Everybody loves a good rags-to-riches story, a story of strength, courage, grit, and gumption. There is something about hitting rock bottom and getting back up that we all relate to and aspire to do.
Born in India’s small, quaint, and tranquil suburban town, Mr. G Mahalingam is modesty personified. Growing up, he had to battle various challenges and a turbulent life at home. Still, all of that didn’t stop him from striving hard, growing, and eventually pursuing an unconventional path to early retirement.
Retiring before the proverbial age of 60 seems impossible for many youngsters that are living paycheck to paycheck. But, retiring early can give you the freedom to spend more time with loved ones, do what you love, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Join us in interviewing a man whose thoughtful and meticulous investment strategies have given him the wings to retire early and do what he loves the most.
Hi, sir! Can you give the readers a little insight into who you are?
Mahalingam – Ahaha, well, what do I say. I’m Mahalingam, but people usually call me Maha. I am an engineer by training. I completed my Bachelor’s degree from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, and joined HAL as a management trainee. HAL sent me to IIT Madras to complete my Master’s in Aircraft Production Engineering. I eventually chose to leave HAL and join TCS in 1994. I served TCS for 25 years in various capacities.
I also had the good fortune to complete the Advanced Management Program from IIM-Bangalore. I enjoyed a flourishing career and chose to retire at the age of 54. I took up voluntary retirement when I became eligible for it to pursue my other interests. I am now a professional grandpa of 2 and am living life to the fullest.
What motivated you to take this decision to retire early?
Mahalingam –
1. I realized that money was not what was motivating me. I had also seen various assignments at work and enjoyed being in senior leadership roles at a young age, so I felt fulfilled from a career standpoint.
2. The question of why I’m doing what I’m doing repeatedly popped into my mind, especially after 50. I’m sure everyone questions themselves like this, but I knew there was more to life, more to do.
I have always wanted to prioritize health, spend more time with family, contribute to causes I believed in, study the Vedas, and live a Dharmic and straightforward life. I took this as the chance to do all these things.
How did you accomplish financial freedom at a young age? What are the things that you think that allowed you to do this?
Mahalingam – If I say I planned this from the start, I’m lying. It just happened to be a by-product of our way of living. My wife and I have always spent within our means, saved at least 30% of my salary, and invested meticulously. We have been conservative when it comes to expenditure since day 1. A lot of credit goes to my wife. She is very wise and lives a very disciplined life. We also never took out any loans other than a home loan. I think these things helped us save.
But don’t mistake being spendthrift with being stingy. We have thoroughly enjoyed life and even gone on expensive vacations.
But, yes, save and invest. That is what we did. We also used PF and other tools wisely. I still remember when my wife and I used to travel to a stock exchange to purchase shares and invest in IPOs. These things helped us.
Who are the people who inspired you to be financially wise?
Mahalingam – I would have to say both my father and father-in-law have inspired me greatly. Both of them were very financially wise and disciplined. My father taught me the power of compounding even before I started earning. He even encouraged me to save my stipend.
What do you think young people should do if they aspire to retire early?
Mahalingam – Ummmm, I think it’s just discipline. Discipline in all walks of life. It’s not just the financial dimension. It would be best if you had a flourishing career that rewards you adequately. It would be best if you had the discipline to save everything, including food, water, etc., and not waste anything. It would be best if you had the discipline to distribute your wealth wisely.
Be disciplined, and you will achieve all your goals.
We started investing in equities very early in life. We used to buy magazines (days of no internet, apps), study about companies, go by bus to Cox Town to meet a stockbroker to place orders for buying stocks. These days, it is much simpler, and everything is available at your fingertips, so it’s much easier to invest and make money.
What are some of the financial mistakes that you have made?
Mahalingam – I think I was insured inadequately. If I had to go back in time and teach myself something, it would be to invest in simple-term insurance earlier in life.
Do you think you faced any social stigma when it comes to early retirement? How has the reaction of the people around you been?
Mahalingam – Haha, my wife, kids, and I are thrilled with this decision. I don’t think society has reacted in the wrong way. Some people were shocked, but otherwise, it’s been ok.
If anything, many people are asking me how I did it and want to know what I do with my free time.
Interviewer – Yes, I think many people want to do exactly what you did but don’t know how to. It was a pleasure interviewing you, and I wish you all the very best.
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