Why You Should Journal Your Investmentsand Goals

📝 Most people forget why they started a SIP—until it's time to withdraw.
That’s why keeping a simple investment journal can save you from confusion, regret, and missed milestones.

📒 Why You Should Start Journaling Your Investments

(Especially for Your Goals)

☕ Ever Started Something… Then Forgot Why?

It happens.
You start a SIP because you’re feeling responsible. You’re told it’s good for “long term wealth creation.” So you pick a fund, choose a date, and forget about it.

Fast forward 3 years—your SIP is running. But now your child’s admission is near, and you're staring at your folio thinking:
“Wait... was this for her? Or was this my retirement plan?”

That’s the blind spot. And believe me, it’s more common than you think.

📚 Let’s Talk Reality

In my work with families around Kolkata and the suburbs—places like Ballygunge, Bidhannagar, even Belgharia—I’ve seen this happen again and again:

People invest. They even do it regularly.
But when the goal shows up, they’re unsure whether they should redeem or continue.

Why?

Because there’s no record.
Not of what the SIP was meant for.
Not of what return they were expecting.
Not even of the dream that started it all.

One client of mine had six SIPs.
He proudly said, “All are large-cap funds. Discipline toh hai.”
But when I asked, “Which one is for your daughter's wedding?”
He blinked.

“Oh… I think that was the one I increased during lockdown. Or maybe that was for my Europe trip…”

🧭 Something I Wish More People Knew

An investment without a memory is just a number.

Returns, CAGR, NAV—these are important.
But what really matters is this:

• “Will this money be available when I truly need it?”
• “And will I even remember why I kept it aside in the first place?”

That’s where journaling steps in.
Not a fancy tracker. Not Excel.
Just a simple habit of writing things down.

✍️ What Does an Investment Journal Look Like?

Honestly, it can be a notebook. Or a Google Doc. Or a notes app on your phone.

Here’s what to jot down whenever you start or top-up a goal-based investment:

• 📌 Date of starting
• 🎯 Purpose (e.g., “Daughter’s college 2029”, “Down payment for flat in 2027”)
• 💰 Amount and frequency (SIP or lumpsum)
• ⏳ Time horizon (tentative)
• ✅ Review points (yearly, half-yearly, etc.)
• 💭 Any emotional note (e.g., “Started this after talking to Ma about retirement.”)

These aren’t just facts. They’re memory triggers. Motivation anchors.

💬 A Quote to Remember

“Numbers fade. Intentions last. That’s why goals need journaling—not just funding.”

❓ Mini FAQ

Q: I already have a portfolio on an app. Why journal again?
Apps track money. Journals track meaning. Only you know the emotional reason behind each investment.

Q: Can’t I just use an Excel sheet?
You can. But don’t overcomplicate it. Even two lines in a diary are better than a forgotten SIP.

Q: What if I missed doing this for past investments?
No problem. Start now. Go back and map what you can. Going forward, journal every new one—even if it’s a top-up.

🌱 Soft Close

Investing with discipline is great.
But investing with awareness? That’s next-level peace of mind.

If you’ve ever looked at your folio and wondered, “Was this for me or for them?”—then maybe it’s time to pick up a notebook.

Nothing fancy. Just you and your thoughts, beside your investments.

And if you’d ever like to walk through your goals—quietly, offline—I’m around.

No pressure. Just remember:
Money builds futures. But journaling protects them.

— Written over chai, after reviewing six folios with one confused investor, by someone who believes your money should always know why it exists.