In a world of investment decisions based on uncertain futures, Devina Mehra’s Money, Myths, and Mantras offers a crucial roadmap for navigating the complexities of the financial markets. Written by one of India’s foremost financial experts and founder of First Global, Mehra combines decades of experience with an innovative perspective, providing readers with actionable insights that challenge traditional investing wisdom.
Perceiving the Financial Realm Through an Innovative Lens
Money, Myths, and Mantras goes beyond basic financial advice, providing readers with a transformative lens for understanding the intricate world of investing. Mehra emphasizes a data-driven approach that fuses cutting-edge techniques like AI and machine learning with classic principles of risk management and diversification. This innovative approach is grounded in deep, first-principles thinking that challenges conventional investment strategies.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of asset allocation. Mehra argues that it is not just the best strategy—it’s the only strategy that guarantees long-term financial health. Her insights into global diversification shed light on how to navigate risks associated with single-country, single-currency, and single-asset investments, offering readers the tools to future-proof their portfolios.
A Reflection of Knowledge and Experience
What sets Money, Myths, and Mantras apart from other investing books is the personal journey of Devina Mehra. From pioneering India’s first investment firm with a global focus to being named one of Fortune India’s ‘50 Most Powerful Women,’ her experience is woven into every page of the book. Her ability to simplify complex financial concepts, while maintaining rigorous analytical depth, makes this book accessible to both seasoned investors and newcomers alike.
Mehra’s storytelling is compelling and educational, illustrating how investing is not just about numbers, but understanding human behavior. Behavioral biases—such as the tendency to ignore risk—can sabotage an investor’s portfolio, and Mehra provides practical guidance on how to counter these traps. The book also focuses on the often-overlooked aspect of investing: knowing when and how to exit an investment.
The Role of AI, Technology, and Psychology in Investment
Mehra goes beyond traditional investing theories by incorporating the role of technology in modern finance. She highlights the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven decision-making in today’s investment landscape, challenging the myths that surround these innovations. The book reflects on how technology and human psychology intersect, providing readers with a deeper understanding of how cognitive biases and storytelling can impact investment decisions.
What the Experts Say
Money, Myths, and Mantras has already garnered praise from some of the most respected figures in the financial world. Ramdeo Agrawal, chairman and co-founder of Motilal Oswal Financial Services, calls it an “authentic read” for anyone looking to navigate the world of investing. He commends Mehra for stressing the importance of data-driven investing, especially as the market environment continues to evolve.

Samir Arora, founder and CIO of Helios Capital, emphasizes the book’s ability to explain the nuances of building a robust portfolio, starting with the essentials like asset allocation and diversification, while also shedding light on the mistakes investors often make in valuation and behavioral analysis. He praises Mehra for telling the stories of legendary investors like Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch in a way that helps readers understand and apply important investing principles.
Toolkit for Financial Success
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, Money, Myths, and Mantras offers invaluable insights and practical tools to help you make informed financial decisions. With its unique blend of data, behavioral psychology, and real-world examples, Devina Mehra’s book is a must-read for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in the world of investing. It is a powerful guide for reshaping how we think about wealth creation, with a focus on long-term success in an increasingly complex and uncertain financial landscape.
Money, Myths, and Mantras is more than just a book; it’s a blueprint for navigating the unpredictable world of investments with confidence and clarity.
About the Author
Devina Mehra is the founder and CMD of First Global, which began as a securities firm and investment bank and later transformed into an Indian and Global Quantitative Asset Management firm. She is a gold-medallist from both from the Indian Institute Of Management, Ahmedabad and Lucknow University, breaking a 60 year record, she has been declared one of India’s leading entrepeneurs by Outlook Business and Entrepreneur magazines and has also been featured in Fortune magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Indian Women in Business 2022. Through her work and now with this book, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the economic history of the country with all her accomplishments and breakthroughs.



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