Money is not magic — here’s why | Haardik Gautam | TEDxMiddlesex University Mauritius

Investment Philosophy & Financial Independence - Early saving and investing in diverse assets like mutual funds, ETFs, index funds, cryptocurrencies, fixed deposits, and bets are crucial for financial independence [11] - Financial independence is a goal everyone should strive for, allowing time to work for them instead of working for money [10] - Compounding is a powerful concept that can exponentially grow money over time, exemplified by an initial investment of 50,000 rupees [12][13] - Patience, resilience, and starting early are essential for successful investing, but greater rewards come with greater risks [14] Personal Finance Journey - The speaker's journey began with childhood savings and a growing awareness of the value of money [1][2][3] - The speaker's first investment, though initially causing anxiety, led to a passion for finance and financial independence [4][5][6] - The speaker researched and learned about various investment tools and instruments to take control of their finances [7] - The speaker made a well-researched stock investment of 50,000 rupees, highlighting the importance of knowledge in investing [8] Key Takeaways - Financial independence is not just about getting rich but about respecting the effort put into earning money and becoming the boss of one's own finances [15] - Assets provide returns that can sustain a good lifestyle, potentially replacing salary and allowing for more freedom [11][12] - Investing provides a sense of thrill and independence, even with small amounts, and can be achieved through simple clicks on a mobile phone [9][10]