The Best Financial Product? It Doesn’t Exist
💫 Why Chasing the “Best” Financial Product Rarely Ends Well
“Which term plan gives the most back?”
“Can I get a ULIP that offers both market growth and guaranteed returns?”
I’ve been asked all of these—sometimes on the same day. And usually right after someone says:
"I’m just looking to park some funds, nothing serious."
😄 Ah, yes. The sacred Indian ritual of parking funds—with a 20-year lock-in.
The search for the “best” is often the fastest way to stay stuck.
👀 Ever Found Yourself in This Loop?
A client from Kolkata once spent three weeks comparing over 25 mutual funds. He had spreadsheets, YouTube links, ratings from three apps—even a “Top 10” list saved on Google Keep.
But he hadn’t invested even ₹500. Why? “I’m just waiting for the right moment.”
The right moment, I believe, is stored in the same locker as Atlantis and clean socks in a bachelor’s drawer—rumoured, not confirmed.
Another client had five insurance policies—two endowments, a ULIP, a child plan, and a pension scheme. When I asked why, he replied:
“Sabhi agents ne bola yeh best hai.”
None of them actually covered him properly. No term insurance. No emergency fund. Just paperwork. And a slightly overwhelmed expression.
☕ What We Often Miss
This isn’t about greed—it’s about fear. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of being stuck. Fear of trusting the wrong person. Fear of that one cousin who’ll say, “I told you to go with XYZ Flexi Cap Fund!”
So we do what normal people do—we delay. We watch 14 reels from 14 “finance influencers” and end up with 0 action.
In the search for the “best,” we end up doing nothing at all.
🧠 Why “Best” Keeps Running Away
“Best” is like fuel prices—always changing, rarely satisfying.
Markets move. New products launch. Ratings change. T&Cs evolve. What worked for your friend in 2020 might be average in 2025.
Stop chasing the best product. Start choosing what fits your life, your goals, and your behavior.
📝 From My Side of the Table
Across Kolkata, Naihati, Barasat, I’ve met people who came with:
- One LIC policy their father bought in 1997
- Eight ULIPs and a headache
- 11 mutual funds including 3 largecap fund, 2 midcap, 3 smallcap and 3 sectoral/thematic funds from different AMC's
- Three savings accounts and no investments
You know what worked long-term?
The plan they understood and stuck with.
💬 A Line That Stays With Me
“Financial products don’t change lives. Behavior does.”
You can chase “Top 5 Funds for 2025!” Or you can start a ₹2,000 SIP and build discipline.
Good enough and consistent beats perfect and imaginary. Every time.
❓ Real Questions I Hear (Offline)
Q: How do I know if a product is “good enough”?
A: Ask yourself—Does it fit my goal? Do I understand how it works? Can I afford it?
If yes, it’s probably good enough to start. Not perfect. Not magical. Just start-worthy.
Q: I made a few poor choices in the past. Should I feel bad?
A: No. Only if you keep renewing them out of guilt 😄. Everyone has a “what-was-I-thinking” product. That’s called experience.
Q: What if a better product comes later?
A: It will. Just like phones and mutual fund ads. But don’t waste today waiting for tomorrow’s upgrade.
🧯 Myth to Let Go Of
“If I research long enough, I’ll find the perfect plan.”
Sorry, even Santa doesn’t bring that.
The only thing that grows from endless research is your tab count and anxiety.
The real plan is simple: start with clarity and course-correct when needed.
🌱 A Gentle Thought to End
If you’ve got 11 tabs open titled “Best Plan 2025” and no actual investment to show for it— Maybe it’s time to pause.
Not for a new link. But for a real conversation.
Offline. With someone who doesn’t just know products—but people.
You don’t need the best product. You need the next right one—for where you are right now.
🧂 A Bit from Real Life
Every March, I get panic calls.
“Dada, best tax-saving plan bolo. Kal start korbo.”
At this point, I think tax season causes more cardio than Zumba.
But here’s what I always say:
Let’s not choose in panic what you’ll regret in peace.
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