The Legacy of Vigilance
What Mama Taught Me About
Retirement and Money
When my father-in-law, Mr. J. Sundaram - or Mama, as I fondly called him - passed
away recently at the age of 90, it marked the end of an era. He wasn’t just the
gentle patriarch of our family - he was a man of incredible discipline,
particularly when it came to his finances.
Even in his late 80s, Mama was a picture of
financial awareness. His portfolio included equity shares, fixed deposits in
banks, and corporate FDs - all carefully tracked and reviewed. Sunday mornings
were sacred not just for prayers and filter coffee, but also for his routine
portfolio check. With reading glasses perched on his nose and a sheaf of
documents at hand, he would quietly go through each item, making small but
precise notes.
What touched me deeply was how involved he
remained, even though he had long since retired. For several of his financial
decisions, he would consult me - his son-in-law, a practising Chartered
Accountant also certified as a Financial Planner & as a Chartered Wealth
Manager. Whether it was re-evaluating the safety of a company FD, checking the
tax angle on certain redemptions, or just discussing asset allocation, Mama
never hesitated to reach out.
But he didn’t follow advice blindly. He listened
carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and made sure he understood the
reasoning. His decisions were always his own - well-informed, cautious, and
aligned with his financial priorities.
Why Monitoring Matters in
Retirement
Retirement shifts the equation. You're no longer
earning but spending - and often relying on savings built over decades. In this
phase, monitoring your portfolio becomes more critical than ever. It
ensures your investments remain relevant, your capital stays protected, and
your income flows without shocks.
Mama understood this deeply. He wasn’t trying to
maximise returns; he was focused on maintaining stability, ensuring
liquidity, and preparing for any contingencies - especially healthcare,
which he knew could crop up unexpectedly.
Simplicity, Not Complexity
Many think financial monitoring post-retirement
requires complex tools or technical know-how. But Mama’s method was simple - a
register, his black diary, and regular review. Every quarter, he would assess
his mix of assets. Annually, he made minor reallocations. If something matured,
he didn’t auto-renew - he evaluated.
This consistent, hands-on approach helped him diversify
wisely, adjust for inflation, and respond proactively to market changes or
evolving personal needs.
A Legacy of Responsibility
One of Mama’s greatest strengths was
adaptability. As his life goals changed - from growth to preservation to legacy
- his portfolio strategy changed too. He was mindful of tax efficiency,
ensuring that his savings lasted longer and passed on cleanly to his family. He
even discussed nomination details and documentation with me well in advance.
In hindsight, what Mama practised was not just
financial prudence - it was financial responsibility. He viewed
retirement not as a time to disengage, but as a period that required even
closer attention.
His Sunday routine was more than a ritual - it
was a reflection of his care for his family, his respect for money, and his
belief that peace of mind comes from knowing, not just hoping.
And in that, Mama left behind a legacy far
greater than wealth - he left behind wisdom.
The content made available in this article is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, it should not be considered as a substitute for professional consultation.
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