Discover & Learn

"ONLY THE DISCIPLINED ONES IN LIFE ARE FREE"-Elliud Kipchoge New York Marathon is just finished, so is Marathon in Pittsburgh. These two photos are now my screen savers on my personal electronic devices. I do not know the runners personally, but every day I wake up, because of the inspiration these three runners instilled in me. The leader in the first photo is Eliud Kipchoge, who famously said "I don't run with my legs. I run with my heart and mind". Eliud is world's fastest Marathon runner. He ran 42.2 kilometers under 2 hours. Second photo is of two runners, holding hands, finishing a 42.2 kilometers race in Pittsburgh, together. They were the last two to reach the finish line. These two runners did not know each other. But their determination to finish strong and never to quit, brought them together. They were among that 1% population in the whole world, who finished a marathon race. It was a long race for them. They took over seven hours. But they finished the race and earned a finisher's medal each. It takes around 23 weeks to train properly to run a Marathon. Whether it is Kipchoge or these two runners finishing a Marathon, the key is consistency. Training every day for at least an hour, carrying on a balanced diet for half the year consistently, is indeed a hard job. It is not impossible. This is exactly where I find the biggest similarity of my job of helping individuals with their investments. Each market drawdown is unique in duration and intensity. But consistency of individuals who remain invested, is likely to be rewarded for their perseverance. Just like that steep hill on my running route, a market volatility, can really be signs of opportunity to add to portfolios. Sell offs in markets may feel intimidating initially, over time investors consistency helps you to be more comfortable with market volatility in the long run. My job, that I take very seriously, is to hold your hand just like the two runners here, and help you remain in the course. Every investment client, that I run this Marathon with, brings me heartfelt fulfillment of reaching a milestone. Persistency is the key to success in a long distance race!

"Giving good is not about having excess, it is about having a heart that overflows with compassion" And that is exactly what the people of Fort McMurray stand for. Last Sunday, right when the snow was coming in. I had the opportunity to stand out there in front of Thick wood Save on Grocery Store, asking for food donation on behalf of the Food Bank of Fort McMurray. Not a single person, that I asked for a donation, refused. At the end of my shift, my feet were cold but my heart was warm seeing all the kind souls, coming and filling up the Food Bank truck with big and small donation. Every one donated what they could. Once again, Fort McMurray proved what a might heart is capable of. I am so proud to be a part of this enormous food drive!