Financial Literacy Campaigns

Building wealth does not mean making more money! In reality, it's more about how you manage what you already have. I’ve met salaried professionals earning ₹50,000 a month who have more discipline and ultimately more peace of mind than high-income ones with 0 financial structure. The secret is that they follow principles like the 5 laws of wealth. Let’s break these down in a practical way: -- Savings: Save at least 20% of your monthly income. As of today, over 39% of urban Indians don't save regularly. Without a consistent savings habit, you're one emergency away from dipping into high-interest debt. -- Invest: Your money should work harder than you do. A monthly SIP of ₹5,000 in an index fund (with a 12% annual return) could grow to ₹1 crore in 25 years. -- Invest in Yourself: Allocate 5-7% of your income toward learning. Warren Buffett spends 80% of his day reading because he knows the ROI on knowledge is exponential. -- Patience: The most underrated virtue in wealth-building. We’re in a generation that celebrates “overnight success,” but long-term investing has proven to outperform active trading for most people. -- Diversification: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The 2008 crisis and even the COVID crash taught us that markets are unpredictable. Spreading your investments across 5–7 asset classes. Wealth is built by doing small things right over a long period. If you’re just getting started, pick any one law and apply it this month. Tag someone who’s been trying to fix their finances but doesn’t know where to start. #finances #moneymanagement

Have you ever checked your financial wellness score? 📊 If not, why not spend just 5 minutes today to complete a quick financial wellness assessment? All it takes is answering a few simple questions. Here’s why you should: ✨ Reflection: It encourages you to think deeply about your finances 🤔. ✨ Awareness: You'll discover exactly where you stand financially 📍. A few years back, the CFPB in the US crafted a straightforward 10-question assessment to gauge Americans' financial wellness. In 2020, approximately 33% rated their financial wellness as medium-low to very low. In our pursuit to make personal finance engaging, we've taken this assessment to the next level by enhancing and modifying the questions to cover three critical dimensions of financial wellness: 🔹 Awareness: Understanding when to act on your finances and estimating your needs based on your life situation and future plans. 🔹Ability: Learning how to execute your financial strategies, whether it’s crafting a financial plan, establishing an emergency fund, or choosing the right investment products. 🔹 Action: Your readiness and commitment to implement your financial plans. To date, thousands have taken the survey, and here’s what we've learned: ✨The average score is 5.2 out of 10, there's plenty of room to grow. ✨ 77% feel confident about discussing money matters with friends, partners, children, and employers. ✨ 84% rate themselves as good to excellent at monitoring their earnings and expenditures. ✨ 57% acknowledge they are poor at planning financially for retirement, with 33% having no retirement plan at all. 🌟 Ready to transform your financial future? Measuring something gives you the power to improve it and motivates you by visualizing the progress. If you're curious to see where you stand, take one of the surveys in the comments survey start enhancing your financial health!🚀 #FinancialWellness #MoneyMatters #InvestInYourFuture #FinancialPlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialConfidence

Peer-to-peer lending in India has been around for a while but the next few years are going be super exciting! Here are some interesting social impact trends I expect in the next few years 🚀 🇮🇳 1️⃣ Empowering the most marginalised communities : P2P lending traditionally focuses on the population segments that often struggle to access credit from traditional financial institutions. In the coming years, I expect very specialised initiatives for communities that are not just financially excluded but also socially overlooked. This includes underrepresented professions, tribal and indigenous communities, people with disabilities and those who are often invisible to the majority 2️⃣ ESG: P2P lending is an agile tech offering most suitable to the upcoming trends of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). In the coming few years, P2P offerings will help drive focused efforts towards these initiatives because of the ability to tailor loan products and and work with a wide range of on-ground partners including SHGs, NGOs and farmer groups. 3️⃣ Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality: P2P lending will become a game-changer for gender equality and equity especially in a country like India. This is possible because through peer to peer lending, women not only get financial access but very importantly - agency to make financial decisions. When this happens, more women are enabled to go out and join the workforce - contributing to local economies and bridging the gap between men and women. When this happens at scale, India's GDP will skyrocket and P2P will play a major role. 4️⃣ Fiscally responsible behaviour : P2P lending gives an opportunity to educate large sections of society around the principles of responsible financial decisions. This majorly begins with responsible lending that gets normalised on the community level and prioritises healthy saving habits for families and decision makers. In the coming years, this will lead to the creation of a mature population base that will move on to more sophisticated financial products.   5️⃣ Education and health : When P2P lending succeeds, one of the first thing it facilitates is expenditure on non-agri and non-livelihood expenses. This means families get access to increased incomes to spend on health and education. This adds to increased life expectancy, more lifetime earnings and a potential for generations to escape poverty P2P lending is not a magic bullet but an amazing catalyst for underserved communities. Together with the right partners and government support, this space can create a more equitable and inclusive future! 🤝 #P2PLending #SocialImpact #FinancialInclusion

