In this exclusive virtual conversation with StartupTalky, Nehal Mota, Co-founder & CEO of Finnovate, shares her personal journey with money, the life-changing experiences that shaped her outlook, and practical strategies for financial fitness. She also discusses investing basics, common money mistakes, early retirement planning, and why financial independence is especially empowering for women.
Early Relationship with Money
Growing up, Nehal Mota described herself as someone who did not hold back when it came to spending.
“I was a person who would actually spend money. So people around me just said that you have a very free hand and you spend a lot.”
Coming from a middle-class family, she experienced scarcity, which pushed her to think differently about money from an early age.
“In school I decided that financial independence is important and I can’t be dependent on anyone for money. If I’m financially independent, then I’m not answerable to anyone on how I spend.”
Life-Changing Experiences
One of the turning points in Nehal’s life was surviving the Bhuj earthquake. This shaped her resilience and outlook on security. It was one of the experiences that stayed with her as she transitioned from a corporate career into building Finnovate, a platform focused on structured financial planning.
The Six Pillars of Financial Fitness
At Finnovate, Nehal stresses what she calls the six pillars of financial fitness. These cover everything from emergency funds and insurance to investments and retirement planning. She explained that the goal is to give people a structured approach to money management.
“Financial independence is about peace of mind. It is about the ability to make choices without fear.”
Investing Made Simple
Nehal broke down investing in simple terms. She explained SIPs, SIFs, and ETFs, making it easy for beginners to understand where to start. According to her, consistency matters more than timing the market.
“Even with ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 a month, anyone can start building a portfolio. What matters is consistency.”
She also highlighted the role of asset allocation and why gold still has relevance in a modern portfolio.
“Gold may not give extraordinary returns, but it brings stability and acts as a safeguard in uncertain times.”
Common Mistakes and Early Retirement
Many people in their 20s and 30s struggle with overspending, ignoring insurance, or delaying investments. Nehal cautioned against these mistakes and also touched on the idea of early retirement (FIRE). While the movement is appealing, she stressed that it requires planning and discipline.
Women and Financial Independence
For Nehal, financial fitness is especially important for women. She emphasised that independence is not just financial, but also emotional and social.
“If you’re financially independent, you have the confidence to take your own decisions. It’s a form of empowerment.”
Final Thoughts
The conversation with Nehal Mota combined personal experiences, professional insights, and practical advice. From the importance of starting early to building resilience, her perspective makes financial fitness accessible for everyone.
🎥 Watch the full conversation with Nehal Mota here:
Nehal Mota, Co-founder and CEO, Finnovate in Conversation with Startuptalky
Leave a Reply