ABOUT ME

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m Rohan—a mid-30s dad, husband, and financial independence enthusiast living in suburban Phoenix, Arizona. My family consists of my wonderful wife and our infant son, who keeps us on our toes!

I moved to the U.S. from western India in 2010, right after completing my undergraduate degree, to pursue a master’s and PhD in chemical engineering. In 2016, after finishing my graduate studies, I landed a job in Oregon in the semiconductor industry. After about four years in Oregon, I relocated to Arizona, where I bought a house and started my family.

Even though I was living what many would call the “American dream,” I quickly realized that something was missing. Shortly after starting my corporate career, I experienced burnout and began to question the path of working 50-60 hours a week until age 60. I knew I wanted to change things—not just for myself, but for my family and our future. That’s when I discovered Dave Ramsey, who opened my eyes to the importance of saving and investing. That helped me get started on the path of financial education but I wanted more than just financial security—I wanted freedom, and I wanted it sooner. And that’s when I found the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement through popular blogs like Mr. Money Mustache.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about the FIRE philosophy and progressively improved my own savings strategies. I’ve invested heavily in index funds, automated my savings, and created a system that works for my family’s long-term goals. Through careful budgeting and financial planning, I’ve managed to prioritize time with my family while finding work-life balance.

But Financial Independence is more than just about money. It’s about building a life that’s rich in health, relationships, and purpose. Beyond finances, I’ve been focusing on improving my health, nurturing my relationships, and exploring my spiritual side through philosophical reflection. I’m not claiming to have life all figured out, but I’ve picked up a few things that work well—and I’m excited to share them with the world. The goal isn’t perfection but progress, and I believe that striving to be better is a journey worth sharing.

Recently, I decided to take a mid-career break—what some might call a long sabbatical. After eight years in the corporate world, I’m using this time to reset, focus on my family, travel, work on personal projects like this blog, and, most importantly, take my health and well-being to the next level. It’s a rare privilege, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to do this.

This blog is my way of documenting my journey and sharing what I’ve learned—both the financial tips and the broader life lessons. There’s no shortage of blogs and podcasts on the topic of Financial Independence, but I believe I bring a fresh perspective, and I hope that my experiences can help you, too. Even if you’re not planning to retire early, there are valuable principles to apply to everyday life—whether it’s budgeting, tax optimization, or smart investing.

In addition to the financial side, I’m also passionate about exploring the non-financial aspects of a fulfilling life—like health, family, relationships, and spirituality. My hope is that my son will one day read this and understand the path I’ve taken, and perhaps, it will inspire him on his own journey.

So, whether you’re here to optimize your finances, seek balance in life, or simply explore what it means to live intentionally, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s learn and grow together.