I still remember the day Sameer walked into my office, visibly frustrated. He had just received a decent raise at work, but somehow, he still felt stuck. Arif bhai, he said, I’m earning more than ever before, but I don’t see my money growing. Where’s all of it going?
Now, this wasn’t the first time I’d heard something like this. In fact, it’s a very common problem. Most people think that the key to wealth is earning more. But here’s the thing: income alone doesn’t make you rich. If it did, every high-salaried employee would be wealthy. But we know that’s not the case.
I offered Sameer a cup of tea and we sat down for a chat not about numbers, but about habits.
Sameer, I asked, imagine your financial life like a three-legged stool. If even one leg is weak, the whole stool collapses. The three legs are your income, your savings, and your asset allocation.
He nodded, sipping his tea. I could see he was curious now.
You already have a steady income. That’s your first leg. But what are you doing with that income? Are you consciously saving a part of it, or is it just disappearing each month?
He looked a little sheepish. Honestly, I try to save… but something or the other always comes up. EMI, kids’ tuition, credit card bills…
That’s the second leg savings. You need to treat saving like a non-negotiable expense. Just like you can’t skip your rent, you shouldn’t skip paying yourself first.
Paying myself first?
Yes, I said. “The moment your salary comes in, you should set aside a fixed percentage for your future before anything else. It could be 20%, 30%, even 10% to start with. But do it without fail. Automatically. Without overthinking.
Now he was leaning forward, completely engaged. That’s when I moved to the third and most ignored pillar asset allocation.
Even if you’re saving, where is that money going? I asked. Is it lying idle in your bank account or being used wisely?
Mostly in my savings account or fixed deposits, he replied.
And that’s where most people go wrong.
Sameer, I said, let’s say you’re saving ₹20,000 every month. Over 10 years, that’s ₹24 lakhs. But if it’s all in a fixed deposit earning 5-6%, you’re barely beating inflation. In real terms, your money isn’t growing. You’re just preserving it.
He sat back, silent for a moment.
That’s where asset allocation comes in, I continued. It’s not just about investing randomly in mutual funds, gold, or real estate. It’s about choosing the right mix based on your risk appetite, your financial goals, and your timeline.
That sounds complicated, he said.
It can be, I admitted. But that’s why I’m here.
I explained how I help clients create a personalized investment plan one that’s not based on tips or trends but on real conversations about their life, their dreams, and their fears. Some people are aggressive investors, some are extremely cautious. Some want to retire early, some want to buy a house. Each plan is different, just like each person is.
Sameer left my office that day with a new sense of direction. He didn’t need to double his salary. He just needed clarity and discipline. He needed a better structure.
A few months later, he messaged me: Arif bhai, I finally feel in control of my money.
That’s what wealth is really about. Not just high income. Not just saving. Not just investing. But the balance between all three.
If you’re earning well but feel like something’s missing… if your savings aren’t growing fast enough… if you’re unsure whether your investments are working for you or just sitting idle… maybe it’s time for us to talk.
You can book a free appointment to review your current investments or create a fresh plan that actually works for you. Click the link below or connect with me directly on WhatsApp. Let’s figure out where your money is going and how to make it work harder for you.
If this article helped you see money differently, do share it with someone who needs to hear this. And don’t forget to leave a comment I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Totally agree! I used to save whatever was left at the end of the month which was nothing 😅. Now I pay myself first, like your article says.
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