a general splurge on travel.I have temporarily fixed the latter urge by getting myself a yearly membership to the National Trust that allows me free entry to conserved properties across the UK. Is it worth? Probably not as I would not be able to distinguish between two noblemen from the Victorian era whose lavish lifestyles I pay to see in the form of conserved mansions,estates etc. It is this inner child that pushes me to spend money,sometimes needlessly because I’ll enjoy whatever I buy now.Did I tell you that I am, these days scourging sunday markets and car boot sales these days trying to find a bargain Kodak Vest Camera that was also called the soldiers' camera from the 1913-1920 war era. Can I leave without it? Absolutely!!
I am well aware that these pursuits could all be worthless and only a self reminder of containing such impulses can help.Sometimes, I listen to that inner child. It can be fun and very soul satisfying. That inner child is impulsive and he’s going to lead me toward something that’s enjoyable right now. Hopefully the adult in me knows that I’m going to listen often and has prepared a budget that allows for some “free spending” once in a while
So, over the years I have learnt that never, ever shut out that urge to spend/buy. Instead, learn when you can listen to that impulse and know what you can do in advance to make some impulsiveness possible.Hopefully I listen to the inner call :-)
Saturday, August 30, 2014
The Cotswolds - Area of Natural beauty
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| The Bridge, Bradford On Avon |
This assignment brings me to to South-Western England to the county of Wiltshire and specifically to the town of Swindon. I was destined to be in Swindon for 2 full years more so probably because my providence decided to link me to this town that has such a bit of railway history and I have definitely admired European trains and the history behind these massive connectors in a unitedly fragmented continent. I live fortunately close to the Great Western Railway yard which is now a sprawling and ever expanding retail outlet village.. Also near where I live is another attraction that I have started to love visiting numerous times now.
The Cotswolds is an area in south central England containing the Cotswold Hills, a range of rolling hills which rise from the meadows of the upper Thames to an escarpment, known as the Cotswold Edge, above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone which creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK, and which is quarried for the golden coloured Cotswold stone. This gives the quaint houses in this area a soft golden colour.The area, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, is considered to have unique features derived from the local Cotswold stone; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns, and stately homes and gardens - Oh! tell you what, every village I have been to now is so charming. The villages in the Cotswolds are typical stone villages and are so full of charm from Stratford-upon Avon to Bath in the South. After my first visit although on a recommendation from a friend, we have fallen in love with the landscape which is a mix of golden yellow stone villages, rolling hills and meadows and rivers the size of brooks and streams. The Cotswolds have some of the most charming English Villages I have seen and tops on my list of all things English - The Dales, Lake District. It has now become a weekend past time to be in a village in the Cotswolds and the favourites have been Bourton-On-The-Water, Moreton on Marsh, Bibury, Lechlade-on-Thames, Bradforn-on Avon,Broadway, Lacock ,Castle Combe, Snowshill, Winchcombe and Stow on the wold,. The favourites being Bourton-on-water wich has been voted as one of the prettiest village in England so many times. There is so much to do in each of these villages -quaint little shops,museums (The motoring museum at Bourton), stone bridges, old and welcoming churches and little rivers throughout the most charming countryside where unspoiled fields and natural woodland complement the expression of rural England - Truly straight out of a picture book.
Get there if you are anywhere nearby anytime soon. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Will add more soon.
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| With Arun ,Windrush Riverside, Bourton on the Water - Aug 2014 |
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| After a good walk, Bradford on Avon - Aug 2014 |
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| Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford |
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| Bibury,Cotswolds |
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| Broadway Tower - A historic folly |
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| The Arlington Row,Bibury |
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| The abbey at Lacock |
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| Blackberries while biking |
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| Bourton on Water |
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| Posing with the Transall C-160D German Air Force Transporter |
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| High Street,Broadway |
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| Wye Valley view from Symonds Yat (Forst of Dean) |
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| Sunday morning exploring Lechlade on Thames |
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| My Favourite view of the Arlington Row |
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| Snowshill |
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| The Romance of the cream teas |
Monday, June 16, 2014
Perfect German start
What a perfect start to yet another world cup campaign by Germany walloping a hapless Portugal 4 goals to nil. The German team probably has the most impressive line up in this years championship. And what a great game they played this evening against the Portuguese. Even the world's best player in Ronaldo couldn't do much other than almost helplessly watch a well oiled German machine clinically demolish a world class team both morally and hopefully not psychologically. The attack was trademark German blitzkrieg with Thomas Mueller scoring the first hatrick of this edition of the world cup. I have always been impressed with German football as their clubs have contributed to talent grooming and producing players who have made the nation proud. Something probably the English may want to emulate with all their rich clubs. England, though have been more than impressive this world cup. Living in England, I can't imagine that an expensive TV connection and licensing is the only option to catch the games live. Even India currently ranked 154 by FIFA telecasts world cup matches almost free!
