How we plan to achieve a retirement corpus 50 times our annual expenses

In this edition of the reader story, we meet a young couple who prefers anonymity. They share their money management journey and how they wish to achieve a retirement corpus 50 times annual expenses. About this series: I am grateful to readers for sharing intimate details about their financial lives for the benefit of readers….

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How a fee-only financial planner helped me

In this article, a client shares how a SEBI registered investment advisor and fee-only financial planner (Swapnil Kendhe) helped him set his finances in order. Those wondering what to expect from a fee-only financial planner will benefit from this. The client prefers the pen name ‘safed pigeon’. About the advisor:  Swapnil is a SEBI Registered Investment…

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I am 24 and started investing 1Y ago but what am I investing for?

This time on reader stories we meet a 24-year-old budding lawyer who prefers the pseudonym Mr Rakmo Hurtak. He believes his investment strategy is ‘okay’ (for his age and circumstances) but has a curious problem. He is not satisfied with “wealth creation” and needs a goal for his investments! This is of course fantastic as a…

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Why I hiked my retirement corpus target though my networth doubled since Dec 2019

As regular readers may know, we publish an annual personal finance audit every December – our  2021 audit was posted a few days ago. Since last year regular readers have been sharing their investment journey and portfolio reviews. Suhas was among the first to do this. He has most graciously agreed to share an update…

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How I track financial goals without worrying about returns

In this edition of the reader audit, 29-year-old Mr Yo (name withheld on request) explains in detail how he has structured his money management in a systematic manner and how he tracks his financial goals without considering returns. About this series: I am grateful to readers for sharing intimate details about their financial lives for the…

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Why I increased equity MF investments by 275% and reduced PPF contributions

In Jan 2021, Gowtham Subramanian discussed how he had started goal-based investing, focusing on asset allocation and how it has made him feel more in control over his finances. In this follow-up audit, he explains why he had to make bold and tough choices, like increasing equity mutual fund investments by 275% and reducing PPF…

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My financial journey was directionless until age 40: this is how I made up for lost time

In this edition of the reader story, we meet Mr H (name withheld on request), who explains that it is better later than never to get your finances back on track and start goal-based investing. About this series: I am grateful to readers for sharing intimate details about their financial lives for the benefit of readers. …

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I have made a lot of investment mistakes but am on course to financial independence by 45

In this edition of the reader story, we meet Mr Sailor (real name withheld on request) who, despite several mistakes (judged in the comfort of hindsight, to be fair), is on course to achieve financial independence by age 45. His journey teaches us to not wallow in regret, move forward and be consistent. About this…

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I plan to achieve financial independence by 46 this is my master plan

In this edition of the reader story, we meet Vasu, who is two years away from financial independence. He explains his approach to personal finance: “Own what you know, Loan  (to) who you know” to maximize risk-adjusted rewards or minimize reward-adjusted risks. About this series: I am grateful to readers for sharing intimate details about…

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