ELLE.IN 82 JULY
ELLE: You had once said that women
make better money managers. What
are some of the qualities that make
women good with money?
RV: Women are better at managing
money because they are stronger
emotionally. They are stable and
rational in their thinking; they
expect stable returns. In most
homes, women are often the primary
budgetary managers and take
decisions regarding major spends.
Every woman who gets married
aspires for financial security not just
for herself, but also her children and
family. In the last five to six years,
I have seen more and more women
become independent and invest
their own money without depending
on their fathers or husbands for it.ELLE: What’s your one piece of advice
to young millennials on saving money?
RV: We’re taught about making
money, but we are not taught about
creating wealth. Anyone can earn
money, but wealth creation requires
dedicated efforts. So firstly, start
saving as early as possible—at least
20 per cent of your income should
be saved for future. And second, you
don’t need large sums of money to
create wealth. Even a little money,
saved in a disciplined and systematic
manner, can help create a hefty
corpus for your retirement.
— MEENAKSHI IYERreading and said, “I have educated
you and now you need to fend for
yourself.” That became the biggest
lesson of my life.
The next day I looked up
advertisements for odd jobs and
ended up working at a petrol pump
writing bills for `300 per month.
That was my first job.ELLE: How did this experience shape
your life?
RV: Initially, I was quite angry with
my father. I didn’t speak to him for
almost two years because I felt let
down. Later in life when I moved
up the ladder, I realised what an
important lesson that was. I learnt
to be fearless, strong and have zero
inhibitions. Four years ago, I lost my
only child when he was 22. And I was
back at work within 15 days because
each and every client of mine came
to me and said, “We need you”.ELLE: What kind of clients do you
usually work with?
RV: I’ve got clients from the slums of
Andheri to farmers in a village that’s
more than five hours away to women
who are looking to start their journey
towards financial independence. I
don’t have any barriers. My goal is to
create HNIs (High Net Individuals)
rather than manage HNI money.INTERVIEW
MONEY
MATTERS
Leading consultant and advisor Roopa Venkatkrishnan is on a
mission to bring financial literacy and independence to all womenI
f there’s one thing you notice
about Roopa Venkatkrishnan,
it is her ability to make you feel
comfortable, even when the
situation is stressful. This quality
makes for an important asset in her
line of work as one of Mumbai’s most
successful and high profile financial
advisors. Her sheer conviction in
what she does helps her and her
clients tide through the highs and
lows of a volatile market.
Dealing with people’s hard
earned money can be a huge
responsibility but Venkatkrishnan
goes beyond just that; in the pursuit
of helping her clients become better
money managers, she often becomes
a part of their family, their friend,
guide and philosopher. ELLE chats
with Venkatkrishnan on her journey
so far and where she gets all her
strength and confidence:ELLE: What was your first job like?
Roopa Venkatkrishnan: I started very
young at the age of 16. My father
was the biggest influencer in my life
and he has been the same for many
others. He would write a letter of
recommendation for people and
they would get jobs; they would
progress from scooter to car and
then a house. So, when I grew up and
wanted to work, I thought he would
write a letter for me as well. But
when I went to him asking for one,
he gave me the newspaper he wasPhotograph: Manasi Sawant; Styling: Saaniya Sharma; Hair and make-up: Tejaswini Balasaheb Mane/Make-up Designory Academy; Assisted by: Suhani Lotlikar (Styling)