Introduction:
There was a time when I sat across from a newly married couple—both working professionals, educated, earning decently—but still burdened with the thought, “Maybe financial freedom is for other people.” I’ve heard that voice too. That whisper that tells you you’re not meant for riches. But as someone who has walked this journey with hundreds of clients, I can assure you—it’s not just for the chosen few. It’s for you.
Through my experience as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Coach at The Richness Academy, I’ve realised that richness doesn’t begin with money—it begins with belief. The moment you shift from “Is this possible for me?” to “Why not me?”—everything changes.
Let me walk you through 9 transformative steps that have helped not just me but also my clients—including senior professionals, entrepreneurs, single mothers, and young couples—truly deserve to be rich, wealthy, and wise.
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1. Rewire How You Think About Wealth
Years ago, a businessman came to me frustrated with his stagnant financial growth despite making good profits. His limiting belief? “Money slips away no matter what I do.”
We tackled that belief head-on.
We reframed the dialogue from fear to trust, from “I always lose money” to “I’m learning how to manage and grow my wealth.” The shift wasn’t just in his finances—it was in his energy.
Your first step is to challenge the narrative you’ve inherited. Instead of saying, “I’m not good with money,” say, “I’m still learning.” This subtle shift can completely alter your financial trajectory.
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2. Wanting Wealth Doesn’t Make You Selfish

I met a client—a teacher—who hesitated to invest in herself or dream bigger. She felt guilty even desiring more. “Shouldn’t I be content?” she asked.
Here’s what I told her: Self-care includes financial stability.
It’s not about being greedy. It’s about being honest with your needs. You can still be kind, grounded, and spiritual—and desire abundance. In fact, with wealth, you get to serve more, give more, and live more.
Allow yourself to want more. That’s where it starts.
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3. Align Your Spending with What You Truly Value

A couple I coach once fought monthly over their budget. They were trying to follow a frugal plan they read about online—cutting out coffee, movies, and all “extras.”
I asked them, “Does this make you happy?” They paused. And then said no.
We restructured their budget to reflect joy, not guilt. Instead of elimination, we chose alignment. They began allocating money for things that lit them up—and cut back on what didn’t.
That’s real budgeting. Not sacrifice—conscious choice.
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4. Heal Your Money Past Without Shame
One of my clients, a single mother, carried a lot of guilt over a past financial mistake—a failed business venture. It haunted her.
We began by simply acknowledging that mistake wasn’t her identity. She wasn’t broken. She wasn’t behind.
Every rupee you’ve lost, every debt you’ve carried—it doesn’t define you. Release the guilt. You don’t have to be perfect to build wealth. You just have to begin again.
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5. You Can Be Wealthy and Still Be a Good Person

I had a retired naval officer tell me, “I’m scared of becoming rich… what if I change?” That idea had held him back from scaling his passive income.
But the truth is, money only amplifies who you already are.
If you’re generous now, you’ll be even more giving with money. If you’re honest, you’ll handle wealth with integrity. Let go of the fear that money will corrupt you. Instead, focus on how it will empower you.
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6. Wealth Comes from Systems, Not Sacrifice
A young startup founder once came to me burned out. He was hustling 16-hour days, convinced that’s how riches are made.
We changed that.
We automated his savings, built a structured investment plan, created backup reserves, and ensured wealth continued flowing—even when he rested.
Richness isn’t about overworking. It’s about building smart financial systems that support you even on your worst day.
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7. Your Self-Worth Reflects in Your Net Worth

A doctor I worked with kept undercharging for her private consultations despite being brilliant. Deep down, she didn’t feel worthy.
Once we worked on rewriting that belief, everything shifted. She doubled her rates. Clients didn’t leave—they valued her more.
If you constantly undervalue yourself, it will show in your income, your decisions, and your confidence.
Believe you’re worthy of charging more, saving more, and growing more. Because you are.
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8. Financial Freedom Isn’t Reserved for Others
When I coach middle-class families who’ve never invested before, I tell them: you don’t have to be a millionaire to start. You become one after you start.
The idea that only the “lucky few” deserve ease and options is a lie.
You don’t need a perfect plan. You need a clear direction and consistent steps. Even a SIP of ₹500 is a declaration: “I deserve more.”
Start there.
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9. The Richness You Seek Is Already Within You

One of my clients, a divorced woman in her 50s, thought it was too late for her to become rich. We built a roadmap to restructure her money life—from debt clearance to estate planning.
Today, she not only feels secure—she feels powerful.
You are not too late. You’re not too old. You’re not too inexperienced. The power to live richly is not outside—it’s within.
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Summary of the 9 Steps to Deserve a Rich, Wealthy, and Wise Life
Step Principle Key Takeaway
1 Shift your beliefs Replace limiting thoughts with empowering ones
2 Embrace desire It’s okay to want more—wealth is self-care
3 Spend with purpose Budget to amplify joy, not restrict it
4 Release guilt Your past doesn’t define your financial future
5 Reframe money values Rich people can be kind, generous, and good
6 Build systems Wealth flows through consistent, automated habits
7 Elevate self-worth Know your value and reflect it in your choices
8 Start now Freedom is a right—not a reward for others
9 Own your power You are already enough to create a rich life
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Conclusion
You don’t have to wait for permission to be rich. You don’t have to wait for the right time, or the perfect opportunity, or a big break.
You just have to decide: “I deserve this.”
This isn’t just about money. This is about a new identity—one where you walk with clarity, confidence, and choice. Where you pass on a legacy of wisdom and wealth. Where you show others what’s possible.
I’ve helped hundreds of clients step into this version of themselves. Now, it’s your turn.
Because you deserve to be rich. You deserve to be free. And you deserve to be wise.
How Can You Truly Deserve to Be Rich, Wealthy, and Wise in 9 Steps –Your Journal Prompts
These Journal Prompts are designed to help you practically apply the 9 powerful steps to shift your money beliefs, unlock abundance, and claim the richness you deserve. Use the journal prompts for reflection and the tracker to monitor your transformation.
Journal Prompts

1. Rewire How You Think About Wealth
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
2. Wanting Wealth Doesn’t Make You Selfish
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
3. Align Your Spending with What You Truly Value
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
4. Heal Your Money Past Without Shame
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
5. You Can Be Wealthy and Still Be a Good Person
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
6. Wealth Comes from Systems, Not Sacrifice
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
7. Your Self-Worth Reflects in Your Net Worth
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
8. Financial Freedom Isn’t Reserved for Others
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
9. The Richness You Seek Is Already Within You
• What belief or habit do I currently hold that contradicts this step?
• What is one empowering action I can take this week?
• How will this impact my financial future if practiced consistently?
The author of this article, Taresh Bhatia, is a Certified Financial Planner® and advocate for female empowerment. For more information and personalized financial guidance, please contact taresh@tareshbhatia.com
He has authored an Amazon best seller-“The Richness Principles”. He is the Coach and founder of The Richness Academy, an online coaching courses forum. This article serves educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consultation with a qualified financial professional is recommended before making any investment decisions. An educational purpose article only and not any advice whatsoever.
©️2025: All Rights Reserved. Taresh Bhatia. Certified Financial Planner®
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