My CFP Journey: Empowering Families Through Ethical Financial Planning

Introduction: From Career to Calling

When I look back at my journey as a CFP, I see more than a career — I see a calling. Financial planning, to me, has never been about selling products or chasing returns. It has been about guiding families to live with clarity, dignity, and confidence.

This is my journey of how I embraced the CFP mark, built trust with families across India, and stayed true to the values of ethics and integrity.

How It All Began

I started in the financial services industry over 37 years ago, in an era when financial advice in India was often product-driven and commission-led. Families were sold policies without being asked about their goals. I knew there had to be a better way.

The day I earned the CFP designation, I found that better way. It gave me a globally recognized structure, ethical foundation, and the tools to transform financial conversations into life planning journeys.

The Shift: From Transactions to Transformations

Earlier, I saw clients as investors. Today, I see them as families with unique stories. My practice evolved from recommending products to creating holistic financial plans.

One young couple came to me confused by conflicting advice from relatives and banks. By listening deeply and structuring their goals through my Couple Finance Formula™, they left my office not just with a plan but with peace of mind. Years later, they still thank me for giving them direction at a crucial stage of life.

The Richness Academy and My Mission

Founding The Richness Academy was a turning point. It allowed me to mentor clients and educate a wider community. My mission became clear: to empower families to live rich and happy lives by aligning money with meaning.

Through my proprietary frameworks like The Richness Principles Blueprint and my book The Richness Principles, I’ve simplified complex financial strategies into relatable, actionable steps.

The Role of Ethics in My Journey

At every stage, I chose ethics over shortcuts.

• I refused to recommend products for commissions.
• I disclosed every risk and cost upfront.
• I kept client information sacred.

This uncompromising stance has not only built trust but also created lasting relationships. Today, I serve multi-generational families because parents tell their children, “You can trust Taresh, he will guide you honestly.”

Upskilling to Stay Relevant

My journey hasn’t been static. I’ve continually upskilled myself — from mastering tax law updates to adopting financial planning software, learning behavioral finance, and creating digital content.

A client once told me, “You explain finance like a teacher, not a salesman.” That compliment reaffirmed why continuous learning is the backbone of trust.

Stories that Define My Work

• A single mother who feared her child’s future — today, her child is abroad studying, fully funded by the plan we created.
• A retiree who wanted security, not speculation — we designed a Systematic Withdrawal Plan that gave him monthly dignity.
• A young entrepreneur overwhelmed by debt — today, he is debt-free and investing consistently.

These stories remind me that my journey is about people, not numbers.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

1. Clarity beats complexity — clients don’t want jargon, they want confidence.
2. Ethics compounds faster than money — one honest act earns decades of trust.
3. Families need empowerment, not just advice — true financial planning is about life choices, not investment returns.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

My CFP journey has been about walking with families through their milestones — first salaries, weddings, children, retirements — and giving them clarity at every turn.

If there’s one message I’d share, it’s this: Ethical financial planning is not just a profession; it is a legacy. When we empower families to make better money decisions, we don’t just secure their wealth — we secure their dreams.

And that, for me, will always be the true richness of being a CFP.

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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