How can I start finance?

Starting in finance can mean learning how to manage your own money, building a career in finance, or beginning to invest. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide depending on what you mean:

🔹 If You Want to Manage Your Personal Finances

1. Learn basic finance concepts
   • Budgeting
   • Saving
   • Interest & loans
   • Insurance & taxes
2. Create a simple budget
   • Track income and expenses
   • Use tools like: Excel, Google Sheets, or apps like Walnut, Moneyfy, Goodbudget
3. Build an emergency fund
   • Save 3–6 months of expenses
4. Start investing early
   • Choose long-term vehicles: Index funds, Mutual funds, ETFs
   • Avoid chasing quick profits

🔹 If You Want to Start a Career in Finance

1. Choose a field
   • Banking
   • Accounting & Audit
   • Investment Banking
   • Financial Analysis
   • Stock Markets/Trading
   • Corporate Finance
   • FinTech
2. Educational Path
   • Core degrees: B.Com, BBA Finance, MBA Finance
   • Professional certifications: CFA, CPA, CMA, ACCA, FRM
3. Learn essential skills
   • Excel & Financial Modeling
   • Data Analysis (Power BI, Tableau)
   • Accounting basics
   • Financial Statement Analysis
4. Get Experience
   • Internships
   • Freelance financial services (bookkeeping, analysis)
   • Projects on LinkedIn or Udemy courses

🔹 If You Want to Start Investing

1. Understand risk
   • Higher returns = higher risk
2. Start with safe assets
   • Index funds
   • Government bonds
   • Blue-chip stocks
3. Be consistent
   • Invest small amounts monthly (SIP)
4. Avoid mistakes
   • Don’t follow tips blindly
   • Don’t trade without knowledge
   • Avoid emotional decisions

📚 Recommended FREE Resources

• YouTube Channels: CA Rachana Ranade, Pranjal Kamra, Graham Stephan
• Books:
  • Rich Dad Poor Dad (basic mindset)
  • The Intelligent Investor (investing)
  • Richest Man in Babylon (personal finance)
• Courses: Coursera Finance Basics, Khan Academy Personal Finance

🌱 Best Beginner Action Plan