It was one of those crisp winter mornings when the roads feel quieter than usual. The kind of morning where the sun rises lazily over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. Two old school friends, Rajat and Sameer, started from the same location that morning, their cars side by side at a traffic signal in Gurugram.
They were both 45 years old. They had similar education, similar job profiles, similar salaries, and even similar family responsibilities. Both had been working in the corporate world for over two decades. The same dreams once—kids’ education, a peaceful retirement, travelling the world, living with dignity and comfort.
But as they left the signal and moved ahead, their choices for that journey—and eventually, for life—could not have been more different.
Rajat switched on his GPS.
Sameer didn’t.
And that simple decision began telling two different stories.
The Man Without GPS: Sameer’s Journey of Assumptions
Sameer leaned back in his seat confidently. He believed retirement would sort itself out. Like most people, he assumed:
- “I still have time”
- “My salary will keep increasing”
- “Property rates will go up”
- “FDs and PPF are enough”
- “I’ll start proper planning after 50”
He depended on hearsay, advice from colleagues, family traditions, and outdated investment habits. Every time he saved money, it either went into:
- Fixed deposits
- Random LIC policies
- A second property because “real estate is safe”
- A bank relationship manager’s recommendation
There was no roadmap.
No destination set.
No milestones.
He drove, but without clarity.
Years passed. Work got tougher. Health started requiring more attention. Children’s higher education expenses arrived earlier than expected. His elderly parents needed medical support. EMIs felt like invisible chains.
He changed cars thrice. He upgraded houses once. But he never upgraded his financial plan.
Every toll booth on his highway of life came with a heavy emotional invoice:
- Anxiety about money
- Confusion about investments
- Fear of layoffs
- No clarity about retirement corpus
Yet, he kept saying:
“Everything will be okay… God will manage.”
The Man With GPS: Rajat’s Journey of Discipline & Direction
Rajat, on the other hand, entered his destination into the GPS when he was 35:
“Peaceful Retirement at 60 – with dignity, freedom & passive income”
The GPS immediately showed him:
- Distance to go
- Time required
- Pit stops needed
- Alternate routes
- Mistakes to avoid
That GPS was not an app.
It was a Professional CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®).
It was not guesswork.
It was a personalised, structured, scientific retirement plan.
When Rajat met me for the first time, he was not worried about returns.
He was worried about direction.
Together, we:
✅ Assessed his current financial position
✅ Understood his life goals
✅ Created a goal-based retirement roadmap
✅ Designed a SIP and investment strategy
✅ Streamlined his expenses & insurance
✅ Built an emergency fund
✅ Balanced his asset allocation
✅ Prepared multiple scenarios
✅ Planned tax-efficient withdrawal strategy
✅ Created a legacy & estate blueprint
He didn’t become rich overnight.
He became clear overnight.
And clarity compounds faster than money.
10 Years Later – A Tale of Two Retirements
At 55, the contrast between Rajat and Sameer was heartbreaking yet eye-opening.
Sameer:
- Had multiple properties but no liquidity
- Was dependent on his job for monthly income
- Felt trapped in EMI cycles
- Was scared of retirement
- Had not calculated his monthly retirement needs
- Felt stressed and angry
- Regularly checked bank balance
Rajat:
- Had a structured retirement corpus
- Was running a Systematic Withdrawal Plan
- Received passive income every month
- Had diversified investments
- Slept peacefully
- Traveled twice a year
- Mentored young entrepreneurs
- Spent quality time with parents & children
- Looked 10 years younger than his age
When they met at a reunion, Sameer asked him the question that changed everything:
“What did you do differently, Rajat?”
Rajat smiled quietly and said:
“I didn’t drive my life without directions.”
Retirement Planning Is Not About Money
It is about:
- Dignity
- Independence
- Peace
- Choices
- Health
- Fulfilment
- Legacy
The earlier you start, the smoother the journey.
Without planning, retirement is stress.
With planning, retirement is freedom.
Just like a journey:
- Without directions – you feel lost
- With GPS – you feel confident
Your financial plan is your GPS.
If This Story Feels Personal… It Is Meant For You
Most people are exactly where Sameer was 10 years ago.
Waiting. Postponing. Assuming. Guessing.
But a few, like Rajat, are choosing to act today.
And the difference is not luck or income.
It is guidance + structure + action.
And that is exactly what I provide.
✅ Let Me Be Your Financial GPS
CFP® Taresh Bhatia
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Founder — The Richness Academy
Final Thought
The road to retirement does not require speed.
It requires direction.
It does not require luck.
It requires planning.
And it does not require perfection.
Just a first step.
Let’s take that step together.
Because without direction, journeys feel endless.
With a plan, retirement feels smooth.
Map your retirement today.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Please consult qualified professionals before making decisions. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks.
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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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