Early retirement: How financial planning helped this seasoned market veteran retire early at 55

Time of India

10 hours ago

At 55, CEO of India's 25th largest mutual fund house PGIM, Ajit Menon is walking away from a successful career managing Rs.26,693 crore in assets—not because he has to, but because he planned to. His secret weapon? A 12-year partnership with a
financial adviser
helped map his path to
early retirement
. Here's why even seasoned market veterans need someone to dispassionately do their wealth planning.
You are retiring at 55, a relatively early age by corporate standards. Was this a calculated decision rooted in a financial plan?
Yes. I am simply following our family's financial plan, which we began with our adviser about 12 years ago. I now want to focus more on retail brand building and retirement, while making time for family and personal interests.
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Was early retirement always a goal, or did it evolve?
It evolved.
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As a CEO of a mutual fund company, you had deep knowledge of markets—why did you still choose to work with a financial adviser?
Health and wealth are two areas where we tend to be emotionally invested. Surgeons are not allowed to operate on near and dear ones for the risk of making an error due to being emotionally invested. Similarly, you could make errors of judgment in managing your own money, regardless of how skilled you are. That's why working with a trusted, qualified adviser is often the wiser choice.
What surprised you the most about the financial planning process when you became the client? Did a planner uncover any blind spots in your financial behaviour, despite your own professional expertise?
Yes. Selecting the proper health and life insurance solutions, factoring in commute time in our buy-versus-rent decision, and providing for pension for our long-time housekeeper from my wife's income. More innovative use of credit card spending and using forex cards, optimising for tax, writing a comprehensive will, and all of these added tremendous value to feeling more confident.
Can you share one key advice your financial planner gave you that made a difference?
To consider what will keep us happy, not happier. That's a comparison trap with no end. Setting expectations in a way that helps prevent our financial goal posts from shifting made a difference.
Were there moments when your professional knowledge conflicted with your adviser's recommendations, and how did you handle those situations?
Not in our case. When your adviser is dealing with hundreds of households that have similar hopes, dreams and challenges, that experience has practical applications that help sharpen solutions compared to conventional knowledge.
What habits or disciplines helped you the most in building long-term wealth?
Trusting the process of the financial plan. Keeping track of the oversized items on the budget. Not second-guessing product choices allocated for each goal. Letting
equity investments
compound without interruptions.
How did you prepare your family for this transition—financially and mentally?
My wife, Alinaa, has been involved in the process, as her income is allocated across various goals. My brother and my adviser are the executors and witnesses to our will. My parents are aware of the details of my financial plan and are pleased that I will have time away from my busy schedule.
What does the next decade look like for you? Are there new passions you're exploring?
Yes. From helping a local community around a farm land we own to pursuing my creative passions, there is much to do.
If you could go back to your 40-yearold self, what financial or life advice would you give?
You should have appointed your adviser earlier. Use the top-up SIP (systematic investment plan). Read more. Meet more people.
How do you think retirement—and financial independence—will look different for the next generation of leaders?
The next generation prioritises health significantly better than the previous one. That's the first step to being sorted on most challenges, including financial ones.
How do you define 'enough'—and does that evolve over time?
It does, but the first step of budgeting is key. Aiming for happiness, rather than being overly happy, helps.
Looking back, which decisions or strategies are you most proud of, and which would you approach differently today?
I married my best friend. She is my most significant support. In hindsight, the best strategy. Having a good adviser is a close second. And I would guard against concentration, in real estate or equity.
PGIM evolved into a respected fund house after the DHFL crisis. How did you manage the ups and downs?
We focused on transparency, clear differentiation, and knowing what not to do. Our launches are built for the long term—and all are growing. Talented colleagues and a work culture that values diverse opinions and flexibility helped immensely.