The wife and mistress of finance

Some time back my uncle was discussing with me the mistakes that he has made during his life. One of them was investing into stock market directly. Apparently, his wife (my aunt) was getting bored from the daily chores of life so to keep her busy they decided to invest in stock market. It was and seemed pretty lucrative with the markets churning out gold for everybody. But after the initial success the 2008 crisis happened and down went the market and my aunt’s profession. My aunt never looked in that direction again and the stocks are still worth half their value.

The story got me thinking that is the stock market for the ordinary like us or for the spectacle guy with 4-5 finance degrees. With all the moods, sentiments and tantrums is it not the like the mistress which can only be managed by some. Initially, She will show you the best of time, giving you hefty returns beyond your imaginations. But then something happens and your luck reverses and down goes your money, the classic case of beginners luck. Oh! And god forbid “that time of the month” where for no reason she goes on a rampage taking everything along. You give her your time, money, life and love but you always fear her leaving you for another guy. That is true because believe it or not if you are winning somebody else is losing that money or will lose.

Now accounting in finance is like a wife. She works hard for the complete family’s well-being. Day in and day out thinking about how to add value to the organization it is working for. And keeping good relations with her keeps the house in order and brings harmony. She looks after your profits, losses and manages assets. It is there in good and bad times to support and take you forward.

I believe that for business to work well and progress one should keep his wife happy. Pamper her and take good care of her. Well for the mistress, flirting with her once in a while is fine but don’t get involved. She will leave you empty handed and unsatisfied. She can only be understood by few, and let us leave it to them to handle her.