Not sure what to do with your salary after payday? Steal my No BS 10 years-old routine. It used to be that after I received any money, I’d throw it at the first thing that seemed important. This approach had a benefit: it enabled quick handling of things. But the drawback was that I lacked money for anything else. I began saving when I turned 20 and started investing five years later. What has changed though is moving from saving a fixed sum monthly to saving a percentage. Which is better? If you aren’t earning a lot of money and/or have many financial responsibilities, a fixed sum is more sensible. If you have more and do less, then aim for a percentage. For now, I have improved how I manage money to reach my financial goals. I’ll be sharing how I do this. 📌Setup ☀️3 bank accounts ☀️Pre-planned investments ☀️Preset automation for moving funds ☀️Target saving Pots 📌Activity 💡 1 - Pause No matter when I get paid, I wait until the next month to spend it. This helps me remember it's for the new month, not the previous one. 💡 2 - Budget Before that month starts, I use my budget planner to do a quick split of my income. ➡️10% for tithing and a fixed sum for Giving. On the balance after deducting the above: ➡️50% goes to everything I NEED, e.g. rent, transportation, clothing, groceries, debt payments. ➡️20% goes to my WANTS. These are other nice-to-haves that make life enjoyable, e.g. cinema tickets, spa treats, extra clothes, and those target savings pots for learning, vacation, buying a new phone, etc. ➡️10% for filling up that emergency fund savings pot. This amount will stack until I make up 6 months of regular expenses. ➡️20% goes to the investment plans. This includes stocks, short-term investments, a mortgage down payment deposit, etc. If I have money left from my last paycheck, I decide to either add it to my emergency fund or save it for a specific goal. 💡 3 - Automate Takes out thinking from the process. One bank account receives the income. In that account, create a direct debit to deposit money into accounts 2 and 3. These accounts are for needs and wants. And finally, deposit money into the investment apps. In account 3 (wants), open many target savings pots as needed. This could include emergency funds and others. Set up another direct debit that moves the money earmarked into these accounts. All deductions happen on the first day of the new month. 💡 4 - Reflect This is by far the most important step. Reflect on the previous month's expenses, identify areas for improvement, and set future goals. I also like to think about whether my financial goals are audacious enough or if I'm being timid. 📌Bringing it Home. There you go. It takes only a few minutes to set this up to enjoy some guilt-free spending and meet your financial goals, too. --------------------------- #Financefriday is a weekly segment on money and wealth building.

Your financial health deserves more than a one-time check-up. This summer, we're diving deep to ensure every aspect of your plan is optimized. Here's what's on our agenda: 1. Tax Review & Analysis:     → Analyze tax returns. → Provide Tax Observation Report summaries. 2. Ongoing Financial Plan Updates:     → Update financial plans and scorecards. → Integrate new data. 3. Insurance Reviews:     → Even years: Medicare and life insurance. → Odd years: Long-term care, property, and casualty insurance. → Ensure alignment and adjust as needed. 4. Estate Planning: → Consider charitable giving. → Discuss gifting and tax risks. → Review estate plan documents. → Provide insights and observations. By staying proactive, we ensure your financial strategy is not only current but also robust enough to meet your goals. DM  "Blueprint" to get started on your personalized financial review.

