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Ramalingam Kalirajan |7047 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more

Question by Robin on Jun 18, 2024Hindi

I can't save money what to do I earn 15k per month

Ans: Managing your finances on a monthly income of Rs. 15,000 can be challenging, but with careful planning and discipline, you can start saving money and secure your financial future. Let’s break it down step by step to help you make the most of your earnings.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Monthly Income
Salary: Rs. 15,000
Expenses
List all your expenses to understand where your money goes. Typical expenses might include:

Rent: Rs. 4,000
Groceries: Rs. 3,000
Transportation: Rs. 2,000
Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.): Rs. 1,000
Mobile/Internet: Rs. 500
Other Expenses (Entertainment, Clothing, etc.): Rs. 1,500
Total Expenses: Rs. 12,000

This leaves you with Rs. 3,000, which can be allocated towards savings and investments.

Creating a Budget
Step 1: Track Your Spending
Keep a record of every rupee you spend. This helps identify unnecessary expenses and areas where you can cut back.

Step 2: Categorize Expenses
Divide your expenses into categories: Fixed (rent, utilities) and Variable (groceries, entertainment). Focus on reducing variable expenses.

Step 3: Set a Savings Goal
Aim to save at least 10-20% of your income. In your case, try to save Rs. 1,500-3,000 monthly.

Reducing Expenses
Housing
Negotiate Rent: Talk to your landlord for a possible rent reduction.
Roommates: Consider sharing accommodation to split costs.
Groceries and Food
Plan Meals: Make a weekly meal plan to avoid impulse buying.
Bulk Purchase: Buy non-perishable items in bulk for discounts.
Cook at Home: Eating out less can save a significant amount.
Transportation
Public Transport: Use buses or trains instead of taxis or autos.
Carpool: Share rides with colleagues or friends to cut costs.
Utilities
Energy Saving: Use energy-efficient appliances and switch off when not in use.
Optimize Plans: Choose cost-effective mobile and internet plans.
Increasing Income
Part-Time Work
Consider part-time jobs or freelancing to supplement your income. Skills like tutoring, writing, or graphic design can be monetized.

Selling Unused Items
Sell items you no longer need. Platforms like OLX or Quikr can help you find buyers.

Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund covers unexpected expenses and prevents debt. Aim to save 3-6 months of expenses. Start with a small amount and gradually build it up.

Automate Savings
Set up an automatic transfer of Rs. 1,500-3,000 to a separate savings account. This ensures consistency.

Investing for the Future
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Start a SIP with a small amount. Mutual funds can be a good option for long-term growth. You can start with as low as Rs. 500 per month.

Recurring Deposit (RD)
An RD in a bank can help you save regularly. It’s safe and provides fixed returns.

Insurance
Health Insurance
Get a basic health insurance plan. It protects you from high medical costs and ensures you don’t have to dip into savings during emergencies.

Avoiding Debt
Credit Cards
Avoid using credit cards if you can’t pay the full amount each month. High-interest rates can lead to debt accumulation.

Personal Loans
Take personal loans only for essential needs. Ensure you can manage the EMIs within your budget.

Financial Discipline
Avoid Impulse Purchases
Before buying anything, ask yourself if it’s necessary. Wait for 24 hours before making a purchase decision.

Stick to the Budget
Review your budget regularly and adjust it as needed. Discipline is key to financial stability.

Final Insights
Managing finances on a limited income requires discipline and strategic planning. Track your spending, create a realistic budget, and prioritize savings. Reduce unnecessary expenses and explore ways to increase your income. Building an emergency fund and starting small investments can secure your financial future. Stay committed to your financial goals and regularly review your progress.

You can achieve financial stability and growth even with a modest income. Start small, stay disciplined, and watch your savings grow over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.