How I got interested in the financial world

Currently, I’m 21 and I’m still young and have lots to learn. I got interested in investing when I was in the National Service in 2007 and when I was still 19. September-October 2007 was a turning point in my life. I passed out as a specialist in the National Service and had extra monthly allowance due to the 3rd Sergeant rank. I was looking for ways to budget my money and how to allocate the allowance I got each month. Thus, I went to “Popular” to look for some books on finance and budgeting. My main motive was to find a book on budgeting but I got more than that. While I was entering Popular, to my left stood the “Popular Bestseller’s” section and on that shelf, a book with a purple cover grabbed my attention. It was entitled “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”. I turned the book over and started reading the blurb. It sounded interesting. I flipped through the book and it looked good. I bought the book immediately and came home.

To be honest, I didn’t start reading the book after like 2 weeks. It was lying in my cupboard waiting to be read. 2 weeks later, I started reading the book and I was literally awed by the theories in the book (if you still haven’t read this book, I recommend that you turn off the computer right now and head to the nearest bookstore). It shared on how the rich make money work for them and the poor work for money; how we are trained in schools to trade time for money; what is financial freedom; what are assets and liabilities (mind you, the house you are staying in is a liability unless it’s fully paid for); what instruments to invest in, etc. After reading that book, I got more interested in the financial and investing world. I started reading more books and attended free courses on investing. I also went to study part-time to be certified as an “Associate Financial Planner” to plan for my own finances and not rely on others. I went on to read value investing books by Warren Buffett, among others.

I have not looked back since. I must be blessed to be introduced into the financial world at such a young age. I also have good support from my Mom, my friends and relatives, namely my uncle and cousin, and we discuss on investing regularly. It helps to have a support group to ask questions and it accelerates learning and makes learning easier.

Author: Sudhan P

I simplify investing concepts to help you navigate the stock market jungle.

2 thoughts on “How I got interested in the financial world”

  1. haha thats the way!

    I was reading a book about Buffett and Soros.. but i stopped halfway during the CDS days..

    too tired :(

Leave a comment