Financial independence may be a dream for many, but one proofreader from Bengaluru has shown that it does not require a fancy degree or a high-paying job. With nothing more than discipline, patience, and
a simple lifestyle, the 53-year-old has built savings of over Rs 1 crore, securing his family’s future.
His journey began in 2000, when he left his small village with just Rs 5,000 in hand and arrived in the city. Armed with only a Class 10 degree, he landed a job as a proofreader with a modest starting salary of Rs 4,200. Over the years, through consistency and dedication, his income gradually rose to Rs 63,000. Remarkably, he stayed in this one profession throughout his career, never seeking alternate ways to earn money.
At a time when most households rely heavily on loans and credit cards, he made a conscious choice to avoid both. He never borrowed from anyone, never owned a credit card, and always lived within his means. This discipline became the foundation of his financial success. By the time of his retirement, he had accumulated about Rs 1.01 crore in fixed deposits and an additional Rs 65,000 in equities. Today, those savings bring him a passive monthly income of Rs 60,000, while his family’s expenses remain limited to around Rs 25,000.
For 25 years, he has lived in rented accommodation across the city, changing homes only four times. He currently resides in a modest 1BHK apartment, paying a rent of Rs 6,500. His reputation as a reliable tenant comes from his habit of paying rent on time. A minimalist at heart, he sold off his scooter years ago and now prefers walking. Despite suffering from high myopia, he maintains good health and is capable of running 5 kms without difficulty.
His wife has never worked, and his daughter has only recently started earning. Yet, his lifestyle choices ensured that the family never felt deprived. He holds a firm belief that the true assets in life are “education, health, time, patience, and discipline”. With retirement on the horizon, he plans to return to his ancestral village, but for now, continues to live in Bengaluru, where his life stands as proof that financial freedom is not about luxury cars or sprawling bungalows, but about living debt-free and content.