What high expectations the Germans must be having from their team so full of stars but all so grounded and groomed under the watch of such veterans who identify and groom talent at clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke, Leverkusen, Koln, Hamburg...
Germany no doubt has some of the best talent and have played delightful football in the past. Unfortunately they will have to do without Marco Reus, their most dangerous forward, and also hope Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller can produce enough to make up for his absence while being well supported by Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng,Phillip Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. A win in Brazil would then prove the world that Germany have strength in depth.
Ein land, Eine Mannschaft, Ein Traum!!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Back on the Road
After 2 months of driving around the UK with the family, I finally got back to my wheels this morning but not before a bit of preparation and motivating myself to get back on the bike once again. The day began with getting the bike ready - inflating tyres, checking the gears and completing cooking for the day. The most important bit however being to get Vikrant also sign up to hit the road. Vikrant has just seen off his wife and kids to India and Mahesh and I certainly wanted him back to his cheerful self after his family left. This was very much the same feeling a couple of weeks ago when Ranjini and the kids went back to India. An expats loneliness!
Today we also welcomed another new member to our cycling fraternity - Zakir Yellala. Zak decided to cycle with us on Sundays and has recently bought a swell of a bike with all the springs and coils in the right places,a gleaming red Bandit.Our first ride after the rather long hiatus was a 14 mile ride this afternoon through the swindon borough countryside taking us through Shaw Forest, Moredon country park and finally towards Cricklade passing through the little but beautiful village of Purton. The village pub was very tastefully decorated with the English flags and world cup buntings. If only the chaps in Brazil do some justice to the millions of English fans by first getting out of the group and then achieve a recent best show if not win the title. The bikes held well through the ride with just Vikrants bike once stalling due to a loosened chain sprocket. We gave ourselves a few short breaks for rehydration (South west England is quite warm these days). At the end of it, it was all very satisfying to complete today's ride (with sore backsides) but the real thrill lay in the fact that we got back to the roads after such a long break. A little dirt on the shirts, chain grease on the hands and sweat on the brows..but what better than crisp wind on our faces and a mind that just refuses to age..until the next big ride..
Friday, April 4, 2014
Reflections from a tough week
Hindsight makes sages of us all, if only we had a working crystal ball. Tired and drained after a 60 hour week
Friday, March 7, 2014
An Evening at Wembley - Pics from the England-Denmark Friendly
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| With Dave Prescott,Wembley 2014 |
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Married for a decade
Today marks a very special day in our lives– Ranjini and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe that it has been a decade already! Feb 23rd also happens to be my parents wedding anniversary!
We have experienced the joy of being newlyweds, the excitement of our careers, and the sorrow of death in the loss of her grandparents and my uncles and aunts. We have dealt with fear of health issues, both our own, and our loved ones. We have experienced the joys of buying our first home, and raising two wonderful kids to fill ‘Advaita’ with noise and laughter. We have grown in our faith thanks to our belief in the almighty and a simple philosophy of respecting people around us for what they are. Over the years, we have made several wonderful friends who have been such a pleasure to hang around with, both at the workplace as well as on the social circuit. We have traveled several countries, been to places which we have dreamed together, experienced life and cultures in these countries. Our children are growing up learning and navigating through life's many challenges. God has always been kind to us as a family with his blessings.
As I sit and look back into the past 10 years, sitting in a remote town in south west England and in what way I could share what all was on my heart, I decided the best thing would be to share my thoughts for posterity through my blog.
