Of course lots of people come and ask for detailed advice. They think I should tell them in which fund to invest, when to invest, and hand hold them for their investing life.

Mind you I tell them “I do not do retail work” . To them this does not mean that they stop asking. Some of them think when I say “I do not do retail work” they can just ignore that and keep asking!

Worst are the ones who will do long conversations on phone – and never ever implement anything of what I said. Many of them that to ask me something all they need is my phone number. Not even an introduction, just straight to the question. One person called and wanted me to whet his decision about starting a new business. I will not mention the business, but it was a long and complicated question. No, I have not even met him. Is it only Indians who assume such a right?

Let me make it clear as to who can ask me questions. Some of my friends. Some of my classmates. Some of my neighbors. All of my clients – with whom I have or have had relationships in the past. If I offer to help, please remind me. I am inundated with work so I may have forgotten what I promised. So if I have offered to review your portolio, or anything else – please remind me. Don’t take me for granted.

The advantage of being financially free is simple. You can choose with whom to work, what work to do, when to do, how to do, how much to charge ….

No more. I used to do free sessions in corporate India, for some groups….and now I am scaling down on that too. You will see lesser “free lectures” on my FB page…

I don’t like it when the REGULATOR organises “free” financial planning lectures aka IAP for the organised sector – armed forces, police, para military. Even when some mutual fund houses organise lectures in corporate India (3 hours in the canteen types) it does not help. People saunter in 30 minutes after the start…and wondering why they are there. Sorry my  time is too precious to waste on people who are not interested – ESPECIALLY if I am not paid. When I am paid, I honestly do not care. Yes, I have started sessions 90 minutes after the scheduled start. Best thing about doctors is that I have no regional bias. Hey, not cribbing, I am paid for my time. Cribbing? Yes about the lectures organised by the regulator. Have not done for a long time. I guess my quota of free lectures for ” our committed forces” is over..

When I do announce a lecture in say Navi Mumbai…I get calls asking me “when is the lecture in Mumbai, Thane, Hyderabad, Chennai….

However the same people disappear when I actually announce a lecture in these cities. I have confidence to launch a training program only in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Benngaluru and Chennai. Even Chennai is a little dicey. Is there an easy solution? Of course.  I could get an Amc or a life insurance company to sponsor it…but that does not suit me.

These lectures that I do are independent…and all I have to sell is my broad gyaan, website and my book.