Shiv Bidani- Co-founder of National Finance Olympiad
In a volatile world marked by AI disruptions, layoffs, inflation, and market swings, financial resilience is the ultimate edge for long-term wealth creation
Bangalore, Karnataka, 16 July 2025 – In an era defined by uncertainty—ranging from pandemic shocks to global geopolitical tensions—financial security has become more critical than ever. Shiv Bidani, Co-founder of the National Finance Olympiad, shares key insights on how individuals can not only survive but thrive financially in unpredictable times.
Why It Matters Now
Market downturns trigger fear-driven decisions like halting SIPs or pulling out investments. But true financial resilience is about steady, informed actions that enable growth even during turbulence. Here’s how you can build wealth that lasts:
1. Talk About Money
Break the cultural silence around finances. Learn the basics of budgeting, debt, investments, and taxes. You don’t need to be an expert—just an informed participant.
2. Think Long-Term
Short-term charts may look chaotic, but over decades, markets trend upward. Align your investments with long-term goals like home ownership, children’s education, and retirement.
3. Plan for Drawdowns
Equity markets can see 40% declines. If that risk feels overwhelming, rebalance your portfolio. Diversify across equity, debt, gold, real estate, and liquid funds for stability.
4. Review Finances Annually
Like health checkups, financial reviews should be routine. Reassess your goals, savings, insurance, and emergency funds every year.
5. Build Mental Strength
Wealth creation is more about behaviour than intelligence. Avoid daily portfolio checks, stay calm during downturns, and don’t compare your journey to others.
6. Learn in Tough Times
Every crisis hides lessons. Stay invested during downturns, upskill during job disruptions, and seek opportunities amid chaos.
7. Own Real Assets
In a digital-first world, tangible assets like land, gold, or a family home anchor your wealth during uncertainty.
8. Create Multiple Income Streams
Flip the typical spend-save cycle. Prioritise saving/investing first, then spend. Build side incomes through freelancing, teaching, rentals, or small businesses.
9. Spread Financial Literacy
Share what you learn—help friends, family, or even domestic workers understand basic money management. Financial literacy compounds when shared.
10. Run Financial Fire Drills
Occasionally live lean to identify unnecessary expenses and prepare mentally for real financial shocks.
The Bigger Picture
True wealth doesn’t just come from market returns; it comes from consistent habits. A young professional quietly investing ₹40,000 a month in index funds may cross ₹1 crore in 10 years—not just because of returns but because of behavioural discipline.
“The most powerful compounding isn’t financial—it’s behavioural. The habit of learning, saving before spending, and staying calm in crises is the real edge in wealth creation,” says Bidani.
In the marathon of building wealth, it’s not about speed but about consistency, calmness, and clarity.
