I keep saying that I left ‘numbers’ long back and I do not chase numbers. Of course Financial Independence is different from Retirement. I am FI not necessarily retired.

Yesterday I told an ex Journo from Chennai “I enjoy talking and writing about money” – exactly why I will never ever give up training. I still do sessions for banks, mutual funds, life insurance companies, doctors, …etc. Of course I get paid. However even if I am paid double the money I would still not do “finance for non finance people” – work which I was doing a couple of years ago.

So why should be ‘proud’ that “Retire Rich: Invest Rs. 40 a day” has sold more than 170,000 copies. Should that matter at all? 

Should it matter that I have addressed more than 5000 doctors all over India?

Should it matter that I have addressed IFA in at least 40 cities – and multiple times?

There are 2 ways of looking at it. One is it is an ego satisfying thing that 170,000 have pulled Rs. 399 (or say 300) at least and bought the book. Hopefully 50% of the people – say 85,000 at least would have read the book – or parts of it. I know a few young people who have read and done a book review.

One CA spent time with me – he had read the book page by page – and asked me a zillion questions! He realized that he had just scratched the surface when it comes to knowing about retirement.

One way of looking at it is to say that not enough is being done in India – surely by the private sector and the Gov of India – regarding retirement. So if another 500,000 copies are sold, at least  the awareness about the retirement time bomb is being seen. So that gives me happiness.

I do a lot of training for a few mutual funds – SBI, Reliance, etc. in the retirement space. I am happy that the retirement space, and Goal based investing is being addressed!

So it is not about money (writing a book to earn money is a stupid idea) but about increasing awareness about retirement. I am happy that I am doing my bit. I wish more asset management companies also put in effort to increase awareness about retirement.