I recently went on a cycling trip in Bali. I was excited for the challenge, picturing scenic climbs and rewarding descents. It was a five-day trip

covering almost 250–260 kms — and eventful right from the start.

Day 1: I was late to the starting point, hadn’t slept well, and forgot to carry essentials like electrolytes. The ride was challenging but exhilarating. Just before reaching the finishing point, severe cramps hit me — I ended up lying on the road for 20–25 minutes, completely drained.

Day 2 : Today’s route was mostly descent, and I was better prepared — in fact, overprepared. To get a smoother experience, around 15–16 of us opted out of the off-road route and insisted on the on-road ride only. The last leg, however, was a mix of off-road, steep inclines, and sharp descents.

Our expedition advisor gave a stern warning about the treacherous off-road trail ahead, detailing the risks involved. Heeding his advice, about 20 people from our group wisely opted out.

But I didn’t. I thought, I’ve been cycling for years — how hard can it be?

I was prepared for what I expected, but not for what could go wrong. I let my confidence outweigh my judgment and pushed ahead. In one stretch, we were asked to walk, not ride — but a few of us cycled anyway to reach earlier.

The result? A nasty fall.

I twisted and messed up my left hand, dislocated my shoulder, fractured my wrist, and was bruised all over.

Now here’s the unbelievable part. As I lay there in pain, I discovered that some of the riders with me were ex-army and renowned orthopedicians. They professionally reset my shoulder right there on the trail and improvised a splint for my wrist using *twigs and shoelaces.*I was incredibly, unbelievably lucky. And it taught me a lesson I’ll never forget.

The Problem: We Bet on Confidence and Luck, Not Expertise

My mistake in Bali wasn’t just being unprepared for the terrain; it was ignoring the advice of an expert who knew the path better than I did. My lucky rescue only highlighted a bigger truth: *luck is not a strategy.*

I see this play out every day in the world of finance — especially now, as we in India are just coming out of the long festive season and start planning for the year ahead.

Many people, driven by confidence or impatience, go against the counsel of their financial advisors:

• They ignore advice to diversify and pour money into one “hot” stock.

• They delay getting essential insurance, thinking, “It won’t happen to me.”

• They try to time the market on their own, making emotional decisions instead of strategic ones.

• Sometimes, it’s wiser to sit on cash when the market feels too heated, rather than chase short-term trends.

They are essentially choosing the dangerous trail, ignoring the guide, and just hoping they get lucky.

The Solution: Your Financial Advisor is Your Trail Guide

That day, I learned that the most important piece of gear isn’t your bike or your helmet — it’s an experienced guide you can trust. The same is true for your financial journey.

A great financial advisor does more than just manage your investments; they are your through unpredictable terrain.

1. They Know the Trail:

   A good advisor has navigated the markets for years. They’ve seen the treacherous downhills (market crashes) and the unexpected obstacles — inflation, policy shifts, and even our own behaviours and biases.

   They can warn you about the real risks, not just the ones you see. Their job is to keep you on the safest, most effective path to your goals.

2. They Make Sure You’re Properly Equipped:

   Once you trust their guidance, they ensure you have the right gear. This is where practical tools come into play — not as a replacement for advice, but as a result of it.

• Your First-Aid Kit (Emergency Fund): Money set aside (6–12 months of expenses) for immediate needs, so a small fall doesn’t end your entire journey.

• Your Helmet & Pads (Proper Insurance): The right life and health insurance to protect you and your family from catastrophic financial injury.

• Your All-Terrain Bike (A Diversified Portfolio): A balanced investment portfolio that can handle both smooth patches and rocky roads.

My experience was a painful, humbling reminder. I survived because of a one-in-a-million stroke of luck. But a solid plan, built with an expert guide, is how you thrive.

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TL;DR (The Short Version)

• I ignored my guide’s warning on a Bali cycling trip, had a bad fall, and got bailed out by pure luck.

• Relying on overconfidence and luck is just as dangerous in finance as it is on a mountain trail.

• The most critical part of your financial plan isn’t a product — it’s a trustworthy financial advisor.

• A good advisor helps you navigate risks and ensures you have the right tools: an emergency fund, insurance, and a diversified portfolio.

Don’t Leave Your Financial Future to Luck

My story could have ended very differently — and it’s not a chance I’d ever take again, especially with something as important as financial well-being.

Are you navigating your financial journey with an expert guide, or are you hoping you get lucky?