Is GST the Real Problem, or Is It You?

25.12.24 10:08 AM - By Prakhar Patidar

Is GST the Real Problem, or Is It You?

Have you ever paused to think about how much of your hard-earned money disappears in taxes? You buy a house – pay tax. Sell the house – pay tax again. Buy a car – tax. Drive the car – tax. Refuel it – tax. Watch a movie – tax. Buy popcorn at the movies – tax. The real question here isn’t about whether you’ll stop buying popcorn at PVR; it’s about why we’re willingly adding fuel to the fire of financial strain with reckless money decisions.

The government’s taxation policies are beyond your control. But your financial decisions? Those are entirely within your control. While Infinity Wealth Advisor can’t call Nirmala Sitharaman and demand tax reform for the middle class but we can at least help you reflect on the actions that might be hurting your financial health.

Let’s explore six common mistakes people make with their money - and how they’re earning themselves a “donkey point” in the eyes of Financial Advisors everywhere.

 

1. The Green-Eyed F&O Trader

Envy is a sneaky thief. You hear someone talking about making a quick lakh in Futures and Options (F&O), and suddenly they think they’re the Shah Rukh Khan of equity markets. You start thinking “Equity ka matlab Futures and Options or trading,” and without any plan or strategy, you dive headfirst into F&O, or worse, Forex trading. Spoiler alert: SEBI research shows 8 out of 10 retail traders lose money in F&O, and only a tiny fraction make decent returns.

If you’re chasing quick bucks in this high-risk game, congratulations, you’ve earned your first donkey point from the financial advisor community.

 

2. The Ignorant Stock Picker

So you’re not impressed by the F&O traders. Instead, you’re browsing YouTube for stock tips, blindly parking money in companies without a clear plan. Investing without a purpose is like driving blindfolded - dangerous and unwise.

If this sounds like you, well done on securing donkey point number two.


3. The Mentor Mis selector

After burning money in F&O or random stock picks, you finally realise you need guidance. But instead of choosing a qualified financial advisor, you turn to a broker, banker, or distributor - someone whose job is to sell, not guide. That’s like hiring a fox to guard your henhouse. If you’ve fallen into this trap, you’ve earned another donkey point.


4. The Overconfident Know-It-All

“I don’t need anyone’s advice; I’ve got this!” Sound familiar? Overconfidence is your worst financial enemy. Even if you’re exceptionally savvy, consulting a professional doesn’t diminish your knowledge - it enhances it. If you refuse to seek expert advice, yet another donkey point is coming your way.


5. The Fee Resistor

“Why should I pay a fee for financial advice? It’s just mutual funds, right?” Wrong. You’ll gladly pay for Netflix, Spotify Premium, or a gym membership, but hesitate at the idea of investing in professional financial guidance. Meanwhile, financial planning isn’t just about investing; it’s about crafting a strategy for your life goals and beyond that, Still resisting? That’s your fifth donkey point.

 

6. The Blog Ignorer

If you’re not reading our blogs or similar blogs, you’re already at a disadvantage. Financial planning is standard practice in the US, yet many Indians dismiss it as something only the wealthy need. This mindset is costing you opportunities to grow and secure your future. So, here’s your final donkey point - and an invitation to change your mindset.

 

Tax Isn’t Your Biggest Problem - You Are

Taxes are a burden, but your mindset and decisions are the real obstacles standing between you and financial stability. Infinity Wealth Advisor is here to help you overcome these hurdles. Whether it’s planning your investments, managing taxes, or just breaking free from bad habits, we’re ready to guide you. 


The question is, are you ready to listen?


Start thinking long-term. Stop chasing shortcuts. And remember: the first step to changing your financial future is changing your mindset.

Let’s build a better tomorrow together - before someone slaps an 18% GST on that too!

Prakhar Patidar