About Vishal
Hi, I am the founder of Safal Niveshak (Hindi term for ‘successful investor’. I have spent more than a decade teaching people how to save and invest well, using the lessons I have applied in my own life to achieve financial freedom, do work I love, with people I like, and at the time of my choice. This website is a collection of my life experiences and lessons from the books, essays, and many other things I’m reading on topics related to learning, decision making, human behaviour, and the pursuit of good life. You can start by –
- Reading my articles (warning: may cause urges to think long term)
- Checking out my courses and books (cheaper than an MBA, and arguably more useful)
- Listening to my podcast (perfect for drowning out the voice in your head that says “Buy high, sell low!”)
Remember, in the world of investing, the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. So feel free to contact me – just don’t ask me for the next hot stock. If I knew that, I’d be writing this from my private island!
A Bit More About me
If you are really interested, here are a few more things about me…
- I was born when Sensex was 100. Writing this after Sensex has returned 16% CAGR over 45 years. If only my height had compounded at the same rate, I’d be giving Godzilla a run for his money.
- I got an MBA in Finance (unfortunately!) and then ran the rat race for eight ‘long’ years while working as a stock market analyst for India’s leading independent research firm. I quit the rat race in 2011 to live the life of a free bird. I have 21+ years experience as an investor and an Olympic gold medal in spreadsheet gymnastics.
- I believe strongly in minimalism, power of compounding and margin of safety. I also believe in the power of pizza, but that’s less relevant here.
- Best advice ever received – “Three qualities for success: integrity, intelligence, and energy. If you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” Still working on the energy part, coffee helps.
- Best investing lesson – “Read The Intelligent Investor, then re-read it.” (Warning: May cause extreme drowsiness when read before bedtime)
- I believe that if aliens landed on Earth and examined the workings of our stock markets and the behaviour of brokers, analysts and experts, they would no doubt question the intelligence of the planet’s inhabitants. They’d probably also wonder why we’re so obsessed with little green and red numbers.
- I spend 75% of my waking non-family time reading, researching and writing. I earn my living by writing and teaching. The other 25% is spent trying to figure out the meaning of my life.
- I wish to leave the world a much better place than it is now. I also wish for my kids to listen to me and for my money to double every year, but we can’t have everything.
- I would gladly quit writing, teaching, and investing to be able to live a nomad’s life. Until then, I will continue to pretend that staring at a balance sheet is a form of modern art appreciation.
- Oh, and by the way, I’m also an Adjunct Professor of Finance at FLAME University. There, I teach kids how to use mental models to think well and apply value investing lessons to invest well.
If you’re still awake and oddly intrigued, why not join the fun? Follow me on Twitter for my rants disguised as wisdom. Or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, sign up for my free newsletter on investing.