What superpower do you have as an investor?

When we think of the word “superpower,” we often picture iconic figures like Superman or Batman—individuals with extraordinary abilities that set them apart from the rest. But in the world of investments, superpowers aren’t confined to a select few; they are qualities or circumstances that give us an edge in our financial journey.

They are powerful traits or situations that can set one investor apart from another, whether through luck, hard work, or strategic decision-making.

These superpowers can significantly elevate your financial life and place you ahead of others on the path to success.

Recently, I posed the following question to our clients only whatsapp group

What are your superpowers as an investor that are helping you create the financial life you truly desire?”

The responses were enlightening, revealing how some superpowers were common for most people while some superpowers were almost missing in that group of investors.

I’d like to share the results with you. This was a multiple choice question, so we don’t have data on how many people exactly took the poll, but we expect it to be around 140-150 people participated in the poll.

Let’s dive in.

Poll Question

What are your superpowers as an investor (multiple choice) that are helping you to create the financial life you truly desire?

Superpower #1: I am highly disciplined in saving/investing.

(Votes: 115)

This superpower received the highest number of votes, likely because it was evaluated by a special group—our clients, who are accustomed to regular guidance. This is a disciplined group in itself, which explains why it garnered the most votes. However, I suspect that if we conducted a similar poll among a more general audience, the number of votes for this superpower might not be as high.

This superpower reflects the ability to consistently prioritize saving and investing over immediate gratification. It involves making strategic decisions that ensure long-term financial growth and stability.

Discipline in saving and investing is the cornerstone of wealth-building. It allows investors to benefit from compounding returns, navigate financial challenges, and achieve financial independence more quickly than those who lack this focus.

Superpower #2: I am debt-free.

(Votes: 63)

Almost everyone around the age of 40-45 has some form of home loan or car loan. People often buy a house by their early 30s or mid-30s and then pay off the loan over 15-20 years. A significant portion of their income goes toward EMI each month, which could otherwise be directed toward saving for the future.

Living debt-free is liberating; it provides more financial flexibility and reduces stress. I am pleased that the second-highest number of votes went to this option.

Superpower #3: I live well below my means.

(Votes: 42)

A lot of people also said that they are living below their means, which simply means they are spending much less than they are earning. It involves making conscious lifestyle choices that prioritize saving over spending.

This superpower is crucial for accumulating wealth. By controlling spending, investors can save more, invest wisely, and avoid debt, leading to a more secure financial future.

Even with a moderate income, some people can achieve this. It also means adopting a lifestyle that does not require a large corpus at the end. This may be why many people with less wealth than others may feel financially free compared to those with more wealth.

Superpower #4: I don’t feel guilty spending a good amount of money on things that enhance my enjoyment of life.

(Votes: 30)

This was an interesting one.

This superpower reflects a healthy balance between saving and spending. It represents the ability to enjoy life’s pleasures without guilt, knowing that financial obligations are met.

India is predominantly a savings-oriented economy, and we are all taught to save, save, and save. Many of us didn’t experience much wealth in our childhood, and spending was often seen as an irresponsible trait. As a result, we tend to develop a highly negative view of spending, making our default approach one of “not spending.”

This is ironic because we save precisely for that retirement phase when we can finally spend our money.

Financial wellness isn’t just about accumulating wealth; it’s also about enjoying life. This balance ensures that investors can pursue happiness while still being responsible with their finances.

Having a lot of wealth without this superpower means that your wealth has less meaning for you.

Superpower #5: I have a very well-balanced life.

(Votes: 29)

Not many mentioned this, but those who did report that they lead a well-balanced life, which simply means managing work, finances, health, and personal time effectively. It indicates a holistic approach to life and financial management.

Most people focus so much on earning money that they lose their own identity and neglect their health and other important aspects of life, thinking, “I will do it later.”

This can lead to burnout and damage both mental and physical well-being.

It’s important to have this superpower, where you consciously avoid letting money dictate your schedule.

Now, we are moving towards those superpowers where we didn’t get enough votes and this gets interesting

Superpower #6: Money does not control me.

(Votes: 7)

This superpower signifies that a person does not let money control their mind or actions. Financial decisions are made without being driven by greed, fear, or societal pressure.

When money doesn’t control you, you can make rational decisions that align with your values and long-term goals. This detachment helps avoid impulsive choices that could jeopardize your financial future, whether related to career moves, major purchases, or displaying assets.

For much of our lives, we strive to accumulate wealth and increase our income, often engaging in actions that we don’t genuinely desire.

It’s noteworthy that very few people voted for this superpower.

Superpower #7: I already created a good net worth early in life.

(Votes: 6)

Few people feel they created a substantial net worth early in life. Similarly, fewer individuals believe they were fortunate enough to accumulate a significant amount of wealth in the early years.

A strong financial start is crucial for long-term success, as it allows compounding to begin earlier in life. For example, if someone saves ₹10,000 a month, in just 10 years, they could accumulate ₹20-25 lakhs. At this point, the corpus itself might generate an additional ₹2-3 lakhs annually through returns, without any further contributions from the investor.

However, it’s possible that many people compare themselves to high earners and feel that their early start wasn’t as advantageous in comparison.

Superpower #8: I don’t get stressed due to money issues.

(Votes: 5)

Very less people said that they dont get stressed due to money issues.

It’s natural! Money is an important part of life and money-related stress is common. It takes huge control and an amazing mindset to not get disturbed due to that aspect. If you also get stressed about money issues, it’s natural and dont worry, just see that it does not hugely impact your well-being.

Superpower #9: I earn a very high income.

(Votes: 3)

Only three people reported feeling they possess this superpower.

The challenge with this superpower is that our perception of “very high income” is often relative to what we currently earn. For someone earning ₹10 lakhs a year, ₹25 lakhs might seem very high, while for someone earning ₹25 lakhs annually, ₹1 crore could feel like the benchmark for high income.

My guess is that many clients earn substantial incomes but struggle to recognize it as such because they constantly compare themselves to others who earn more.

However, if you have the superpower of earning a high income, I believe that about 75% of financial issues are effectively addressed. Most financial problems can be traced back to having a lower or limited income.

Superpower #10: Luckily, I am going to get a good amount of wealth in Legacy.

(Votes: 2)

Only two people indicated that they expect to receive a substantial inheritance.

Receiving a legacy can provide a significant financial cushion, offering opportunities for further investments or securing one’s financial future without having to earn everything independently.

However, many people come from middle-class families and are doing significantly better than their parents, making it unlikely that they will receive anything substantial from them. In some cases, inheritances are complicated, often consisting primarily of real estate, such as a family home, which must be divided among siblings.

Superpower #11: I don’t worry about the future.

(Votes: 1)

Everybody worries about the future.. some more some less.. hence no comments

However, this superpower reflects confidence in one’s financial planning and overall life trajectory, leading to peace of mind. Not being preoccupied with future concerns allows for a more enjoyable present. It indicates that an individual has taken proactive steps to secure their future, thereby reducing anxiety and enabling them to focus on other aspects of life.

I am curious to know who that one person is—we could all learn a lot from them!