Hi, I am Mani (Manish Choudhary), a Mechanical Engineering Graduate. In pursuit of financial independence, I have become a full-time blogger (disclaimer).

After working in the corporate world for almost 16+ years, I bid it adieu. It was a difficult move, but I did it to pursue my passion, blogging (Follow@Twitter).

I wrote my first blog in the year 2008. For the next 8-9 years, I wrote blogs as “my way” of de-stressing. In 2017, I finally decided to follow blogging as my full-time engagement.

Blogging

Before 2017, I was doing a job. Today, I work as a full-time blogger. Compared to a job, blogging as a profession has its own set of challenges. But I’m loving all of it. Why? Because I love writing and building tools. Together, we’ve built the whole stock analysis tool in-house.

This is one reason why you will not find any guest posts and sponsored articles on my blog. Every article published here has been self-produced.

Like any other work, in blogging, what fetches the most returns (in form of reader base, traffic volume, brand recognition, etc), is an innovation combined with simplicity. Readers will like my articles only if it has something new to offer, is understandable, and are also adding value. I’m slowly evolving my writing style to ensure these attributes for my readers.

Most of the time I’m either reading or writing. I also spend time developing tools to fulfill my personal urges for investment. These days I also offer them as a Stock Engine for my readers. I’ve also written a couple of e-books (now offline). But my book writing skill is still nascent. I hope to explore it more in the coming years.

In the last few years, a new skill has been developed – software programming. Though basic, now I could build a few free online calculators for my readers.

Job

Previously, I have worked in the role of a Project Manager with Tata’s & other companies (16+ years). Management of my project was also something that used to give me my highs. The whole process of planning, designing, and constructing a portion of the Steel Plant was almost like a dream come true.

Had blogging not become my first preference, I would have loved to continue managing my projects. The challenges of keeping up with the process knowledge, on-site executions, multiple-project planning, client handling, and team management – were both beautiful and ugly at the same time. But even after this, a feeling of emptiness was always present. Ultimately I could find a way to feel more complete. I started afresh by allowing my passion to take the lead in my life.

Project Management was my liking, but blogging is my passion. Now, every day I do what I love doing – Blogging. I love being referred to as a blogger.

Purpose

The idea with which I started learning about money management still stands true. I want to achieve financial Independence. These are not just any two-letter words for me. Like people recite Slokas, I preach the goal of financial independence.

This goal works like a searchlight. It has given a more definite direction and purpose to my life. I’m now chasing my dream to achieve it. There are a few milestones to achieve. The route to success has been deeply ingrained in my mind.

Let me show you my mind-map that keeps reminding me of the route to financial independence. As the path to it is tough, having clarity about how “I” can achieve it helps me through the ups and downs of life.

I keep updating this mind-map as per my evolving understanding of the process of financial independence. Though I must accept that the progress that happens on this front is not fast. This is also one aspect of financial independence that makes it a tough goal to achieve. 

These are a few milestones achieved to date: 

In the process of attaining financial independence, I’m also liking the work of brand building. I want to see my blog #getmoneyrich as a respectable brand in its own niche. How do I plan to achieve it? Several things to be done. But presently I’m focusing on my content. It is a first step that will pave the way for other To-Do’s. Considering that I like to work on my own, taking a few but sure steps towards the goal is essential.

Personal

Running a half-marathon in the next 1-2 year is a goal that fuels me with energy. Though I’m already 45+, as a runner I’m still a beginner. I’m not somebody who likes to follow a fitness regime – but I try to stick to it. I’ve realized that there is a direct correlation between physical fitness and mental finesse. It improves my writing.

I am not much of a TV watcher, but I like to follow sports on TV. These days Netflix/Amazon Prime has made entertainment more accessible. They also give access to nice documentaries. I try to keep my books handy. Though, these days I spend more time reinventing my own work.

I’m an out-and-out introvert. By default, my mind always tries to avoid attracting any attention to myself. I’m a VERY private person. But it helps me to work with more focus. I like working in detail rather than hovering around things superficially.

What I do not like about myself? Having less control over my eating habits.

Belief

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King Jr.

How a person acts, reacts, and behaves while facing “challenges” is the best description of his/her character. “When going gets tough, the tough get going”. The real challenge of life is to be tough and humble at the same time – especially when conditions are not in our favor.

Why do I believe in this theory? Because people who face their demons bravely, and with grace, are the ones who can become successful.