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How should a 25-year-old earning 50k manage their salary?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 01, 2025

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
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 01, 2025Hindi
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Hello sir, I am Ganesh, unmarried and just started 25 years old in life..I am earning 50k per month salary. I need a detailed plan for managing my salary in different areas. My expenses 15000 Save money for parents Have to invest somewhere for future use Have to save some amount for emergency situations. Extra expenses Could you please give me a detailed process on it.

Ans: At 25, you have a great opportunity to build a strong financial base. Managing your salary properly now will help you in the future. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to allocate your income effectively.

1. Understanding Your Monthly Income and Expenses

Your monthly salary is Rs. 50,000.

Fixed expenses, including rent, food, and bills, are Rs. 15,000.

You want to save for your parents.

You need to invest for future growth.

You want to save for emergencies.

You have extra expenses that vary.

A structured approach will help you meet all these goals.

2. Allocating Your Salary Efficiently

A good way to divide your income is using a structured plan. You can follow this method:

50% for essential expenses – This covers rent, food, bills, and necessary costs.

30% for investments and savings – This will help grow your money over time.

10% for emergency savings – This ensures you have money for unexpected situations.

10% for extra expenses and lifestyle – This is for entertainment, travel, and hobbies.

This allocation ensures that you balance living today and securing your future.

3. Managing Fixed Expenses

Your fixed expenses are Rs. 15,000, which is 30% of your salary.

You are already spending within a good limit.

Always track where your money is going.

Avoid unnecessary spending on subscriptions and impulse shopping.

Use cashback offers and discounts whenever possible.

Reducing unnecessary spending can increase your savings and investments.

4. Supporting Your Parents Financially

Set aside a fixed amount every month for them.

If they need medical support, consider a health insurance plan.

Instead of giving a lump sum, help them with small monthly contributions.

Discuss their financial needs so you can plan effectively.

Even a small, regular contribution will make a big difference over time.

5. Saving for Emergency Situations

You should have at least 6 months’ expenses saved for emergencies.

Set aside Rs. 5,000 per month in a liquid fund or savings account.

This money should only be used for medical, job loss, or urgent needs.

Keep the emergency fund separate from other savings.

This fund will provide peace of mind during unexpected financial difficulties.

6. Investing for Future Growth

Your investments should be planned based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Mutual Funds: Start SIPs in equity mutual funds to build wealth.

PPF: Invest Rs. 12,500 annually for safe long-term growth.

NPS: Consider investing in NPS for retirement savings and tax benefits.

Gold: Avoid investing in physical gold, but digital gold or gold ETFs can be considered.

Investing early will help your money grow faster over time.

7. Managing Extra Expenses and Lifestyle Costs

Keep a budget for travel, entertainment, and hobbies.

Avoid spending too much on unnecessary things.

Use credit cards carefully and pay bills on time.

If you want to upgrade your lifestyle, increase your income first.

Planning for extra expenses ensures you enjoy life without financial stress.

8. Planning for Career Growth

Your salary will increase over time, so plan for future growth.

Upskill yourself with new courses to get better job opportunities.

Consider setting aside money for certifications or higher studies.

Networking and learning new skills can boost your income.

Improving your career will increase your earning potential and financial stability.

9. Tax Planning to Save Money

Use deductions under Section 80C by investing in PPF, ELSS, or NPS.

Get health insurance to save tax under Section 80D.

Keep records of all investments and expenses to file tax returns easily.

Use HRA and other tax-saving options to reduce taxable income.

Smart tax planning will help you keep more of your earnings.

10. Tracking and Adjusting Your Financial Plan

Review your budget every month.

Track investments and savings to ensure you are on the right path.

Increase your investment amounts whenever your salary increases.

Avoid unnecessary debt and maintain financial discipline.

Regular tracking helps in achieving long-term financial success.

Finally

You have made a great decision to plan your finances early. By following this structured plan, you can balance your expenses, support your parents, save for emergencies, and invest for a secure future.

Stay disciplined, track your finances regularly, and keep increasing your savings as your income grows.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
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Hello I am 28 year old my in hand salary is 40kpm I am married women currently no child. How I manage my expense and savings ? In which fund I invest for secure future.
Ans: First, let's understand your current financial standing. With an in-hand salary of Rs 40,000 per month, you have a stable income. Being married and currently without children provides a unique opportunity to focus on building a strong financial foundation.

Compliments and Understanding

You're already ahead by thinking about your financial future. Many don't plan at your age. It shows your foresight and responsibility. Your proactive approach is commendable and will surely pave the way for a secure financial future.

Creating a Budget

A budget is the cornerstone of financial planning. It helps track income and expenses, ensuring that you live within your means and save for future goals.

Step-by-Step Budgeting

Income: Your monthly take-home salary is Rs 40,000.

Essential Expenses: Include rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Aim to keep these below 50% of your income, which would be Rs 20,000.