Seeing companies like Party City and Big Lots shut their doors around the holidays is tough. This isn’t just about one company—it’s a signal of the broader financial challenges businesses and consumers are facing. Party City filed for Chapter 11 earlier this year, and we’re seeing other companies follow suit, struggling to stay afloat in this economy. It’s another reminder why having an emergency fund, a plan, and a handle on your money is so critical—no matter your income level. Even if saving 3–6 months of expenses feels out of reach, start small. Having just 1 month of expenses saved can make all the difference when life takes a turn. Some savings is better than none, and it compounds over time. Right now, over 14,000 people are without jobs during the holidays in one of the most turbulent U.S. economies we’ve seen. Inflation, shifting consumer spending, and rising costs have companies under pressure, and layoffs are becoming an unfortunate trend. If you don’t have an emergency fund yet, here’s how to start: * Open a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA)—it takes minutes. Highly recommend Ally. * Set up auto-transfers of $10, $20, or $50 from each paycheck (based upon your cash flow/budget). But don’t stop there. Don’t just save—create an emergency plan for how you’ll handle financial disruptions. It’s like an SOP for that emergency— in case of “x”, I will do “y”. I’ve been there. I remember getting laid off while earning $10.71/hour, with just two weekends of severance. No kids, no emergency fund—it was a wake-up call. I remember seeing the signs when the earnings didn’t pan to forecast and share prices dropped rapidly fast! The layoffs we’ve seen this year are likely just the beginning. With ongoing inflation, shaky consumer spending, and economic uncertainty heading into 2025, my concern is that more companies will face financial struggles. This isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation. I have a saying, plan it — don’t panic. Even if you notice your employer start to sway with operations, make sure your own internal operations is fine. Start building your safety net, no matter how small. #personalfinance #economy #business

Most founders see financial complexity as a hurdle. I help them turn it into a strength. I’ve sat with dozens of founders, watching them drown in numbers, dashboards, and daily stress. I know how easy it is to get lost in the detail. Growth slows, decisions feel risky, and burnout creeps in. But I’ve seen what happens when you flip the script. Financial clarity is about seeing the signals that matter, structuring decisions so you don’t have to second-guess, and building momentum that compounds over time. That’s how you move from chaos to control. Here’s the 5-step process I use with founders who feel stuck: 1. Signal First, Noise Second ⇀ Find the few financial signals that drive your business.  ⇀ Ignore the rest. Most dashboards show too much.  ⇀ I help founders focus on cash flow, margin, and runway. 2. Structure Your Decision Points ⇀ Don’t try to solve every problem at once.  ⇀ Map out the moments when you need to decide.  ⇀ I show founders how to set up regular checkpoints, so they act with intent, not panic. 3. Build Simple Systems ⇀ Growth breaks messy processes.  ⇀ Clean, repeatable systems keep your team aligned and your business flexible.  ⇀ Founders I work with learn to automate what’s routine and clarify what’s critical. 4. Protect Your Energy ⇀ Financial stress drains energy fast.  ⇀ I guide founders to delegate, rest, and focus on big decisions.  ⇀ The goal is resilience, not just survival. 5. Review and Reset ⇀ No plan survives forever.  ⇀ Every month, check what’s working and adjust.  ⇀ That’s how you avoid burnout, spot new risks, and keep moving forward. I’ve watched this framework unlock scale, confidence, and peace of mind for founders across New Zealand and beyond. The complexity doesn’t disappear, but it stops being the enemy. What’s your biggest challenge with financial clarity right now? I’d love to hear what works or what’s holding you back. ------- ➕ Follow Jonathan Maharaj FCPA for finance‑leadership clarity. 🔄 Share this insight with a decision‑maker. 📰 Get deeper breakdowns in Financial Freedom, my free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gYHdNYzj 📆 Ready to work together? Book your Clarity Session: https://lnkd.in/gyiqCWV2

