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Life Planning for IT Professionals: How Sameer Found Balance Beyond the Screen
It was 7 AM, and though awake, I had no desire to get out of bed. Suddenly, my phone buzzed.
A message so early? I picked it up, slightly annoyed… and there it was: a selfie of Sameer on his dream bike, glowing with happiness.
It instantly took me back six months—when Sameer and his wife Anagha had walked into my office for an Exploration Session.
When I asked, “What brings you here?” Sameer dived right in.
“The tax burden is huge. I feel like I’m not investing right. My finances are all over the place…”
He paused. I responded,
“Sameer, we have the skills to build a detailed financial plan for you. But before that, I need to know what truly matters to you. Not your income or taxes—but your life goals.”
That question caught him off guard. He paused. Reflected. And then—he started opening up.
The Backstory: Fast-Paced Growth, Forgotten Passions
A self-made corporate professional, Sameer climbed the ranks to become a Director in a reputed company within just 15 years. Success came fast—and so did responsibilities.
Deadlines, P&Ls, meetings, and promotions replaced health, peace, and family time. Amid all this, his financial life—tax filing, compliance, investments, wealth planning—took a backseat.
He shared openly. I listened without interrupting. That’s what an exploration session in financial planning is for—to go beyond numbers and understand what drives you.
I asked, “Anything else you’d like to share?”
What came next lit up the room.
“I’ve always been a biker at heart. I dreamt of riding through the Himalayas, deserts, and forest trails. Back then, I didn’t have the money to afford a bike. Ironically, now I have the money—but no time or energy. It feels like that dream will forever remain a mirage.”
That raw truth hit hard. And then Anagha smiled, looked at me, and said,
“I’ve never seen Sameer speak this much! You really brought something alive in him. Honestly, I feel like I’ve already received returns without making a single rupee investment.”
Building a Dream-Focused Financial Plan
As a Certified Financial Planner in Pune focused on goal-based investment planning, I knew we were on to something special. Using the EVOKE® method, we began crafting a financial freedom plan tailored to their priorities:
- Tax-saving investments.
- Wealth creation strategies.
- Emergency corpus & insurance.
- Stress-free monthly cash flow.
- Timeline-based goals for travel & experiences.
We weren’t just planning finances—we were planning a life that included time, health, and dreams.
Within six months, Sameer not only had clarity and control over his finances but also had the confidence to make space for his passion.
And now, that selfie…
Sameer on his dream bike at sunrise, riding through the mountains.
It didn’t mention digits or returns—but to me, it was the highest form of ROI.
I tagged it “My Best Selfie Ever” (even though I wasn’t in it).
Takeaway for Every High-Earning Professional
Whether you’re a corporate executive, doctor, or entrepreneur—your income alone won’t bring financial freedom. True wealth comes when:
- Your money supports your passions.
- Your time is your own.
- And your life reflects your priorities.
Let’s create your financial roadmap—one that brings balance, freedom, and fulfillment.
- Niraj Nanal
- Certified Financial Planner | Pune, India
- Book a Free 15-min Discovery Call Today!
7am & though awake, I just don’t want to get out of my bed.Suddenly, a buzz on cell phone… so early… slightly irritated, I pick up my phone. Selfie of smiling Sameer with his bike breaks the dawn for me & as I remember.
6 months ago, a sweet couple, Sameer n Anagha, had visited our office for an ‘Exploration Session’, as we started the discussion I asked them ‘what brings you here’??? Sameer then started talking about the huge amount of taxes he has to pay, and how he feels that he is not able to invest properly and… Blah…Blah…Blah!
After he was finished I told him that we have all the skills required to create a Financial Plan for you but before we do that it’s really critical that we understand what is really important to you. Can you please tell me Sameer what is really important to you? (And then I paused). Sameer was caught off-guard. He started reflecting & then slowly started unwinding his story…
With born talent backed up with hard work, Sameer ascended the corporate ladders at a supersonic speed. Within a span of 15 years, he was promoted as a Director of the company. Soon they were quite a well-off family! But gradually, the deadlines, work pressure, top-lines & margins started eating up his health along with family time. He couldn’t focus on his own tax returns, statutory compliances, investments… Everything had just gone topsy-turvy!
I was listening to him quietly giving him space to pour out anything & everything that may important to his Financial Life Plan.
In EXPLORATION session it is very critical that clients put everything table that may be remotely important to him so as he finished I asked him anything else!!!
Now, with a smile afresh, his eyes lit like a child as he seemed lost for a while. “I was a die-hard fan of bikes since childhood. Biking has always been my passion. I always dreamt of riding in the serene terrains of mountains, lakes, desserts & what not! Those were times, when I could only dream but could not afford any such bikes. Today, I can buy costliest bike in the world, but alas! Now, my availability & health would never permit me to do so. It seems, this will always remain an illusion to me Niraj.”
He finally finished speaking & looked at his wife. That was the first time Anagha spoke, “OMG Sameer, I can’t recall the last time when you spoke so much! To tell you frankly Niraj, Sameer have always been a reticent guy. But you really struck a chord with him today. Personally to me, I already have started ripping profits without even investing in here!”
As I was glancing through Sameer’s financials and looking at the spark in his eyes when he was talking about riding I told him that we can surely make your dream of riding happen along with making sure that you have a robust overall financial plan. (May be in next 6 months)
As I was telling this to Sameer he was filled with passion and enthusiasm.
With this passion of Sameer and following the EVOKE® process in next couple of meeting we could clearly spell out the priorities for the couple and create a robust strategy to bring their dreams in to reality. As I was remembering that meeting and today seeing Sameer realizing on important aspects of his life plan I felt really happy
It had no digits, yet to me, it is my most favorite & priceless professional reward as Sameer’s message read “On top of the world”.
I tagged Sameer’s snap as MY Best selfie ever (though without me…)
Being a Certified Financial Planner over past decade, I get so many feedbacks from almost all my clients starting with money issues but as we allow them to go deeper it almost always connects to something profound and deep. A dream of their freedom.