Gold alone isn't enough for your daughter’s Streedhan. Wealth manager Aarti Gupta explains why

Most Indian parents pass on gold jewellery to their daughters, believing that the precious metal will protect them during difficult times and shine brightly as part of their Streedhan after marriage. But wealth manager, economist and author Aarti Gupta feels this concept needs a reset.

Speaking at the launch of her new book titled 'I Am My Own Laxmi', Aarti Gupta said that 100% of the funds given to daughters should not comprise only gold but also include other assets, as the seasoned investment strategist advocated for diversification.

"Gold is not a bad asset to add. Gold has a place in a portfolio, but maybe 10% or 15%, depending on your goals. But instead of just giving physical gold, you can buy a gold ETF," she said during an exclusive conversation with ET Markets.


In fact, the wealth manager believes that not only women but men too should have a multi-asset portfolio as diversification is a must. Every product or investment needs to have a purpose, and the investor needs to ask why it is in her portfolio, Gupta added.

How can young female investors start saving?

For younger investors just beginning their careers, the economist believes they should first consider building an emergency fund that can pay for at least six months of monthly expenses. Once that has been built, the investor needs to start SIPs based on their goals.

"So whatever you can do, set a target. You may want a house, you may want a car. Whatever that goal is, five years, 10 years down the lane, set that target and start an SIP for it," she added.

It does not require complex knowledge about the stock market to invest efficiently. Aarti Gupta believes that if an investor can invest in something as simple as a Nifty 50 index fund for the next 20 years, stepping up the amounts whenever she can, she will thank herself 20 years later.

Also read | Warren Buffett and Sam Altman have a common investing rule: Here is where they find biggest opportunities

How should married couples divide their expenses?

During the book launch, Aarti Gupta elaborated on how women often lose rights over their own hard-earned money as societal prejudices have somehow made money the "man's domain". The economist advocated for women to take charge of their own money and learn how to grow it.

Speaking about how a married couple should divide their expenses instead of the man himself controlling all the funds, Dr Gupta said each of them should most importantly have individual bank accounts. In many Indian households, women often do not have personal bank accounts, stripping away their financial independence.

Once both the husband and wife have their individual bank accounts, they should consider opening a joint account to pay for their regular expenses. If you have great chemistry, then savings and emergency funds can also be built through the joint account, according to the wealth manager.

About 'I Am My Own Laxmi'

Aarti Gupta launched her debut book titled ‘I Am My Own Laxmi’ on Thursday. Blending practical guidance with personal stories and cultural context, the book aims to encourage women to participate confidently in conversations around money, investing and long-term wealth—conversations that have too often taken place without them.

Gupta currently serves as Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Anikarth Ventures, where she backs early-stage businesses. She also serves as an independent director and works across finance and governance.

Educated at IIT Kanpur, Harvard University and Northeastern University, her work has consistently focused on expanding women's participation in financial decision-making. “Financial literacy isn't about becoming rich. It's about never having to surrender your choices because someone else controls your money,” she said at the book launch.

Also read | Old strategies buried alive: How CAS hit Dalal Street traders

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)