Discretionary Expenses: Allocate 30% of your income to dining out, entertainment, and personal shopping. This would be Rs 12,000.

Savings and Investments: The remaining 20%, or Rs 8,000, should go towards savings and investments.

Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is a financial safety net. It should cover 3-6 months' worth of essential expenses.

Building an Emergency Fund

Start by setting aside a portion of your savings each month until you reach this target. A liquid fund is ideal for this purpose due to its low risk and easy access.

Investment Strategy

Investing wisely is crucial for wealth creation. Given your profile, a mix of investment options can provide stability and growth.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are excellent for long-term wealth creation. They offer diversification, professional management, and flexibility.

Actively Managed Funds: These funds aim to outperform the market through expert selection of securities. They are ideal for those who seek higher returns and are comfortable with moderate risk.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly. It inculcates discipline and averages out the cost of investment over time, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Debt Funds

Debt funds are suitable for conservative investors. They invest in fixed-income securities and provide steady returns with lower risk.

Diversification

Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across different asset classes. This ensures that poor performance in one area does not drastically impact your overall portfolio.

Insurance Planning

Insurance is crucial for financial security. It protects against unforeseen events and ensures that your family's needs are met in your absence.

Life Insurance

Opt for a term plan with adequate coverage. Term plans offer high coverage at low premiums and are ideal for income replacement.

Health Insurance

Healthcare costs are rising. A comprehensive health insurance policy covers medical expenses, ensuring that your savings are not depleted by medical emergencies.

Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is essential for financial independence in later years. Start early to benefit from the power of compounding.

NPS (National Pension System)

NPS is a government-backed pension scheme. It offers tax benefits and helps build a retirement corpus.

Mutual Funds for Retirement

Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term growth. They have the potential to generate higher returns, aiding in building a substantial retirement corpus.

Tax Planning

Efficient tax planning increases disposable income. Utilize available deductions and exemptions to reduce tax liability.

Section 80C Investments

Investments under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act offer tax deductions. Options include PPF, EPF, and ELSS.

Health Insurance Premiums

Premiums paid for health insurance qualify for deductions under Section 80D. This reduces taxable income while ensuring health coverage.

Goal-Based Planning

Financial goals provide direction and motivation. Categorize them into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.

Short-Term Goals

These include building an emergency fund and saving for a vacation or a gadget. Allocate funds in liquid or short-term debt funds.

Medium-Term Goals

These could be saving for a car or a down payment on a house. Consider balanced funds or debt funds for these goals.

Long-Term Goals

Long-term goals include children's education, retirement, and wealth creation. Equity mutual funds and SIPs are suitable for these goals due to their potential for high returns over time.

Review and Rebalance

Regular review of your financial plan is crucial. It ensures that your investments align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Annual Review

Conduct an annual review of your financial plan. Assess your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Rebalancing

Rebalancing involves realigning the weightings of your portfolio. It helps maintain the desired level of risk and return.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Certain financial mistakes can derail your plans. Being aware of these can help you avoid them.

Overspending

Stick to your budget and avoid impulse purchases. This ensures that you live within your means and save for future goals.

Inadequate Insurance

Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This protects against financial hardships due to unforeseen events.

Ignoring Inflation

Inflation erodes the value of money over time. Ensure your investments generate returns that outpace inflation.

Investment Tips

Here are some additional tips to enhance your investment strategy.

Start Early

The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. This maximizes the benefits of compounding.

Stay Invested

Stay invested for the long term to ride out market volatility. Short-term market fluctuations should not deter you from your financial goals.

Seek Professional Advice

A certified financial planner can provide personalized advice. They can help you create a tailored financial plan that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights

Your proactive approach towards financial planning is commendable. By creating a budget, building an emergency fund, investing wisely, and planning for insurance and retirement, you're on the right path. Regular reviews and avoiding common pitfalls will ensure that you stay on track.

Your financial journey is unique, and with careful planning and disciplined execution, you can achieve your financial goals. Remember, the key to financial success is consistency and patience.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2025

Money
My salary was 30000 and my savings was 00 and my personal loan was playing around 15k,and my bike emi was 7800 and my rent was 3000,so please suggest how can i manage my salary for future
Ans: Thank you for being honest about your current situation.

You have shown courage to seek help.
That itself is a big step forward.

Rs. 30,000 monthly salary with high EMIs is difficult.
Still, with discipline, you can turn things around.

Let us build your financial plan slowly.

It will not be easy in the beginning.
But with steady action, you can move forward.

? Understand Your Cash Flow

– Salary is Rs. 30,000 per month.
– Personal loan EMI is Rs. 15,000.
– Bike EMI is Rs. 7,800.
– Rent is Rs. 3,000.
– Total fixed expenses are already Rs. 25,800.
– That leaves only Rs. 4,200 per month.
– This is not enough for food, transport, and savings.

