The Secret to 2026 Wealth: Control Your Behaviour, Not the Markets
Every new year comes with bold market predictions—“This sector will shine”, “That market will crash”.
But history tells us something far more important: long-term wealth is built not by predictions, but by discipline during uncertainty. As 2026 approaches, the biggest differentiator between successful and unsuccessful investors will not be forecasts—but discipline.
Markets move in cycles. Volatility, global events, and policy changes are unavoidable. No one can consistently time the best entry or exit points. What is predictable, however, is how emotions respond — fear when markets fall and excitement when they rise.
These emotions often lead investors to make costly mistakes. Panic selling during market falls and chasing returns after sharp rallies are common behavioural mistakes. Unfortunately, this usually results in buying high and selling low, breaking the power of compounding and increasing unnecessary costs, and exactly opposite of what one should be doing during these times.
Time and again, discipline has proven stronger than intelligence. A simple, well-diversified portfolio held with discipline often outperforms complex strategies executed inconsistently. Regular investing, periodic rebalancing, and alignment with financial goals matter more than frequent tactical changes based on headlines or social media noise.
Successful investors follow a process, not predictions. They accept short-term discomfort for long-term growth and resist the urge to act on every market development.
As we move towards 2026, the message is clear: wealth will not be created by predicting markets correctly, but by behaving correctly.
In investing, calm and consistency are the true edge.
(Contributed by MF Alam, Lead Research Analyst, Hum Fauji Initiatives)
SEBI’s New Nomination Rules: A Small Step That Protects Your Family
SEBI has introduced simpler and stronger nomination rules for mutual fund and demat accounts— to make investing safer and ensure smooth and stress-free wealth transfer.
Nomination Is Now Mandatory for investors. If you hold a mutual fund, you must either:
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Nominate at least one person, or
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Formally opt out of nomination.
No third option.
Why does this matter? Because without a valid nomination, your family may face delays, paperwork, and legal hurdles while claiming your investments after you.
Another important change is flexibility. Investors can now nominate up to 10 people in a single account and clearly decide how money should be shared.
For Example: Spouse – 50%, Daughter – 30%, Son – 20%. If no percentage split is mentioned, assets will be shared equally.
This flexibility allows you to plan asset distribution exactly as per your wishes.
To avoid disputes and delays, SEBI now requires complete nominee details, including: identity proof, contact details, relationship, and date of birth. Incomplete nominations will be marked Not in Good Order (NIGO) and purchases of funds may be rejected.
The good news? Updating nominations is very easy now. Mutual fund investors can do very simply this online through CAMS and KFintech portals, without any paperwork or branch visits.
A few minutes spent updating your nomination today can save your family months of stress tomorrow. It’s a small step that makes a big difference to your financial legacy.
(Contributed by Anjeeta, Financial Planner, Team Arjun, Hum Fauji Initiatives)
From Caregiver to Wealth Creator — Women and Multi-Goal Planning
Women are the backbone of every family- nurturing, organising, and supporting loved ones through every stage of life. Yet, while caring for everyone else, their own financial future is often put on hold. The truth is, wealth creation doesn’t begin with big money; it begins with mindful, consistent actions.
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Start with clarity of goals
Write down every responsibility and dreams — children’s education, family security, retirement, or personal aspirations. Assign timelines and priorities. This simple step turns uncertainty into a clear financial roadmap. -
Build a strong safety net
Create an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses. Combine this with adequate health and life insurance to protect your family and ensure financial stability during unforeseen events. -
Invest with discipline, not emotions
Begin monthly SIPs, even with small amounts. Consistency matters more than market timing. As income grows — through promotions, business progress, or after a career break — gradually increase your investments. -
Match each goal with the right strategy
Short-term goals need stability, while long-term goals require growth to beat inflation. A balanced approach helps you stay secure today while building wealth for tomorrow. -
Review and realign regularly
Life evolves — marriage, motherhood, career pauses, or new responsibilities. Your financial plan should evolve with you. -
Build wealth with purpose
Wealth is not just about numbers. It is about freedom, confidence, and the ability to care for loved ones without sacrificing your own dreams.
With thoughtful, goal-based planning, women turn responsibility into resilience — and create a future defined by choice, security, and self-belief.
(Contributed by Anchal Yadav, Financial Planner, HNI Desk, Hum Fauji Initiatives)
What did our clients ask us in the last 7 days
Question –
My son is 35, unmarried, and currently has a ₹1 crore term insurance policy. As his income and responsibilities may increase in the future, can he enhance his life cover under the same policy, or will he need to buy a new one? What is the best way to plan for rising life cover needs over time?
Our Reply –
Your son has already taken a good first step. Buying a term plan early creates a strong foundation at lower premium. In most cases, term insurance cover cannot be increased under an existing policy. Term plans are issued based on age, income, and health at the time of purchase, and the sum assured remains fixed throughout the policy term.
That said, this does not limit future planning. Rising responsibilities can be managed with a thoughtful approach.
How to plan for increasing life cover:
Buy Additional Term Policies Later – As income, liabilities, or dependents increase, your son can take new term plans – each additional policy adds to the total life cover.
Opt for a Step-Up Term Plan (if available) – Some insurers offer policies where cover increases at predefined life stages (marriage, childbirth etc). These must be chosen at the time of purchase.
Lock in Early, Add Gradually – Buying early keeps premiums low. Future policies will cost more due to age, but laddering cover helps balance affordability and adequacy.
Review cover Periodically – Major milestones like marriage, home purchase, or parenthood should trigger a review of life cover.
Link Cover to Liabilities – Life cover should increase to broadly reflect loans, family needs, and long-term goals—not just income. An expert financial planner will calculate the Human Life Value for you to form the scientific basis for increasing or decreasing your life cover.
In short, life insurance planning works best as a layered approach, not a one-time decision. You build protection as responsibilities grow.
(Contributed by Team Vikrant, Hum Fauji Initiatives)