Emergency Funds: Not If, But When You'll Need Them…. Think of your emergency fund as your financial life jacket. It’s there to keep you afloat when the waters get rough—not just a nice to have, but a total must. This isn’t just any pool of money. It’s your safety net, your peace of mind. Here’s why you need it: 🌊 Life's Surprises: → Job surprises, unexpected bills, or sudden repairs? → This fund keeps those from knocking your life off course. 🌊 How Much?: → Aim to stash away at least 3-6 months of your living costs. → We’re talking rent, groceries, bills—all the essentials to get you through without a paycheck. 🌊 Where to Park It: → Keep it accessible but growing. → Think high-yield savings accounts where you can grab it without a penalty but still earn a bit on the side. 🌊 Starting Out: → Begin small if that’s what works. → Set up a little auto-transfer from each paycheck—trust me, it adds up. 🌊 Keep It Updated: → Life changes, so should your fund. Got a raise? Maybe you moved? → Check in on your fund yearly to make sure it still fits your life. It’s not about if you'll need it—more like when. And when that time comes, you’ll pat yourself on the back for being so prepared. Got questions on starting yours or how much you should save? Drop them below. 👇

Breaking generational financial patterns isn't just about earning more, it requires fundamentally different thinking about money, time, and opportunity. After years of working with professionals who've built seven-figure net worths from modest beginnings, here's my advice on five key mindset shifts: 1. Master a high-income skill: Focus on building high-income skills that can pay you well monthly in any economy. Become irreplaceable by offering value that's in high demand. 2. Stack multiple income streams instead of just chasing raises: Don't just climb the career ladder. Create several ways to make money at once. Multiple smaller income sources often provide more security than one big paycheck. 3. Live like you're broke while building wealth: Keep your spending low even when your income grows. The gap between what you earn and what you spend is where wealth is built. This discipline creates the foundation for serious investment growth. 4. Network like your life depends on it: Your network equals your net worth. Build relationships across different industries and groups. Remember: opportunities flow through people. Give value first and focus on connections that can open doors. 5. Take calculated risks for investment: Make decisions thinking 5-10 years ahead while others focus on next month. Significant wealth comes from strategic risks that might cost you in the short term but pay off enormously later. The biggest difference? Think in decades, not days. While most chase quick wins, build for the long term. Becoming your family's first millionaire isn't just about money, it's about breaking old patterns and creating new ones that may feel uncomfortable at first but lead to lasting change. Check out my newsletter for more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #resume #jobstrategy #wealthbuilding #financialindependence

As tax time approaches, it presents an ideal occasion to reflect on your financial situation and the changes that have occurred over the past year. I spoke about #financial health check and #superannuation health checks on 9News yesterday. A financial health check allows you to take a holistic review of your finances to make sure that you are on track to achieve your financial goals. It usually involves a review of your spending, savings, debts, superannuations and how they align with your goals. Additionally, it serves as a timely reminder to prioritise your superannuation health. Your superannuation is your money. Conducting regular health checks on your super is an essential step toward greater #financialwellbeing and freedom, enabling you to prepare for a comfortable retirement lifestyle. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is calling for the public to conduct five basic health checks, including looking at your contact details, super balance and employer contributions, lost and unclaimed super, whether you have several super accounts and need to look at consoliding them, and your nominated beneficiary To safeguard your financial well-being, consider going a step further by conducting a thorough superannuation health check Assess the performance of your super - Utilise the ATO's YourSuper comparison tool to evaluate the performance of your chosen superannuation fund and investment strategy and compare your fund's performance against relevant benchmarks and explore alternative funds that may better align with your needs. Evaluate investment strategies and asset allocation - Consider changes in your personal circumstances that might warrant adjustments to your super strategies. As factors like risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and investment horizon evolve with age, it's important to align your super investments accordingly. Understand your investment portfolio - Gain insight into how your super funds are invested. If you have a strong belief in sustainable investing, explore super strategies that align with your environmental and social values, while avoiding those that don't. Review fees and insurance charges - Assess the fees associated with your super fund and compare them with those of other funds. Additionally, evaluate the insurance products included with your super to ensure they still meet your requirements RMIT College of Business and Law