Achieving Financial Freedom & Finding the Way of Life

In the world of financial planning, success is often measured in numbers—assets, returns, and net worth. But true success goes beyond wealth; it’s about living life on your own terms. This is the story of Abhijeet Chitriv, a man who not only achieved financial freedom but also discovered the essence of life by staying focused on his dreams and delegating financial decisions to a structured plan.

The Beginning: Setting the Foundation

I first met Abhijeet in 2012 at Symantec. He approached me with a simple yet profound question: “How am I doing compared to my peers, and what more can be done to optimize my finances?”

My answer was straightforward—finance is deeply personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach because everything depends on your values, principles, and family choices. The real question was: What do you want from life? Once that was clear, we could optimize his financial plan accordingly.

From Financial Goals to Life Goals

We began by identifying his life goals, gathering details of his assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Initially, the discussions revolved around financial security and goal setting. But over time, our conversations evolved into deeper explorations of what he truly wanted from life.

Abhijeet had a passion for automobiles, so we included his dream bike and car in the financial plan. Soon enough, he fulfilled these aspirations—first by purchasing the Hyosung Aquila, followed by his dream SUV, the Škoda Kodiaq. His colleagues jokingly referred to the Kodiaq as a 3BHK flat on wheels because of its spaciousness!
 

Exploring Passion Beyond Work

But Abhijeet’s aspirations weren’t just materialistic. He had a deep love for Indian classical music and decided to dedicate his free time to learning it. Today, he has successfully cleared the Madhyama Pratham level and has even performed on stage. He regularly attends classical music concerts, enriching his life with art and culture.

He is also an avid traveler and social person. During Makar Sankranti, he traveled to Gujarat to experience the kite flying festival, something he had always wanted to do. He enjoys regular meetups with his large friend circle—some of whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and they, too, are wonderful individuals.

Finding Balance: Work, Leisure, and Nature

Abhijeet has always embraced a balanced lifestyle. He spends his weekends in his backyard garden, enjoying the fresh air and the joy of nature. Summers are special, as he gets to savor homegrown mangoes from his own trees. He used to play the keyboard/synthesizer, but has since moved on to other hobbies.

Abhijeet also actively participates in cultural and spiritual activities. He walked 21 km with the Pandhari Wari on the auspicious occasion of the Warkari Sampraday. He often spends his weekends trekking nearby hills. Additionally, he practiced playing the Dhol and was fortunate to perform in front of Dagdusheth Ganapati—one of Pune’s most famous and revered Ganpati idols—during Ganesh Sthapana.

 

A Bold Move: Taking a Career Break

Recently, he felt the urge to take a break from his corporate job and explore new opportunities. Before making the decision, he called me and asked, “Nilesh, can I survive and achieve all my goals if I stop working? What if I don’t go back to a full-time job?”

I conducted a detailed analysis of his financial standing and confirmed that he had the financial freedom to take a break and explore life without worry. With this assurance, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery.

Reinventing Life: Learning and Leading

During his break, Abhijeet attended a lifestyle management and spiritual residential camp, where he immersed himself in nature and self-growth. He also upgraded his skills, experimented with working in a startup, and ultimately found his next challenge.

Now, he has joined a small but promising company—not just as an employee, but as a leader with a vision. With his experience, expertise, and leadership, he is driving this startup to the next level, shaping its growth and future with confidence.

What About You?

Abhijeet’s journey is a testament to the power of focus, dedication, and balance. He not only built financial security but also crafted a life that blends work, passion, and leisure seamlessly.

Now, ask yourself:

• Are you living a life that truly reflects your dreams and aspirations?

• Are you spending time on things that bring you joy, or just working for financial security?

• What passions have you put on hold, waiting for the right moment?

• If you had the financial freedom to take a break, how would you explore and reinvent your life?

Wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about living a fulfilling life on your own terms. Take a moment to reflect. Maybe it’s time to start designing your own success story.

I wish Abhijeet all the best for this new chapter and hope his journey continues to inspire many more!