Exhausted and tired from long day at office and travel, Amit Kumar went to sleep wondering if this is life that he will live all through. He dreamt of his childhood days and all that he could enjoy doing it. He remembered how he was good at telling jokes and doing performances in school and village programs. His wild imagination saw him doing what he loved and making name for himself. Though he earned decent enough he was happy doing it. He liked living in serene countryside in the beauty and solitude of nature. But suddenly his dream was broken to reality as his wife woke him for sleeping late. Fortunately, it was week-end and he kept wondering if he could live his dreams.
He discussed the dream with his wife who made him realize his responsibilities and financial liabilities. His wife also yearned for a life that he talked about, it needed taking a break – a sabbatical from work and find out if things worked. They started financial planning about their monthly expenses and other one-time commitments. They did month by month planning of all the events that would mean outgo of money and how to arrange for it. They looked at all the discretionary expenses they incurred like weekly outing expenses and if that could be reduced to improve savings. They also looked at some money that they had invested for travel plans and if that could be utilized. Increased savings per month helped him to create a buffer of 1-year expenses in 6 months’ time. This made it possible for him to take break from his job to pursue what he loved to do.