? Manage Personal Loan First

– Personal loan EMI is too high.
– Rs. 15,000 EMI on Rs. 30,000 salary is 50%.
– That is putting pressure on your life.
– Call your bank.
– Request for EMI reduction or extension of tenure.
– Even 2 years extra can reduce EMI.
– Explore loan consolidation if possible.
– Goal is to reduce EMI to under Rs. 10,000.
– If you get bonus or extra income, repay loan part.
– Do not take new loans until old one is cleared.

? Consider Postponing Bike EMI Temporarily

– Rs. 7,800 bike EMI is also high.
– If bike is not essential, try to sell it.
– Use the money to close the loan.
– Or check if loan can be restructured.
– Focus on reducing total EMI burden.
– If both loans continue, your cash flow will stay tight.
– Cut this pressure as soon as possible.

? Keep Rent Low and Fixed

– Rent is Rs. 3,000, which is okay.
– Do not shift to bigger house now.
– Save housing upgrade for later.
– Keep rent stable for 2–3 years.

? Control Daily and Monthly Expenses

– You have only Rs. 4,200 left after EMIs and rent.
– You must control daily spending strictly.
– Use cash envelope method.
– Withdraw Rs. 4,000 and use only that for month.
– No food delivery, no online shopping.
– Carry food from home if possible.
– Take public transport or walk more.
– Every rupee saved helps future plan.

? Start Emergency Fund Slowly

– Once EMI pressure reduces, start saving small.
– Start with Rs. 500 per month.
– Put it in a separate savings account.
– Do not touch for monthly expenses.
– This is your emergency fund.
– Build it till it reaches Rs. 15,000 first.
– Later grow it to Rs. 50,000.
– This protects you from sudden expenses.

? No Mutual Funds or SIPs Now

– Right now, you should not invest in mutual funds.
– You are not yet ready for that step.
– First clear your loan.
– Then save some emergency money.
– After that, SIP can start slowly.
– Don’t follow others blindly.
– Build your base first.

? Avoid Taking Direct Funds Later

– When you start mutual fund SIPs later,
do not go for direct funds.
– Direct funds look cheaper.
– But they give no service or guidance.
– You may choose wrong funds or stop at wrong time.
– Invest only through regular funds with MFD and CFP support.
– It gives proper support during ups and downs.

? Stay Away from Index Funds Always

– Index funds copy market blindly.
– They do not protect in crashes.
– Actively managed funds adjust faster.
– They give better performance long-term.
– Index funds have no human expertise.
– You need a strong planner-backed fund.

? Avoid Real Estate and Annuities

– Do not buy land or flats for investment.
– They need big money and have poor liquidity.
– Also, do not go for annuities.
– They give poor returns and no flexibility.
– Focus on mutual funds later, when ready.

? Build Basic Insurance Cover

– If you don’t have term insurance, don’t buy now.
– Wait till your EMI load reduces.
– But try to get health insurance of Rs. 3–5 lakhs.
– It avoids medical burden later.
– Pick simple policy with low premium.

? Boost Income Wherever Possible

– Try part-time jobs if possible.
– Use evening or weekend hours.
– Look for online skill-based income.
– Tutoring, delivery jobs, freelancing may help.
– Even Rs. 3,000 extra per month makes a difference.
– Use any bonus or gift to repay loan faster.

? Track Everything on Paper

– Write down your income and expenses.
– Use small diary or free mobile app.
– Know how much you spend on food, mobile, transport.
– Cut non-essentials wherever possible.
– Monthly review builds control.

? Follow 3-Phase Strategy

– Phase 1: Clear loans and manage cash flow.
– Phase 2: Start saving monthly and build emergency fund.
– Phase 3: Begin investing through SIP in regular mutual funds.

– Don’t rush between phases.
– Spend minimum 6–8 months per phase.
– Don’t skip steps.
– Each phase builds a solid base.

? Build Discipline First

– Success comes from habits, not income alone.
– Learn to say no to wasteful spending.
– Control emotional buying.
– Set simple goals each month.
– Celebrate small wins like saving Rs. 500.

? Create Basic Safety Net First

– No big moves till loans are cleared.
– No credit card debt.
– No new EMI for TV, phone or furniture.
– Wait for better cash flow first.

? Focus on Financial Literacy Slowly

– Read simple articles on saving and budgeting.
– Watch short videos in Tamil or Hindi.
– Learn about compounding and inflation.
– Don’t follow tips or hot stocks.
– Real wealth grows slow and steady.

? Finally

– You are under pressure now, but not stuck forever.
– Clear personal loan and bike loan first.
– Keep expenses tight and focused.
– Save little by little in emergency fund.
– Then start SIPs in mutual funds.
– Use only regular funds with Certified Financial Planner support.
– Avoid index funds, direct funds, and real estate.
– Stay away from annuities.
– Focus only on your financial freedom.
– Track your money monthly.
– Improve your skills and income slowly.
– You can build wealth step by step.
– It takes time, but it is possible.
– Stay hopeful and stay disciplined.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

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Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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