From Academic Struggles to Financial Success: The Rollercoaster Journey of Kirtan A Shah

May 22, 2024

4 Minutes

Kirtan A Shah, a renowned financial planner, wealth manager, and founder of Financial Planning Academy (FPA Editech Pvt. Ltd.) and Creedence Family Office, embarks on a journey of self-reflection and storytelling. His path has been marked by both significant challenges and remarkable triumphs, providing valuable lessons and insights for aspiring individuals seeking success in financial endeavors.

Early Academic Hurdles

As a dedicated computer science student in the 12th standard, Kirtan faced immense pressure to excel academically, particularly in the challenging subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Despite his efforts, he underperformed in PCM, scoring only 48%. Despite this setback, his college recognized his potential and granted him passing marks, demonstrating grace and understanding.

However, his academic struggles continued in engineering college. In his first semester, he failed four out of five subject exams. This time, there were no grace marks to spare. Kirtan was forced to confront the harsh reality that his academic confidence was misplaced.

Discovering a New Path

Undeterred by these setbacks, Kirtan refused to give up on his dreams. He made the difficult decision to leave engineering and enroll in a B.Sc. Maths program. While pursuing his degree, to support his education, he worked in a call center for three years. This experience proved transformative, exposing him to the complexities of financial team management, client relations, and coaching.

A Passion for Finance Ignited

Upon graduating with a B.Sc. Maths, Kirtan enrolled in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification course. This decision proved pivotal, as it ignited his passion for the world of finance. He immersed himself in the subject matter, eager to master the intricacies of financial planning.

Early Success and a Moment of Reckoning

Empowered by his newfound knowledge, Kirtan launched his own financial planning company. However, after just four months, he realized that his academic understanding was insufficient to navigate the complexities of practical financial planning. He gained valuable experience in the broking and banking sectors before landing a prestigious position as Executive Director and Treasury Head at a BSC-listed NBFC. This career milestone was a significant accomplishment, especially considering his earlier academic challenges.

A Crossroads

At the height of his corporate career, Kirtan faced a moral dilemma. Ordered to comply with unethical practices, he found himself at a crossroads. His unwavering adherence to ethical principles led him to make a difficult decision: to resign from his position rather than compromise his values.

A New Chapter: Financial Planning Education

Despite the setback, Kirtan saw an opportunity to share his knowledge and experience in financial planning. With funds provided by his former employer, he founded FPA Editech Pvt. Ltd., a training institute dedicated to providing coaching for the CFP certification.

Within its first year of operation, the institute enrolled 300 students, generating significant income for Kirtan. Emboldened by this success, he decided to expand the business by establishing an HR and placement company.

Financial Planning Company: A Wild Ride

In parallel with his education ventures, Kirtan launched a financial planning company. The company partnered with a fund manager who had achieved impressive returns through managed futures. However, their investment strategy faced an unexpected downturn, resulting in the loss of the company’s entire capital and savings.

The Impact of a Lavish Wedding

To cover the financial losses from the failed venture, Kirtan resorted to futures and options trading. In pursuit of quick profits to fund his extravagant wedding, he made reckless and leveraged trades.

Consequences of Financial Mismanagement

The trades turned against Kirtan, depleting the savings he had accumulated over the past few years. Forced to take out a personal loan to pay for his wedding, he found himself in a precarious financial situation.

Rebuilding and Focusing on Wealth Management

After his wedding, Kirtan dedicated himself to rebuilding his financial stability. He worked tirelessly in the education business, paid off his loan, and gradually accumulated savings.

Birth of Creedence Family Office

Recognizing the growing need for professional wealth management services, Kirtan established Creedence Family Office. This time, he had learned from his mistakes and focused on regulated and transparent investment opportunities.

Building a Successful Business

Leveraging the power of social media, Kirtan became an influential figure in financial education, attracting a significant following. Today, Creedence Family Office manages an impressive portfolio worth approximately Rs. 15,000 crore for high-net-worth individuals and families.

Reflection

In his own words, Kirtan’s journey has been a “rollercoaster ride of ups and downs.” He acknowledges the challenges he has faced but emphasizes that success often follows setbacks. While he remains uncertain whether he is “average, brilliant, or just lucky,” he continues to strive for improvement, cherishing the lessons learned along the way.