Ranjini and I are now married for 10 years and since that day in February 2004 it's been a wonderful journey together. Today as we celebrate our Tin anniversary, I reflect back on these years together and can only reminscence on the times.The past ten years have seen us raise two wonderful children in Samiksha and Pradyumna, grow individually in our careers and hopefully somewhere fulfilled the expectations our families have on us.It is often said that a major part of success is filling your life with people who encourage your positive growth and your success.We have tried to impart skills and values which we have believed are right for our children to grow into well rounded personalities.
Every single success in my life over the past decade or so has been tightly influenced by efforts of Ranjini. There is no major success that I would have been able to achieve without her.Whenever there’s a decision to be made, Ranjini always has a valuable insight or two that I would have probably not considered. She does an amazing job of pulling our thoughts and aspirations together and developing ideas and plans for our future.
She’s always taking care of the little things that need doing, often without saying a word.This is very important for us as I have mostly been away for long months on work. Many little things will just be done, often without anyone immediately noticing. She just does them.
She constantly makes hard choices and small sacrifices for the people in her life, be it the children, her parents or my mother putting aside what she might want to be doing in any moment to take care of those around her.
She’s incredibly bright, assembling ideas and thoughts into sensible statements and arguments and plans at the blink of an eye. She completed her Ph.D in Neurophysiology soon after the birth of our daughter and again went back to a full time job after the birth of our son. A bright physician that she is, Ranjini is also an incredible mother and a diligent cook dishing out healthy meals for the family. She is a perfect blend of patience and understanding with the right touch of strictness to teach our children the things they need to know for a successful life. She’s there to wipe away their tears in a moment of anguish, to laugh and play with them when the mood is right, and to guide them down the path that they need to go on.I can almost make no claim on the accomplishments at school or at classical dance and singing if it wasn't for Ranjini's persistence and encouragement. I completely understand Samiksha's Valentine day card for her mother this year now!
We have experienced the joy of being newlyweds, the excitement of our careers, and the sorrow of death in the loss of her grandparents and my uncles and aunts. We have dealt with fear of health issues, both our own, and our loved ones. We have experienced the joys of buying our first home, and raising two wonderful kids to fill ‘Advaita’ with noise and laughter. We have grown in our faith thanks to our belief in the almighty and a simple philosophy of respecting people around us for what they are. Over the years, we have made several wonderful friends who have been such a pleasure to hang around with, both at the workplace as well as on the social circuit. We have traveled several countries, been to places which we have dreamed together, experienced life and cultures in these countries. Our children are growing up learning and navigating through life's many challenges. God has always been kind to us as a family with his blessings.
As I sit and look back into the past 10 years, sitting in a remote town in south west England and in what way I could share what all was on my heart, I decided the best thing would be to share my thoughts for posterity through my blog.
Ranjini and I are now married for 10 years and since that day in February 2004 it's been a wonderful journey together. Today as we celebrate our Tin anniversary, I reflect back on these years together and can only reminscence on the times.The past ten years have seen us raise two wonderful children in Samiksha and Pradyumna, grow individually in our careers and hopefully somewhere fulfilled the expectations our families have on us.It is often said that a major part of success is filling your life with people who encourage your positive growth and your success.We have tried to impart skills and values which we have believed are right for our children to grow into well rounded personalities.
Every single success in my life over the past decade or so has been tightly influenced by efforts of Ranjini. There is no major success that I would have been able to achieve without her.Whenever there’s a decision to be made, Ranjini always has a valuable insight or two that I would have probably not considered. She does an amazing job of pulling our thoughts and aspirations together and developing ideas and plans for our future.
She’s always taking care of the little things that need doing, often without saying a word.This is very important for us as I have mostly been away for long months on work. Many little things will just be done, often without anyone immediately noticing. She just does them.
She constantly makes hard choices and small sacrifices for the people in her life, be it the children, her parents or my mother putting aside what she might want to be doing in any moment to take care of those around her.
She’s incredibly bright, assembling ideas and thoughts into sensible statements and arguments and plans at the blink of an eye. She completed her Ph.D in Neurophysiology soon after the birth of our daughter and again went back to a full time job after the birth of our son. A bright physician that she is, Ranjini is also an incredible mother and a diligent cook dishing out healthy meals for the family. She is a perfect blend of patience and understanding with the right touch of strictness to teach our children the things they need to know for a successful life. She’s there to wipe away their tears in a moment of anguish, to laugh and play with them when the mood is right, and to guide them down the path that they need to go on.I can almost make no claim on the accomplishments at school or at classical dance and singing if it wasn't for Ranjini's persistence and encouragement. I completely understand Samiksha's Valentine day card for her mother this year now!
