Exclusive! Finance Content Creator Harsh Goela Talks About the Future of Finance, Insights, & Misconceptions

Meet Harsh Goela, Co-founder of Goela School of Finance and a finance content creator. He entered the stock market at 18, becoming one of the youngest trainers for the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange. Together with his CFA brother Aditya Goela, they founded Goela School of Finance LLP to eliminate financial misjudgment inefficiencies. With 613K followers, their impact is undeniable. In this exclusive interview, Harsh Goela shares his journey as a finance content creator, common misconceptions about finance, and more.

What inspired you to become a finance content creator, and what motivates you to continue sharing your knowledge and insights in this field?

My journey as a finance content creator was not initially driven by a desire to become a content creator per se. My true aspiration was to reach the ranks of the top 50 investors in the world. To achieve this goal, I recognised the need for a consistent income stream to enable me to invest in the financial markets. This realisation led me to establish the Goela School of Finance in December 2014 to assist others in navigating the stock market while generating income for my investments. Content creation took a backseat to physical training and face-to-face interactions with our students in the early stages.

However, everything changed during the pandemic when physical interactions became limited. During this time, we began regularly creating content to provide ongoing education and insights to a wider audience. Since then, I have found immense motivation in our audience's positive comments and feedback. Knowing that our content has a meaningful impact on others and helps them navigate the complexities of finance is truly gratifying. Additionally, I am driven by the constant desire to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our audience. Above all, my main purpose is to have our audience become a part of my journey towards reaching the pinnacle of the investment world. In summary, my path as a finance content creator was not planned from the beginning. It emerged to support my investment goals and evolved into a passion for sharing knowledge and insights. The support and engagement from our audience, combined with the opportunity to make a difference in their financial journeys, continue to be my driving force.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Goela School Of Finance (@goela_school_of_finance)

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in finance, and what resources do you rely on for your research?

To stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in finance, I employ a multi-faceted approach that involves leveraging various resources. Firstly, I constantly monitor multiple finance news portals by keeping numerous tabs open on my laptop. It allows me to stay informed about breaking news, market trends, and industry updates as they happen. However, when it comes to conducting in-depth research, I place great emphasis on relying on credible and reliable sources. I extensively review annual reports, company announcements, and financial institutions' publications to gather accurate and comprehensive information. These sources provide valuable insights into companies' financial performance, strategies, and future prospects, enabling me to make informed investment decisions.

Additionally, I actively engage with industry experts, attend conferences, and participate in relevant forums and discussion groups. These interactions provide opportunities to exchange ideas, gain different perspectives, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the finance industry. Moreover, I use various online platforms and digital resources, such as research papers, scholarly articles, and reputable financial publications. These resources offer in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and research findings on various financial topics.

In summary, my approach to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in finance involves monitoring finance news portals, relying on credible sources like annual reports and company announcements, engaging with industry experts, attending conferences, and leveraging online platforms and digital resources. Utilising these diverse sources ensures that my knowledge and insights remain current and well-informed.

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about finance, and how do you address those misconceptions in your content?

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about finance is that it is inherently complex and requires a sophisticated strategy to make money. In my content, I strive to address this misconception by making finance approachable and enjoyable for everyone. Finance can be simplified and understood by breaking down complex concepts into relatable terms and logical reasoning. By avoiding jargon and using everyday language, I aim to bridge the gap between the technicalities of finance and the average person's understanding.

In my content, I emphasise the importance of grasping the underlying logic behind financial concepts rather than getting lost in intricate details. I provide clear explanations, practical examples, and real-life scenarios to illustrate how finance works in simple and relatable ways. By presenting finance in a more accessible and relatable manner, I encourage individuals to feel empowered and capable of making sound financial decisions.

I aim to instil confidence in my audience, enabling them to navigate the financial landscape with clarity and purpose. One common misconception about finance is its perceived difficulty and the need for complex strategies to succeed. My content focuses on making finance enjoyable and easy to understand by simplifying concepts, avoiding jargon, and emphasising logical reasoning. By doing so, I aim to help individuals overcome their misconceptions and develop a solid foundation of financial knowledge.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Goela School Of Finance (@goela_school_of_finance)

What do you think are the most important skills for individuals to develop to be successful in managing their finances?

Two crucial skills for individuals to develop to manage their finances successfully are breaking down complex concepts into simple logic and a deep understanding of the businesses they invest in. Firstly, breaking down financial concepts into simple logic is essential for effective financial management. This skill involves understanding the underlying principles and reasoning behind financial decisions. By simplifying complex ideas, individuals can make more informed choices and develop a clear understanding of their financial goals, budgeting, investing, and risk management.

Secondly, a profound understanding of the businesses one invests in is vital for successful financial management. It involves conducting thorough research and analysing the companies or industries individuals consider investing in. Understanding the fundamentals, financial health, competitive positioning, and growth prospects of businesses allows individuals to make informed investment decisions and build conviction in their choices. By developing these skills, individuals can confidently navigate the complexities of personal finance. They can make informed decisions based on sound reasoning and a deep understanding of their investments, leading to better financial outcomes and long-term success.

How do you balance your investment strategies and personal financial goals with your responsibilities as a finance content creator?

As a finance content creator, balancing my investment strategies and personal financial goals with my responsibilities becomes easier rather than more challenging. The key lies in practising what I preach.

Being a finance content creator requires me to consistently engage in study and research to provide valuable insights and guidance to my audience. This process of continuous learning and analysis not only benefits my followers but also enhances my understanding and conviction in my investment strategies.

By thoroughly researching investment opportunities, staying updated with market trends, and analysing financial data, I can align my personal financial goals with the strategies I share as a content creator. This approach ensures that I am providing sound advice and applying it to my investments.

Being a finance content creator catalyses maintaining a disciplined approach to personal financial management. It reinforces the importance of practising what I preach, enabling me to align my investment strategies and personal financial goals harmoniously and effectively.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Goela School Of Finance (@goela_school_of_finance)

What role do you see social media playing in the future of finance, and how do you think it will continue to evolve in the years to come?

Social media is poised to continue playing a significant role in the future of finance. Over the years, we have witnessed how traditional finance media outlets struggle to cater to individuals' diverse needs regarding content accessibility and comprehension, especially for newcomers to the field. In contrast, social media platforms have provided an avenue for finance content creators to bridge this gap effectively, delivering more approachable and relatable information.

Social media will likely continue to evolve and shape the finance landscape. However, one significant challenge that needs to be addressed is the prevalence of misinformation. Unlike traditional media houses, social media platforms offer relatively less control over content accuracy and reliability. This challenge calls for a proactive approach from content creators and the platforms.

Content creators must evolve and overcome this challenge to ensure the continued growth and positive impact of finance on social media. It can be achieved by emphasising the importance of distinguishing facts and opinions, providing credible sources, and promoting financial literacy and critical thinking skills among the audience. Additionally, platforms should implement measures to verify and authenticate finance content, fostering an environment where accurate and reliable information can flourish.

In summary, social media will continue to be a driving force in the future of finance due to its accessibility and relatability. However, addressing the challenge of misinformation is essential to foster an environment where the audience can differentiate between facts and opinions, ensuring the continued evolution and positive impact of finance on social media platforms.