The workshop on self-finance, organized in partnership with Zerodha, was an educative and stimulating session aimed at enhancing the financial knowledge of 200+ participants. The session featured Mr. Salman Pareishi as the keynote speaker, who shared valuable insights on mutual funds, index investing, market cycles, and personal finance management. The workshop emphasized the importance of financial literacy and long-term investing strategies for wealth creation.

​

Major Topics of Discussion:

​

1. Understanding Mutual Funds and Expense Ratios

The session began with an in-depth discussion on mutual funds, particularly highlighting hidden charges such as the expense ratio. Mr. Pareishi explained how these fees impact investment returns and often go unnoticed. Using an analogy, he compared direct mutual funds to buying apples straight from a farm, whereas regular mutual funds are akin to purchasing from a retail store with added costs. He emphasized the cost-effectiveness of direct mutual funds, where investors bypass intermediaries and save on additional charges.

​

2. The Power of Index Funds

The discussion then shifted to index funds, a form of passive investment that tracks market indices. Mr. Pareishi cited research showing that only 2 out of 10 fund managers consistently outperform the market in the long run, making index funds a more reliable investment choice. He explained that investing in index funds such as NIFTY 50 or Sensex is akin to betting on the overall growth of the country’s economy rather than relying on the skills of individual fund managers.

​

3. Time in the Market vs. Timing the Market
A key takeaway from the workshop was the principle that "time in the market" is more critical than "timing the market." Mr. Pareishi provided historical data indicating that missing just the top 10 trading days in a given period could significantly reduce overall returns. He stressed the importance of staying invested during market fluctuations rather than reacting impulsively to short-term volatility.