Hello
I am 51 years old with 14 years old Son and my spouse is not working. I am working with a Pvt Publishing company with salary 90000/ month but job is not stable. In my 28 years working , I couldn't saved much with other liabilities and circumstances . Now my son is in class 8 and I am still in rented house . I am afraid of coming future since I am not able to save anything. My overall monthly income exceeded to 80000 including my son's education, School fees , House Rent and other house hold expenses. Kindly suggest me how to save more and secure my future
Ans: You have shown great responsibility in raising your family on a single income.
At 51 years, your focus now should be financial security and your son's future.
Your son's education and your retirement both need careful planning from here.
Let us understand how to plan your future with limited income but strong commitment.
Your Current Financial Snapshot
You are 51 years old, with a 14-year-old son.
Your spouse is not working, so you are the only earner.
Your job is in the private sector and not stable.
Monthly income is around Rs. 90,000.
Monthly expenses are touching Rs. 80,000.
You are staying in a rented house.
You are unable to save due to high expenses.
Let us address each concern in a simple, practical way.
Step 1: Create a Small Monthly Surplus
Without surplus, saving is not possible.
First identify all your fixed expenses.
Note down your rent, fees, bills, groceries, transport etc.
Then write all variable or non-essential expenses.
These include outings, subscriptions, online shopping etc.
Keep these expenses under control.
Aim to reduce total monthly spending by Rs. 5,000.
If needed, shift to a slightly cheaper rented house.
This is not about sacrifice, it is about safety.
Step 2: Start a Basic Emergency Fund
Your job is not secure.
Emergency fund is your safety cover.
Save 3 to 6 months of household expenses.
This money must be separate and easy to access.
Keep it in a separate savings account or liquid fund.
Don’t touch this for regular spending.
Build this fund slowly over 6 to 12 months.
Even Rs. 3,000 a month is fine to start.
Step 3: Secure Your Family First
Life insurance is very important at this stage.
You must have a pure term plan.
It should cover at least 10 times your annual income.
If you already have expensive LIC or ULIP policies, stop them.
Surrender those plans and reinvest in mutual funds.
Your family must get protection if anything happens to you.
Do not depend on employer insurance alone.
Also take basic health insurance for you and family.
Step 4: Start Small but Regular Investments
Don’t wait for big savings to start investing.
Start SIP with even Rs. 2,000 per month.
Use actively managed mutual funds through a CFP.
Avoid direct funds, they give no guidance.
Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner give support and review.
Don't invest in index funds.
Index funds just follow the market, even when it crashes.
Actively managed funds adjust better in ups and downs.
Step 5: Focus on Retirement Planning
Retirement may come earlier due to job risk.
You must create your own pension system.
Start SIPs in long-term growth mutual funds.
Don’t wait till son's college is over.
You cannot borrow for retirement.
But you can borrow or get scholarships for education.
Secure your retirement with discipline.
Any salary increase should go into SIPs.
Step 6: Prepare for Son’s Education Wisely
Your son is in Class 8 now.
You have 4 years to plan his higher education.
Create a goal for his college needs.
Don't aim for high-expense private colleges if unaffordable.
Explore central universities, state quota, scholarships etc.
Education loan is a better option than using retirement money.
Guide your son on skill-based courses and cost-effective education.
Talk openly with him about money limitations.
Step 7: Review Your House Decision
At this stage, buying a house is not urgent.
Don’t take a big loan for a home now.
Focus should be on savings, not EMI.
Rent is temporary. Savings are permanent.
You may buy a house later when situation is better.
Don’t consider house as investment.
It locks money, gives low return and creates liability.
Step 8: Create an Annual Financial Calendar
Every month, set one small financial task.
Example: January – review expenses.
February – update term insurance.
March – increase SIP amount.
April – track son’s education cost.
May – recheck emergency fund.
Follow this rhythm each year.
This brings control and confidence.
Step 9: Upskill or Create Secondary Income
Try to learn new skills related to your publishing work.
See if you can do freelance editing or writing.
Try to earn small extra income from hobby or skill.
Even Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 extra helps monthly.
Encourage your spouse to try small work from home.
Every extra rupee saved or earned gives strength.
Step 10: Stay Away From Risky Options
Don’t invest in crypto or ponzi schemes.
Avoid chit funds and quick return ideas.
Never buy insurance plans with investment.
Focus only on safe and proven mutual fund SIPs.
Avoid direct funds, they mislead investors with no support.
Stick with regular funds guided by CFP.
You will get personal tracking and adjustment advice.
What You Must Not Do
Don’t feel late or regret the past.
Don’t stop children’s education for savings.
Don’t mix insurance and investments.
Don’t ignore retirement while saving for son.
Don’t depend on children for your old age.
Don’t compare your life with others.
What You Must Do Regularly
Track your monthly spending.
Save before you spend.
Review insurance and investment once a year.
Increase SIP every year.
Protect your health and peace of mind.
Finally
You have taken care of your family all these years.
That itself is a huge achievement.
From now, take one step at a time.
Cut small unnecessary spends.
Start saving even small amounts.
Secure your family with right insurance.
Begin SIPs in regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Don't fear the future.
Plan it, step by step, from today.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment