Neeraj Deginal

Simple is Ample: Rediscovering Joy Through a Simpler Life

We are the most intelligent species to have ever lived—and arguably the most privileged generation in human history. With scientific breakthroughs, cutting-edge technology, and global connectivity, we enjoy unprecedented convenience. Our lifespans are longer, our freedoms greater, and our lives surrounded by instant access to comfort, knowledge, entertainment, and luxury.

Yet, despite all this progress, life doesn’t always feel simple. In fact, for many of us, it feels more overwhelming than ever.

Why?

Because in the pursuit of "more," we may have lost sight of what truly matters.

Simple is Ample is a call to pause and reflect. It invites you on an inward journey—away from the noise, clutter, and constant chase—toward a life that is clearer, calmer, and more meaningful. This book isn’t about giving up comfort; it’s about redefining it. It’s about realizing that what we truly need has often been within reach all along.

Life is simple, and simple is ample.

• Lyanne N: "The book is a quick read where the author has written it in a simple yet relatable way that really gets you thinking and introspecting about your own life, choices and much more. Must read!"
• I_read_books: "It is a good self help book. Appreciate the effort of author and the publisher for making this book available."
• Ninan Eapen: "Wonderful quick reference finance guideline book. Shows the experience of a typical Indian working professional, with examples of situations and real life scenarios where finance options like loans, fixed deposits and other investments, insurance, medical coverage as well as the need for each of these is set out properly. For anyone interested in a reference, or in what-should-I-do-questions, or wants to have a look at a similar person managing a working life, maybe starting or managing a family, needs for spouse, kids, parents, including investments, asset building, medical eventualities etc - this is a simple and easy to understand reference. Of course, the overarching thread is that simple is more than enough ! There is no need to splurge, most necessities can be met with simple, thought through plans. Enjoy the read !"
• Nitya Vijaykumar: "A practical guide that pushes you to take a pause and reflect to connect with what really matters to one. A lucid account of investing time in things that will leave an impact . Interesting for young and old.....my 10 year old found an interesting read in this book .....talks about how the author has really kept it simple to strike a chord with young minds."
• Suyash Tibrewal: "This book is really very helpful for those who are looking to make miracle changes in your life. I have benefitted from this book and has applied it in my day to day life."
• Amandeep Kaur: "This book had a deep impact as we the youngsters are running in a ratrace to outshine others but simply forget what’s the ultimate happiness. Simple is actually ample."
• Sharan CT: "A book one can read again and again. Loved the simple, on point writing style. Time well spent on reading it."
• Rajendra Kumar: "Simplicity leads to a stress free and joyful life. In this book, the author has given several steps and strategies to lead a simple life. He has explained about managing the personal finance to maintain a debt free living. The ideas given in this book about investing and trading would be very useful for the investors. Steps for leading a simple life are described with simple and healthy lifestyle. The author Neeraj Deginal wrote this book through his real life experiences and the knowledge he gained through them. The writing style is simple and easily understandable. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to live a simple and happy life in this complex world."
• Book Lover: "A short sweet book to help you appreciate life in a more open way. I loved the way this book got me thinking it was beautiful for sure. I picked up this book on a share from Readers Village Free Book Page on their blog and it was very enjoyable and powerful."
• Varun Mehra: "I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a great job of explaining the concept of "Simple is Ample" and how it can be applied to real life situations. I think that anyone who is interested in learning more about this topic would enjoy reading this book."
• Mic B: "From finance to health, there are invaluable advice in this book! Worth the read!"
• More reviews on Amazon and Goodreads

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Zero Debt: Break Free from the Debt Trap and Reclaim Your Life

Writing a book was never part of my plan. But life had other ideas. With encouragement from my life coach, Satish Rao, and shaped by my own financial journey, Zero Debt was born—a deeply personal mission to help others break free from the burden of loans and reclaim control of their lives.

The inspiration behind my debt-free journey? My brother, Dr. Deepak. His unwavering support and guidance gave me the clarity and courage to take the first steps. This book is my way of paying it forward—to show that freedom from debt isn’t just possible, it’s life-changing.