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| We- 10 years on! |
Most importantly, one trait that I have appreciated in her is that She has an incredible sense of the moment. She knows when things need done around our home and in our community, yet she also has a knack for knowing when to put those things aside and move on..
She completes me in a way that I would have never understood before she became a part of my life.
Ours being an 'arranged' marriage, I can only thank the Masters at Mantralaya and Sringeri, providence and our families for recognizing and bringing us together. We are fortunate to be surrounded by people who care for us and we are indebted to my mother Nanda Rau, my in-laws Nagamani and Dr Sitaram,my brother Sundeep,Sister-in-law Chetana, Ranjini's sister Tejaswini and her husband Mahesh. And all the boys and the big girl in the family - Samiksha,Pradyumna,Pratyush,Dhruva and Aniruddha for keeping our surroundings so chirpy.
She completes me in a way that I would have never understood before she became a part of my life.
Ours being an 'arranged' marriage, I can only thank the Masters at Mantralaya and Sringeri, providence and our families for recognizing and bringing us together. We are fortunate to be surrounded by people who care for us and we are indebted to my mother Nanda Rau, my in-laws Nagamani and Dr Sitaram,my brother Sundeep,Sister-in-law Chetana, Ranjini's sister Tejaswini and her husband Mahesh. And all the boys and the big girl in the family - Samiksha,Pradyumna,Pratyush,Dhruva and Aniruddha for keeping our surroundings so chirpy.
|| Hari Sarvothama! Vayu Jeevothama! Sri Gururajo vijayate||
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Wembley beckons
Wembley, yes! that's where we are headed in about 20 days to watch England play Denmark (Whew,almost typed Germany). The best tickets available are purchased and as we await them, a few small fan preps are in progress including sorting out the logistics, a three lion face tatoo and a England FA flag that I picked up at my local SportsDirect. Dave,myself,Mahesh and Vikrant are going together to watch a very hopeful English team in a friendly battle against the Danes ahead of the party in Brazil. I hope to see Steven Gerrard captain England this game, what a fantastic ambassador of the game he has been. Gerrard is also the most capped English players after Peter Shilton, David Beckham and Bobby Moore. Others that I would be straining my neck to watch would be the magical Rooney,Lampard, Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott. The English premier league surely churns out heroes almost every season and arguably amongst the best football leagues in the world. My other favorites being the Bundesliga (FC Bayern Munchen..heheehe!!) and the Spanish League (FC Barcelona..again heheehe!!).
What more can you ask for but the best of the lads drawn from LFC,Chelsea,Arsenal, MU, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur (Jermain Defoe, offcourse). The thought of the new Wembley and the roar of the crowds cheering the three lions is already echoing in my ears..
Let the Lions Roar while we chant the "Do Doo Daa.." (the great escape theme) . I remember fondly the Danish Dynamite in the late 80s and early 90s - yes, Michael and Brian Laudrup..They were something to watch
Let the game begin!
What more can you ask for but the best of the lads drawn from LFC,Chelsea,Arsenal, MU, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur (Jermain Defoe, offcourse). The thought of the new Wembley and the roar of the crowds cheering the three lions is already echoing in my ears..
Let the Lions Roar while we chant the "Do Doo Daa.." (the great escape theme) . I remember fondly the Danish Dynamite in the late 80s and early 90s - yes, Michael and Brian Laudrup..They were something to watchLet the game begin!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Life tips and Investment planning
One of the compulsive habits I have developed over the last few years have been to read Trent Hamm almost everyday.Yes, I have subscribed to his daily dose of life wisdom that lands in my mailbox just as real time as an RSS feed.I must admit that Trent has made an impact on my thought not because he churns out charts and numbers but keeps the core financial wisdom message fairly simple and impactful. He doesn't in anyway asks frugality of you instead a crisp dose of wisdom that helps you recognize needs,wants and desires (Haven't we all read this somewhere?). You will agree with me on the importance of saving for a rainy day if you have invested or followed the economy and the inflation rates in the last 15 years.Never has there been a season of stability or certainty. Even the best of minds are struggling to run governments across the globe. Economists and their acquired skills are falling by the wayside on this path ridden with capitalist ideology,crass greed to acquire value at every possible opportunity. Individuals,households, corporates and governments are spending recklessly on items and services which neither improves growth in the human index nor invests on a long term need that could resolve a problem or a situation. Borrowing and spending has increased manifold in many societies and goods and services and essentials like food,healthcare and shelter needs just got so expensive that everyone irrespective of their earning power is struggling to meet ends and more importantly peg a value as to what would be required for the rest of their lives.
