In a recent interaction, a travel agency owner shared how he was conned by a broker who promised to double his money quickly.

The result?

His portfolio fell to just 10% of its original value in double quick time.

It made me reflect—why do even smart, experienced people fall for such traps?

So, I asked him a simple question:

“Which car do most tour operators and taxi drivers prefer?”

Without hesitation, he said:

Maruti Suzuki

“Why?” I asked.

His answer was clear:

1. Easy to service
2. Lower operating costs
3. Better mileage

Then I asked,

“Since when have you been in this business?”

“Since 2009,” he replied.

I continued…

“Do most taxi operators and cost-conscious users prefer Maruti?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve trusted this brand for 17 years… your entire ecosystem believes in it…

Then why didn’t you invest in the stock of Maruti?”

Silence.

Instead, he trusted a “tip” that promised quick money.

Ironically, Maruti Suzuki stock has compounded at ~16% annually since 2009.

The Real Lesson

We often ignore businesses we understand deeply

…and chase ideas we don’t understand at all.

We seek quick returns, forgetting that:

1. Markets reward patience, not impulse
2. Even great companies deliver returns in a non-linear fashion
3. Wealth is built through discipline, not excitement

The Good

1. Equity investing can create long-term wealth
2. Ownership in quality businesses
3. Power of compounding

The Bad

1. Volatility and temporary drawdowns
2. Emotional decision-making
3. Poor entry valuations

The Ugly

1. “Guaranteed returns”
2. Tips, speculation, and unregistered advisers
3. Get-rich-quick schemes that destroy wealth

The Way Forward

1. Build a quality, diversified portfolio (direct equities or mutual funds)
2. Focus on asset allocation and valuation discipline
3. Stay invested with a long-term mindset
4. Most importantly, seek guidance from a SEBI-Registered Investment Adviser

This conversation helped him realise that there is no shortcut to wealth creation—and he chose to start a disciplined journey with us.

Naveen Rego Capital, is a fee-only financial planning firm and a SEBI-Registered Investment Adviser. We have been only managing wealth for individuals and families for last 23 years.

“If you’ve worked hard for your money, your money should work hard for you.”

Happy Financial Planning!

Naveen Julian Rego – CFP®

MD & Principal Officer

Naveen Rego Capital

SEBI Registered Investment Adviser

Reg No: INA000019211

BSE Membership ID: 2178

Date: 28-03-2026

Disclaimers:

1. Investment in the securities market is subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

2. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BSE and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

3. Financial products recommended by us which are under the jurisdiction of other regulators are beyond the scope of SEBI’s grievance mechanism.

4. Usage of Maruti stock was purely educational and not an investment recommendation.