• Sugandha & Naren (Saving Habit): Today one of the readers of savinghabit.com is sharing his life journey of getting debt free, creating a passive stream of incomes and becoming financially independent...
• Shilpi Chaklanobis: Life of rather I should say urban life especially in Metros and bigger cities is full of chaos now a days. Everyone is runner after name, fame and most importantly money...
• Sadhuvi: In this book, Author narrates his own experiences in dealing with financial journey in his life..He speaks about how he fell in to a debt trap and what he did to rectify...
• Mahesh Sowani: Zero Debt, Break the debt cycle and reclaim your life is wonderfully simple and simply wonderful book by Neeraj Deginal. This is the real life story of a man...
• Niyati Gogna: It’s a wonderful guide to manage personal finances and lead a stress free life on account of financial outcomes. The book deals with various experiences...
• Dr. Amrita: Simple easy to read style.The author has made the book copyright free .That means you can share as much as you want and help more people.That’s a lovely gesture...
• Kruti Shah: Today in the world of EMI, credit cards and the desire to posses various luxuries, the possiblity of an individual staying debt free is slim. The author in his book...
• Rebecca: Today I wanted to share my review of the above book, as I think there are a lot of things that can be learned from it. Being of the age and category of both young and financially...
• Rajan Mogha: Indian kids don’t understand finance till they marry. Till the time they are in college they are provided money by their parents and they don’t know how to manage it...
• Theysee: Indian kids don’t understand finance till they marry. Till the time they are in college they are provided money by their parents and they don’t know how to manage it...

• Mukul Singh: "Written in simple and basic english language with a greater life lessons. If you are in a age group of 18-25, it could be a great life turner for you. Although this is my first book which I read 100%."
• Wavell Charles: "Very well written and articulated. Simple language and more simple applicable ideas. Am highly impressed. A topic which concerns almost everyone at some point of time in their life."
• Gopal Krishna: "Must read for current millinieals. Nice information for how to be financial discipline, debt free, peaceful life. Simple English used and very easy to understand"
• Satyajit: "Excellent, must read for youths who stepping into earning phase. Very well written with a personal practical point of view which is applicable to most youth these days . Life of a salaried person with diversion leads to more confusion due to age, friends circle, family detachment and many things. Kudos to Neeraj for reconnecting many who go thru this phase of life."
• Srinivas Duvvuri: "If you deal with money, you'll want to read this book. I rarely read a book & that it hooked it for 2 straight days must tell you something! It's written in a simple way & evokes thought. A good book must always make you think. I have been thru some experiences & I wish I read this book 10 years ago. I wish this was written 10 years ago. Keep it & read it every once in a while!"
• Jitendra B G: "Very practical and realistic. Most relevant in current life style of many big city dwellers. Most of us can relate to what Neeraj had gone through in his life. We all have lived through it or been close to those who have lived through it or living through it. It's dreadful to be in debt and can understand how life gets sucked out. The good thing about what Neeraj had written is the pragmatic and applicable solutions and guidance. In this era of a fast paced life that most live or go through not many of our parents can either guide us. Neeraj's book is a good guide to freedom for all those who are still stuck in their self created financial trap."
• Ankit Pal: "Read this book to be free!" This is an inspiring book written by a modern day knowledge worker living and earning his living like most of us. His journey through and out of debt using a systematic approach has been inspiring. I have already started working on my personal finances based on Neeraj's insights. It is a great and practical addition to anyone's personal finance library."
• Richard A Raymor: "Well put together read. It made me evaluate my life and goals. Well put together read. It made me evaluate my life and goals. I think this book is perfect for the person that is an over achiever!"
• Mahesh Kumar Tallam: "Apt Book To Be Debt Free. Very well written and articulated to convey the real life experiences of a growing professional in the corporate. Invaluable lessons for those who are starting off their career or in the mid life and definitely there are lot of takeaways that would help one incorporate in their life to become debt-free for good. My heartiest congratulations to Neeraj for such a fantastic outcome in the form of the book."
• Shruti Sud: "Must read for everyone. I have read it once and am sure of reading it once more. It doesn't matter how much money you make or if you’re poor. It’s all about taking that step & doing yourself a favour by getting out of debt. I got hooked to the way each chapter is approached, those quotes at beginning of each chapter got my mind tickling. I admit it, got teary eyed as well, while reading few sections too. One should buy & read this book, not only for those who have enormous debts to clear but also to get a perspective in life. We are brought-up that ways, we need some (real) stories to learn & un-learn. Even if you are not in debt think of what this book could do for families with college students and teenagers. If they learn before going into debt they will thank the author."
• Dedeepya: "Relevant,and Practical are two words that came to my mind while reading this book. This book is not just for those who are deep in debt, but for each an every person who wants to lead a self - sufficient, sustainable, and happy life! A Friend, Colleague - The author touches upon certain hard hitting facts about Assets and Liabilities. If you are thinking its related to just Finance, you are mistaken! a definite recommendation from my end to all to read!"
• Priyank Shingal: "The best out there! A must read for everyone across generation. This book is brilliantly written with hard facts and truth that many of us go through but are shy to open about it. The authors fabulous journey is narrated and it's a treat to the eyes to read this. Highly recommended and must buy for a thoughtfull discussion with your own self.! Amazing!"
• Tashi Bhutia: "This Book is not only about being Zero Debt, but an analysis about stages of life and its importance and obvious finance being pivotal in life. I was much encouraged when talked about passive income and at the same time pledge to cut down my CC and virtual social networking rather live in real and happy life. So happy to read this book by my friend/colleague and thanks for motivating us. Highly Recommended!"
• More reviews on Amazon and Goodreads

