AS a financial planner I spend time talking to many youngsters working in call centers, media companies, banks and so on. While discussing their problems with them, I often wonder, "How can they manage a 'retirement nest egg' for 30 years if they cannot stretch their monthly salary to last a month?"

Their monthly salary goes in cell phone bills, delaying the rent cheques, over running credit limits, etc. I try telling them the virtues of saving, starting early, investing, life insurance, mutual fund and all that.

They hear me patiently and ignore me nicely. Whenever I run into them again, they sheepishly tell me "Sir, I was just looking for you. Will you be there till 4.30 pm?"

At 5.30 pm, there is still no sign of them. But by now, I know I won't see them, so I shrug it off!

Next page: A surprise client !

Illustrations: Vaibhav Shirke