The cost of playing it safe: Why women need to invest

For generations, women in India have been encouraged to save rather than invest. You know this — maybe you have seen it in your own family. But here's the truth: saving alone won't build your future. You already have the skills of a smart investor. Now it's time to put them to work. Think about it: you're already making informed financial decisions every day — negotiating prices, managing household budgets, and planning for emergencies. These are the very same skills that successful investors use. So why let outdated ideas hold you back? Many still hold on to the idea that women struggle to access financial independence, often based on assumptions like, "finance is too complex for women," "women might lose money because they are overly emotional," or "investing is a man's field." Recently, during a chat with my colleague about how finances have shaped the experiences of women in our families, we uncovered some fascinating insights that challenge these stereotypes. Let's explore two diverse financial strategies that were popular back in the 1980s. Saving vs investing: A 40-year lesson in wealth building In 1985, my colleague's grandparents lived in Delhi. With a salary of about Rs 2,0

This article was originally published on March 06, 2025.