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I made a conscious decision to embrace minimalism—not just as a lifestyle, but as a way of thinking. I stripped away the excess to focus on what truly matters: time, freedom, relationships, and purpose.

I gave away almost everything I owned—my clothes, my accessories, my books—until I could fit my life into a single suitcase. I sold my real estate, including my own home, and moved into a smaller rented space. I stepped away from the conventional full-time career path to work part-time as an IT consultant, allowing more room for family, friends, and my passions.

Here are some of the intentional steps I took:

• Became completely debt-free – the core theme of my book
• Sold all real estate, including my personal residence
• Downsized to a rented, smaller home
• Cancelled all insurance policies except for term and medical insurance
• Consolidated finances – now I operate with just one bank account
• Closed all credit cards
• Donated all physical belongings – clothes, shoes, accessories
• Left my full-time job to become a flexible consultant
• Quit social media to reclaim mental space
• Minimized consumption – no TV, news, YouTube, Netflix, or unnecessary information
• And many more quiet, deliberate changes…

This lifestyle has given me clarity, peace, and time to pursue what truly matters. It’s not about sacrifice—it’s about intention.

I’ve worn many hats. I’ve chased goals, met deadlines, managed teams, made tough calls. But through it all, one thing has never changed: I see people. I feel for them. And I never forget that behind every spreadsheet, every pitch, every problem—there’s a person, often just trying to hold it all together.

That’s why I say Humanist First. Not as a tagline, but as a promise. I’ve had moments in life when someone showed up for me—not for what I could deliver, but for who I was. Those moments saved me. They shaped me. And they taught me something simple but powerful: Kindness is not a weakness. Presence is power. Humanity is strategy.

You have my respect, if you treat people with respect. I don’t celebrate wins that come at the cost of someone’s dignity. I don’t play politics—I build trust. Because if you lose your humanity in pursuit of success, what exactly have you won?

I’ve made it a point to lead with empathy, even when it’s inconvenient. To speak with honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. To show up—not just when it’s easy, but when someone really needs it. That’s what being a humanist means to me. It's not soft. It's the hardest, most important thing I do.

If we cross paths professionally or personally, I hope you feel that in the way I listen, the way I care, and the way I stand up—for you, not just beside you.

Greg McKeown, in his brilliant book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, defines Essentialism as a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything else. The goal? To make the highest possible contribution to what truly matters.

For me, Essentialism and Minimalism are two sides of the same coin. While Minimalism focuses on reducing physical and mental clutter, Essentialism sharpens the focus on intentional decision-making.

How I Practice Essentialism

At every decision point—big or small—I ask myself a simple but powerful question: Is this essential?

• If the answer is yes, I don’t act immediately. I give it a couple of days to reflect and reassess.
• If the answer is still yes after that cooling-off period, I move forward.
• If it’s not essential, the answer is a clear and guilt-free "No."

Try applying this filter in your own life:

• Thinking of taking a loan? Ask: Is it essential?
• Planning to buy a house, car, bike, or phone? Ask again.
• Considering a meeting, replying to emails, answering a call? Same rule applies.

Whether it’s about spending your time, money, or energy—pause and ask: Is this truly essential?

You’ll be surprised how many things fall away when you start saying "No" with intention—and how much clarity and freedom that one word can bring.