Introduction: When I Finally Understood What Financial Freedom Really Meant
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and coach to hundreds of Indian couples, from newlyweds in Gurugram to retirees in Goa, I’ve come to redefine what financial freedom truly means.
It’s not about getting rich.
It’s about getting clear.
Clear on how much is enough. Clear on what matters most. Clear on who you’re doing it all for.
These 7 steps below aren’t theory. They are the same steps I’ve used myself and guided many couples through. Together, we design a life that’s not just financially secure, but also emotionally rich and aligned with your values.
1. Financial Freedom Isn’t About Getting Rich. It’s About Needing Less
I remember a young couple earning well above ₹50 lakhs annually but drowning in credit card debt, EMIs, and family pressures.
They didn’t need more money. They needed fewer obligations.
Financial freedom begins the moment you decide to live intentionally.
I help couples audit their lifestyle, cut unnecessary expenses, and shift the focus from chasing more to cherishing what they already have.
Because true wealth is measured in peace of mind, not just paycheques.
2. You Can Buy Back Time If You Stop Chasing Status
In India, we’re conditioned to associate money with status. Bigger cars, branded bags, school admissions, and destination weddings.
But here’s the real wealth. Time.
Time to relax. Time to think. Time to do what you love.
One couple I coached sold their fancy flat in Gurugram, downsized to a modest home near the Aravallis, and used the freed-up capital to launch a sustainable fashion business. They had less stress and more life.
When couples stop spending to impress others, they start living for themselves.
Together, we identify what you can let go of so you can reclaim your time and energy.
3. The System Is Built To Keep You Consuming. Awareness Is Power
From flashy credit card offers to limited-period sales, most financial systems are designed to keep you working harder, spending more, and staying busy.
I’ve seen couples fall into debt traps unknowingly because no one taught them how marketing manipulates emotions or how EMI schemes turn luxuries into perceived necessities.
Also read: How to Attract More Money and Achieve Financial Freedom with a Powerful Mindset
But once you become aware, you become powerful.
When I coach couples, we work together to unlearn old beliefs, spot financial traps, and make every rupee count. Not out of fear, but out of conscious choice.
This awareness becomes the foundation of freedom.
4. You Don’t Need a 40-Year Career. You Need 15 Intentional Years
Most people assume that retirement happens at 60.
But what if you could choose to be financially free by 45 or even earlier?
If couples save consistently, invest wisely, and design their lifestyle with intention, they can shorten their working years dramatically.
One couple I guided started with just ₹10,000 per month and within 12 years had built a portfolio that allowed them to leave corporate life and start a homestay in the mountains.
They didn’t retire. They rewired.
We built that plan by aligning their goals to their values, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and focusing on what brought them joy instead of what brought them pressure.
5. Simple and Consistent Investing Is Better Than Chasing Big Wins
Many couples feel intimidated by investing. They think it’s all about timing, stock tips, or risky strategies.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
In my experience, the simplest investment plans are the most powerful.
I help couples build monthly investing strategies that match their goals and risk appetite. The focus is on consistency, clarity, and compounding over time.
We work together to automate these investments and eliminate emotional decision-making. You don’t need to be a market expert. You just need to stay the course with discipline.
This approach brings financial freedom closer every single day.
6. Get Ongoing Guidance and Keep Reviewing Your Path
One of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning is the importance of regular reviews.
Too many couples create a plan once and never look at it again. But life changes. Your finances must adapt.
Income levels shift. Expenses grow. Kids arrive. Parents retire. Goals evolve.
That’s why I work closely with every couple to review their progress every quarter and update the plan annually based on life events.
With my continuous coaching, you stay aligned to your goals, avoid emotional mistakes, and make confident decisions.
Financial freedom isn’t achieved in a day. It’s earned through consistency and real-time course correction.
7. Freedom Is a Moral Choice Too
This is where money becomes more than maths.
True freedom is not just about being able to afford things. It’s about knowing that your money reflects your values.
Do you believe in the companies you support through your investments? Does your spending mirror your beliefs?
I’ve seen couples shift their portfolios to reflect causes they care about. I’ve helped families exit toxic investments and move towards cleaner, sustainable financial habits.
The result is more than just returns. It’s peace of mind and pride in what you’re building together.
When your money aligns with your soul, you unlock a deeper kind of freedom.
Conclusion: You Don’t Need More. You Need Meaning
Over the years, I’ve helped countless couples discover something extraordinary.
That peace isn’t found in bigger bank balances. It’s found in clarity, alignment, and choice.
Financial freedom is not about retirement. It’s about reclaiming control.
These seven steps are not a theory. They are a way of life. If you’re a couple looking to live wisely, build wealth meaningfully, and step away from the stress, I invite you to start this journey today.
Let’s design your life together.
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Taresh Bhatia, CFP®
Founder – The Richness Academy
WhatsApp/Call: +91-9810127906
Email: taresh@tareshbhatia.com
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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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