From Humble Beginnings to Financial Expertise
Founded in 2011 by Basavaraj Tonagatti, a Certified Financial Planner with over 15 years of experience, BasuNivesh has evolved from a personal finance blog into a respected name in the industry. With over 1000 articles written and a significant client base of over 500, our commitment to financial excellence is unwavering.
In 2018, Basavaraj Tonagatti became a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser (Individual RIA). In 2024, BasuNivesh formally registered as a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser (Non-Individual RIA) under the new name, BasuNivesh Fee Only Financial Planners, to expand our services and better cater to diverse investor groups.
The Humble Beginnings
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, our journey stands today as a testament to Hope Solo’s words that “life is a beautiful struggle”. Originating in Mumbai, our early days involved hands-on experience as car mechanics. This foundation allowed us to continually discover new facets of life and evolve, transitioning into multiple roles – from working in a BPO to becoming SEBI Registered Investment Advisors.
Guided by Swami Vivekananda’s profound wisdom, “In a day devoid of problems, you can be certain that you are on the wrong path,” we embraced every challenge with positivity and an unwavering resolve to overcome it.
The Path Less Travelled
Family circumstances and financial constraints steered us towards acquiring a Diploma in Automobile Engineering. This led to a series of jobs in various car garages in Lower Parel, Mumbai. It was here that we learned the true value of money and the significance of hard work. Despite minimal financial backing and a restlessness to achieve more, we took a leap of faith and started our own automobile shop in Guledagudd, our hometown nestled in northern Karnataka.
However, life had other plans. The small-town dynamics and fierce competition led to the failure of our first entrepreneurial venture.
A New Chapter Begins
With limited resources and dreams bigger than our reality, we sought solace and guidance in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and the Bhagavad Gita. It was during this time that we stumbled upon the opportunity to become LIC agents, a venture that required no upfront investment. Thus, in 2003, we dove headfirst into selling insurance with the knowledge we could gather.
As our interest in finance grew, so did our desire to improve our English language skills. We turned to English newspapers and soon discovered the world of Certified Financial Planners (CFP).
Exploring New Opportunities
After relocating to Bangalore with a family member who secured a job in the IT industry, we found ourselves working in a BPO firm. Simultaneously, we continued selling LIC products over the weekends. As we delved deeper into the world of finance, we ventured into Mutual Fund distribution in 2008.
The introduction of direct funds by SEBI left us at a crossroads, questioning the trajectory of our career. We also realized that selling was not our true calling; instead, we yearned to share our knowledge and grow our business beyond product sales.
Turning Points And Transformation
In a serendipitous encounter in 2009, we met Manish Chauhan from Jagoinvestor. An employee of Yahoo and a CFP in the making, he became the catalyst for our ambition. His guidance about the CFP program inspired us to enrol in the course.
The CFP curriculum was a revelation, covering extensive subjects that were alien to us due to our limited experience in finance. However, with the help of a mentor in Bangalore, we successfully completed all the CFP modules on the first attempt.
The Road Ahead
By 2011, we had successfully obtained our CFP certification. But with a small client base and limited contacts, we faced the challenge of finding clients who could afford our services. Undeterred, we decided to start a blog and share the knowledge we had acquired over the years, marking yet another milestone in our journey.
And so, the journey continues, with each day bringing new challenges, new learnings, and new opportunities. As we reflect on our past, we are reminded that indeed, life is a beautiful struggle.
Stepping Into The Unknown
In the face of self-doubt and limited English proficiency, we took a leap of faith in 2011 that would forever change the course of our lives. Leaving behind a secure job in a BPO, we embarked on a journey to become full-time financial planners. It was a risk, but one driven by an unwavering belief in ourselves and a keen desire to carve out our own niche in the world of finance.
An Unconventional Start
Our initiation into the field started with writing blog posts about personal finance, dipping our toes into mutual fund transactions, and offering financial planning services. Despite initial setbacks with LIC and mutual fund businesses—primarily owing to our distaste for salesy tactics—our professional journey took a positive turn in 2013 when SEBI introduced RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) regulations.
Hurdles On The Path
In 2015, we made a bold move to register as an RIA with SEBI. Yet, despite having the necessary experience and certifications, our application was turned down due to the lack of a graduation degree. Not ones to be disheartened, we pursued the degree through distance education, successfully completing it in 2018. With degree in hand, we reapplied for SEBI RIA registration, which was promptly approved.
Building Trust And Attracting Clients
Following the introduction of our fixed-fee-only service, we were flooded with clients. This response was a testament to the loyal reader base we had cultivated since 2011 through our blog posts and the trust we had earned over time. This trust, built on impartial advice and consistent engagement, played a crucial role in attracting clients seeking financial planning services.
Reflecting On The Journey
Today, as we look back on a journey punctuated by challenges, failures, and invaluable lessons, we feel grateful. We owe much to a handful of mentors who guided us, shaping our lives and helping us attain a level of success we once only dreamed of. Their guidance not only led us to financial independence but also contributed to our holistic growth.
Paying Tribute
We offer heartfelt thanks to all those who encouraged and inspired us, including Swami Vivekananda and a host of financial experts whose writings left an indelible mark on our journey. Names like Benjamin Graham, Nassim Taleb, Jason Zweig, John Bogle, Jim Otar, Morgan Housel, Daniel Kahneman, and Carl Richard, among others, have greatly influenced our path.
Success Through Trust
Since 2018, our fixed-fee-only service has been met with positivity and encouragement. The trust we have garnered among our readers and clients has been instrumental in this success. As a small-town garage mechanic, the dream of achieving financial freedom and guiding others to the same would have remained just that – a dream – without this trust.
regulations.
A Prolific Writer And Trusted Advisor
Today, we have penned over 900 blog posts on personal finance, earning a spot among the top 10 personal finance blogs in India. Coupled with a subscriber base of 10,000, a Twitter following of 10,000, and 5,000 Facebook followers, we have created a substantial online presence.
Prioritizing Conflict-Free Advice
Despite SEBI’s allowance for flexible fee structures, we chose the fixed fee-only model for its transparency and conflict-free nature. Adopting this model ensured our clients received 100% unbiased advice, leaving no room for doubt or concern.
The Power Of Client-Centric Advice
While there were doubts about the viability of the fixed fee model in India, we held steadfast in our belief that a client-centric approach, combined with unbiased advice and trust, would yield positive outcomes. This belief has proven true since its inception in 2018.
Making Waves In The Media
Over the years, we have had the privilege of appearing on several television programs, contributing articles to various magazines, and seeing our story featured in mainstream financial media.
For more details, you can visit the “Media” page of our blog.
