FINSHOTS: Simplifying Finance

I have been an avid reader of Finshots articles since they came online. I hold a special interest in finance and governance, so it is a good platform to look at every day. I like their simple and attention-grabbing writing.

That’s why I was excited when their book was released last month. But after reading it, I have mixed experiences about this book.

Before I talk about the book, let me give a salute to Finshots team

I would like to salute the team of Finshots for the work they are doing to enhance the financial literacy of our country. And the cherry on the icing is that all their content is available for free with beautiful infographics.

In short, Finshots is an Indian financial news media company that publishes digital content focused on simplifying financial, business and economic affairs.

Let me share a bit of their history.

The founding members hail from IIM-A. In 2019, they initiated their work of enhancing financial literacy from their college’s dorm room. Their goal was simple—to change the way India’s youth thinks about finance and the economy. They paid due concern to the importance of brevity and simplicity by writing in a simple and jargon-free manner. I am sure this is what makes them successful, too.  

One can dig into their fantastic website here.

Content

The whole book is segregated into three broader categories – economy & public policy, capital markets and business.

Under these categories, there is a vast coverage of topics such as the four-hour workweek, RBI responsibility, the process of preparation of India’s Union Budget, the Buffett Indicator, financial ratios, tax havens, conditions of overpaid CEOs, etc.

My personal experience

I have been immensely inspired by their content. I even started Powershots on a similar line with my MBA friends but could not sustain it for long.

I also learnt a lot about writing style (in storytelling format) through their articles. Whenever I am reading their articles, it feels as if a guy is sitting beside me and explaining the concept. I try to imbibe the same storytelling style in my newsletter posts as well.

But the most important lesson I learnt from the team is the importance of SIMPLICITY. I remember that one of my friends gave me feedback that I should use intellectual English words in my writing, but my opinion was the opposite. I always followed the principle of “the simpler the better”. I try to adopt this in all my communication. By the way, this principle is equally applicable in other aspects of our lives too.

I feel that –

“This is a good book to instill READING HABITS among the current generation. Even the people who are not a daily reader of Business Papers, this book can act as a starting point to initiate the curiosity TO KNOW OUR WORLD A LITTLE BETTER.”

Call to action

This book is not for fans of Finshots as they won’t find anything new. But non-fans will have loads of information on the overall economy and business scenario of our country.

I would highly recommend this as a MUST-WEEKEND READ for all. Click to buy the book now.

You can read it for free if your birthday is coming and you have the leverage to ask your best friend to order it for you (JUST LIKE WHAT I DID!).

I believe that corporates should subscribe to them to share their special (company-oriented) articles with the employees. I am not sure when would be the time to get their subscription but till then we can always refer to their website.

Before signing off, I would like to share my personal impression of the book as below which would help you decide whether to buy the book or not.

• Simplicity – 5/5
• Relevance – 5/5
• Content – 4/5 (one mark deducted for not capturing in detail)
• Presentation – 5/5

(Disclaimer – The above expressed views are my personal.)