Rethinking Retirement and Financial Well-being from Ajit Menon Only on The Simple Hai!

In this episode of The Simple Hai! show, veteran financial journalist Vivek Law sits down with Ajit Menon, CEO of PGIM India Mutual Fund, to talk about how India is changing the way it thinks about money, retirement, and well-being. Menon brought over 20 years of experience to this conversation, and his insights are both practical and deeply personal. This episode isn’t just about investing, it’s about how to build a financial life that matches your lifestyle, goals, and happiness.

Financial Anxiety: It’s More Than Just Lack of Money

“People think financial anxiety comes from not having enough money. But very often, it’s about relying on just one source of income or one skill,” said Menon.

He explained that financial stress in India is growing not just because of low income, but because people are not diversifying their skills or sources of income. Menon recommends developing hobbies and backup skills like yoga instruction, pet grooming, or even farming, especially useful after retirement when regular income stops.

He also highlighted rising life expectancy in India, making it more important to build a retirement plan that can last 25-30 years.

Also Read: Madhavi Arora Explains India’s Economy, Inflation Trends, and Global Power Shifts on Simple Hai! Podcast

Gen Z and Millennials: Bold, Fast, and Risk-Friendly

Menon noticed that young Indians today want fast results. “Millennials and Gen Z don’t just want to build wealth patiently. They want to do it fast,” he said.

Unlike older generations who stuck to one job and saved cautiously, today’s youth change jobs, take more risks, and often explore multiple careers. Menon believes financial institutions must now provide tech-driven, flexible solutions that match their lifestyle.

Retirement Isn’t the End, It’s a New Beginning

Menon challenges the traditional view of retirement. Instead of worrying only about the size of a retirement corpus, he suggests asking deeper questions: “What will make you happy and purposeful in your retirement?”

He encourages everyone to treat retirement as a second phase of life, a time to stay productive, possibly earn, and stay fulfilled. Financial independence in old age, according to Menon, also supports better emotional health.

Equity for Long-Term Wealth Creation

“Equity is the asset class that captures human progress,” said Menon, stressing its unmatched value in long-term investing.

Even with many investment options like gold, bonds, or even Bitcoin, Menon believes equities (via SIPs and mutual funds) are still the most reliable way to beat inflation and grow wealth over time.

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Automation and Tech in Investing

Menon praised tech tools that help investors stay disciplined. Features like SIP top-ups and SWPs remove the stress of decision-making.

“Automation helps correct human behaviour,” he explained. Tech-based investment habits can stop investors from making panic decisions, help them stay consistent, and ensure their investments grow with their income.

India Needs Better Financial Advisors

India’s advisory system is broken up; insurance, mutual funds, pensions, and loans are all handled separately. Menon believes this needs to change.

“We need advisors who are trusted, well-informed, and can look at the full picture,” he said. A household should get advice on everything from loans to taxes in one place, ideally from one person. He believes a younger, tech-savvy generation of advisors will help fix this gap.

Ajit Menon’s Unique Journey and Vision

Starting in telecom marketing, Menon later moved into financial services, bringing with him a rare understanding of consumer behaviour. His work now focuses on educating everyday investors and helping them plan for the future.

“There is still a vast, under-penetrated population that remains outside the formal investment ecosystem,” he warned, calling for more inclusive education.

How Financial Well-being Is Changing in India

“It’s not just about how much money you have. It’s about how secure and purposeful you feel about your financial life,” Menon concluded.

True wealth, according to him, is about using your money in a way that aligns with your values and brings peace of mind.

Ajit Menon on Simple Hai!: A Must-Listen for All Ages

This episode of Simple Hai! is more than a finance talk; it’s a complete rethinking of how Indians should approach money, retirement, and happiness. Menon’s advice is practical, relatable, and necessary for anyone looking to make smarter financial choices today.