True wealth isn’t what you think

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Yesterday, I found myself reflecting on what true wealth really means while looking through some old family photos.

It reminded me that the wealthiest people I know aren't necessarily those with the biggest houses or fanciest cars - they're the ones who planned deliberately and aligned their spending with their deepest values.

This made me think about a remarkable story I recently encountered that perfectly illustrates what strategic financial planning actually looks like in practice.

I wanted to share it with you because it contains powerful lessons that apply to all of us, regardless of our starting point.

The Power of Intentional Financial Planning

Prahlad and Vidya's story isn't about getting rich quick or making millions in the stock market.

It's about something far more valuable - the power of aligning your financial decisions with your life's true priorities.

Born in a village without electricity or schools, Prahlad was the eldest of five children in a family of daily wage earners.

Despite these humble beginnings, he and his wife Vidya built a life of financial security and fulfillment through deliberate planning and disciplined execution.

Let me break down the key lessons from their journey that we can all apply:

1. Define What True Wealth Means to YOU

For Prahlad and Vidya, wealth wasn't about luxury cars or status symbols - it was about securing their children's education and future.

While others around them might have been buying bigger homes or nicer vehicles, they stayed focused on their personal definition of success.

How to implement this:

• Set aside 30 minutes this week to write down what "success" and "wealth" truly mean to you

• Ask yourself: "If I had financial freedom, what would I actually do differently?"

• Identify your non-negotiable priorities (for them, it was their children's education)

I recently worked with a client who realized his definition of wealth wasn't about retirement at all - it was about having enough passive income to cut back to part-time work and pursue his passion for teaching.

This completely changed his investment strategy!

2. Plan for Major Life Events Before They Arrive

As Dave Ramsey says, "Savings without a mission is garbage."

The couple knew their children would need significant education funding, so they began preparing years in advance.

When the time came to pay substantial college fees, they had the money ready.

How to implement this:

• List the major financial milestones you anticipate in the next 5-10-20 years

• Work backward to calculate how much you need to save/invest monthly

• Set up automatic transfers so these savings happen without requiring willpower

For example, if you know you'll need $250,000 for a child's education in 18 years, that's roughly $695/month invested at a 7% return.

Planning makes seemingly impossible goals achievable!

3. Make Strategic Trade-offs, Not Sacrifices

Notice how Prahlad and Vidya made deliberate trade-offs - riding a two-wheeler in all weather conditions instead of buying a car - because their children's education took priority.

They weren't depriving themselves; they were making conscious choices aligned with their values.

How to implement this:

• Identify 2-3 expenses in your current budget that don't align with your true priorities

• Redirect those funds toward your highest-value goals

• Remember: this isn't about restriction, it's about realignment

One of our community members recently shared how he downgraded his luxury car lease and redirected $850/month toward his business startup fund.

Six months later, he launched his side business that now generates $3,000/month in additional income!

4. Financial Planning is a Continuous Process, Not a One-Time Event

The couple didn't just save for emergencies; they continuously managed their finances throughout different life stages.

They adapted their strategy as circumstances changed.

How to implement this:

• Schedule quarterly "financial review" sessions (put them in your calendar now!)

• Revisit your goals and adjust as your life circumstances evolve

• Track your progress to stay motivated and make necessary adjustments

Consider using the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point:

• 50% for needs

• 30% for wants

• 20% for savings/investments.

Then adjust these percentages based on your specific goals and timeline

5. True Wealth Includes Enjoyment and Generosity

Despite their careful planning, Prahlad and Vidya "enjoyed their wealth to the fullest" and helped family members financially.

True wealth includes both security AND enjoyment.

How to implement this:

• Allocate a specific percentage of your income as "joy money" that you spend guilt-free

• Build giving/generosity into your financial plan

• Celebrate milestones along your wealth-building journey

As one WealthOperator told me recently: "The moment I built guilt-free spending into my budget was when I finally stopped feeling restricted by my financial plan and started feeling empowered by it."

Conclusion

The path to financial independence isn't about obsessive saving or following someone else's blueprint.

It's about aligning your financial decisions with your unique values and goals.

This week, I challenge you to:

• Take 30 minutes to define what "enough" means to you

• Identify one expense that doesn't align with your true priorities

• Set up an automatic transfer (even if it's small) toward your most important goal

Remember Maharishi Ramana's powerful words: "Even an emperor is no match for a man with no wants."

I'd love to hear about your financial planning journey!

Hit reply and let me know which of these principles resonates most with you or share a strategy that's working well in your own wealth-building journey.

To your wealth,

Be Wealth Operators