It’s not really that complicated as I discovered and practice to some extent what Trent has recommended. Some of them are my own realisations.
1. Spend less than you earn.
2. If you’re facing a pile of debts, make minimum payments on all of the debts but the one with the highest interest rate, then make the biggest payment you can each month on that high one.
3. Never expect that your “future self” or anyone else will bail you out of your dumb mistakes today and remember that only you can make better choices for yourself.
4. The quickest way to financial recovery is to get a grip on your spending impulses.
5. Life is going to hand you emergencies, so keep at least six months of your earnings in your savings account for those emergencies.
6. Be completely open with your spouse about every single rupee that comes in and every single rupee that you spend.
7. Buy items that will last for a very long time at the best possible price and you’ll rarely be unhappy with them.
8. If your employer offers matching on your pension fund, take as much of it as you can get.-Maybe contribute to a PPF or a VPF
9. When you’re deciding how to invest, remember that past performance does not indicate future returns and focus instead on the fees and expenses.
10. If you have dependents who rely on you, you ought to have life insurance, but ignore any salesperson who tries to sell you anything other than a term policy.
11. Save using a recurring deposit and SIPs - Time tested guaranteed peace of mind
12. Invest in getting life skills for the kids.
13. Contribute a small amount towards charity ( the quantum and choice be yours)
14. Volunteer if possible, community give back is invaluable and teaches many things besides being fun.
15. Travel and appreciate the world. Travel is not expensive when planned properly. Everyone does not stay in Hiltons and Mariotts..
A final “bonus” life and career tip: treat every single person in your life as you would like to be treated, regardless of whether you’re in the workplace or in everyday life.
My own experiences with using a credit card tells me that repay every rupee spent using the card the same evening (implies use the credit card instead of cash) and let the card earn you reward points and nothing else. You will not believe that a year's accumulation of credit card points can actually get you free shopping during the festival season.
If you can handle all of these things, you’re going to be just fine.
It’s not really that complicated as I discovered and practice to some extent what Trent has recommended. Some of them are my own realisations.
1. Spend less than you earn.
2. If you’re facing a pile of debts, make minimum payments on all of the debts but the one with the highest interest rate, then make the biggest payment you can each month on that high one.
3. Never expect that your “future self” or anyone else will bail you out of your dumb mistakes today and remember that only you can make better choices for yourself.
4. The quickest way to financial recovery is to get a grip on your spending impulses.
5. Life is going to hand you emergencies, so keep at least six months of your earnings in your savings account for those emergencies.
6. Be completely open with your spouse about every single rupee that comes in and every single rupee that you spend.
7. Buy items that will last for a very long time at the best possible price and you’ll rarely be unhappy with them.
8. If your employer offers matching on your pension fund, take as much of it as you can get.-Maybe contribute to a PPF or a VPF
9. When you’re deciding how to invest, remember that past performance does not indicate future returns and focus instead on the fees and expenses.
10. If you have dependents who rely on you, you ought to have life insurance, but ignore any salesperson who tries to sell you anything other than a term policy.
11. Save using a recurring deposit and SIPs - Time tested guaranteed peace of mind
12. Invest in getting life skills for the kids.
13. Contribute a small amount towards charity ( the quantum and choice be yours)
14. Volunteer if possible, community give back is invaluable and teaches many things besides being fun.
15. Travel and appreciate the world. Travel is not expensive when planned properly. Everyone does not stay in Hiltons and Mariotts..
A final “bonus” life and career tip: treat every single person in your life as you would like to be treated, regardless of whether you’re in the workplace or in everyday life.
My own experiences with using a credit card tells me that repay every rupee spent using the card the same evening (implies use the credit card instead of cash) and let the card earn you reward points and nothing else. You will not believe that a year's accumulation of credit card points can actually get you free shopping during the festival season.
If you can handle all of these things, you’re going to be just fine.
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