Investing: A Journey Where the Destination Matters More Than the Road

I love travelling. It refreshes me. Recharges me. And over the years, it’s taught me more than just the difference between a hill station and a beach town. In fact, one of the biggest insights it gave me is about investing — that rare journey where the destination actually matters more than the road.

Let me explain.

When my kids were younger and in lower grades, planning a trip was relatively simple. I just needed to avoid software delivery deadlines and stay clear of long weekends (because let’s face it — who enjoys traffic jams and crowded tourist spots?). I’d plan my leave, chart out the itinerary, and off we’d go.

But as they grew older, especially once they hit Class 8 and Class 10, travel planning became a high-stakes project in itself. My schedule no longer had the veto power. Their school calendars, tuition classes, tests, and exam cycles started dictating when — and if — we could step away. I didn’t want to disrupt their academic momentum, especially in these crucial years.

Last month, however, I spotted a golden window — my elder son had just finished his Class 11 exams, and the younger one had wrapped up Class 9. Their schools were reopening soon, but the first couple of days promised to be light. I grabbed this opportunity and planned a short getaway to Ranikhet.

Instead of taking the usual Rudrapur–Haldwani route, we chose to drive via Kashipur–Ramnagar. This path cuts through the Bijrani Range of the Jim Corbett National Park. The drive is scenic, with thick forest stretches and multiple caution boards warning travelers not to step out of their vehicles due to possible wildlife presence. It’s a route that keeps you both alert and amazed.

And it reminded me why I love road trips: the journey itself. The countryside views, the endless conversations, the snacks, the music, and the rare joy of switching on cruise control for miles without a brake. The ride itself is the vacation.

But here’s where the analogy breaks — investing isn’t like that.

When it comes to your financial goals, the journey — while important — doesn’t hold the same weight as the destination. Reaching your goal matters far more than how scenic or comfortable the road was.

Yes, there’s satisfaction in looking back at the discipline, patience, and consistency you showed over the years. But if you don’t actually reach your goal, the entire journey risks feeling unfulfilling.

Take this example: suppose your goal is to build a ₹1 crore corpus for your child’s higher education. But you invest conservatively, relying solely on fixed deposits. Years pass, and you end up with only ₹50 lakhs. Now what? You either compromise on your child’s education, or you dip into funds meant for other critical goals like your retirement. Neither option is ideal.

In investing, the goalpost defines the strategy. Knowing how far it is, how much time you have, and what return you need — this clarity is vital. And that’s where a financial advisor comes in. Not just to help you define these milestones, but also to hold your hand when global headlines — like Trump’s tariff tantrums — try to shake your resolve.

So yes, I love the road. I cherish the drive. But in the world of money, I’ve learned something simple and powerful: the road is meaningful only if it leads you to where you need to go.