Minnie’s Path to Financial Empowerment with GetSetUp

eet Minnie G.’s, Lifelong Learner at GetSetUp whose illustrious career with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), characterized by her roles in reservoir engineering and a fervent dedication to learning, led her on a journey across India early in life. From Ahmedabad’s dynamic environment to Assam’s serene settings, her professional path reflects her relentless pursuit of expertise and a commitment to excellence. As she transitioned into retirement from her career, Minnie’s diverse career, marked by technical knowledge and a penchant for exploration, set the stage for her next adventure with GetSetUp.

Upon her superannuation in January 2021, Minnie stumbled upon GetSetUp. "I remember just scrolling through Facebook, and suddenly I came across GetSetUp. It was for people 55 and older, so I decided to enroll. At first, I wasn't very sure about it. But then, I had just superannuated, and investing is the first job a person has to do after superannuation. It's always better to start early. People who are working should start at the age when they get the knowledge." Initially hesitant, she took the plunge and enrolled in a finance class, igniting a passion for financial literacy and understanding post-retirement financial planning. "I found Guide Ajay's finance classes to be very good. He spoke about all the basic things, such as how to invest money, which interested me."

The topics discussed in the GetSetUp finance classes resonated with Minnie, particularly the emphasis on mutual funds. She shares, "The sessions gave me the confidence to invest in mutual funds. We learned about the basics of mutual funds. Initially, I was hesitant, but I started investing in mutual funds through the knowledge I gained in these classes." Guide Ajay's classes on finance gave Minnie the clarity and assurance she needed to take the first steps towards financial independence, “He said, you start with index funds to gain confidence, to understand what it is. What are the different types of mutual funds? He gave me the confidence." This simple advice laid the groundwork for Minnie's investment journey, empowering her to make informed decisions about her financial future. Beyond mutual funds, Minnie's exploration of government schemes and investment strategies broadened her financial acumen, "I also attended various sessions that spoke about how much percentage we should be investing across different asset classes. That helped me understand how to build my financial portfolio across different investment options. Today, when I make my investments, I go to my bank manager, talk to him, hear his advice for me, and then make my final decision. The confidence I have gained through GetSetUp gives me the background to have those conversations.” 

Reflecting on her learning journey, Minnie shares a particularly insightful revelation she gained on the necessity of venturing beyond traditionally safe investment instruments to combat inflation effectively, stating, "Mutual funds are, of course, very important because normally what we do, we go through safe instruments. One should be investing in safe instruments, no doubt. But at the same time, mutual funds are the only alternative when you have to beat inflation. That is a must not only in index funds but also in equity funds. And I started doing that also.”  Delving deeper into her learning experience, Minnie mentions the significance of understanding income tax, specifically the Annual Information Statement (AIS). She recalls, “I have also attended Guide Ajay’s sessions on income tax, like the AIS (Annual Information Statement). Earlier, we used to refer to Form 26 only. But after listening to him, I knew that AIS had become important."  Engaging with the finance classes on GetSetUp, Minnie not only gained confidence in her investment decisions but also embraced the complexity of financial markets with a newfound enthusiasm for exploration and growth. Her journey underscores the notion that it's never too late to pursue financial literacy, emphasizing its rewarding nature and essential role in navigating the challenges of today's economic landscape.

As she continues her learning journey, Minnie shares how encouraging greater participation, particularly among women, in programs like these on GetSetUp can empower individuals to take control of their financial well-being and navigate the complexities of financial planning confidently as they age.”I believe that finance is something everyone should be knowledgeable about, including government schemes, post office schemes, bank schemes, and various types of bank fixed deposits (FDs)." 

Minnie's experience with GetSetUp reflects the transformative power of learning and actively aging and what expert guidance can lead to in shaping one's approach to personal finance. “GetSetUp Guides and the support team are very cooperative and very prompt. I appreciate all your programs, from finance to cyber security to entertainment. GetSetUp has become an integral part of my daily routine. I mean, I've become so engrossed in GetSetUp. Today, I missed my singing class because I had to go out at 04:00. So, we have activities to look forward to, learning something new.” 

To explore the world of finance, cybersecurity, and more just like Minnie did on GetSetUp. Dive into a learning experience that transforms and connects. Say "HI" to us on WhatsApp to join our vibrant community of Learners today.