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‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.
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Rahul was from a middle-class family. His salary was ₹50,000 per month, but he found it difficult to save money every month. Do you also feel like no matter how much you earn, your bank account will always show zero at the end of the month? Rahul was in the same boat until, one day, his friend gave him some personal finance tips.
First, Rahul started tracking his expenses. He noticed he spent ₹10,000 monthly on eating out and online shopping. So, he reduced it to ₹5,000. Then, he started saving 20% of his monthly salary (₹10,000). He also began investing ₹5,000 per month in an SIP (Systematic Investment Plan).
After one year, Rahul had saved ₹1,80,000, and his investments had grown. This motivated him, and his savings increased. Now, with more financial security, he is confidently planning for his dreams.
Save Money Automatically
Set up your bank to transfer money to your savings or investment account every month. This way, you save before spending and do not have to remember to do it manually. Easy.
It helps build an emergency fund, save for retirement, or achieve big goals like buying a house or car. You can also use apps that save a small amount every time you spend. “Lag rha hai smart idea?” Start with a small amount and increase it over time.
2. Make a Budget
A budget helps you track your income and spending. First, calculate your total income (salary, side jobs, etc.), then list your fixed costs (rent, loans, bills) and flexible costs (food, entertainment).
Read More – Common Budgeting Mistakes Middle-Class Families Make
Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or paying off debt. Apps like Mint or Excel can help. Check your budget weekly and adjust if needed. This will prevent overspending and help you reach your goals.
Category | Recommended Allocation | Actual Allocation | Differences |
Needs | ₹30,000 (50%) | ₹40,000 (67%) | +₹10,000 |
3. Check Your Debts
List all your debts, like loans or credit card balances, and their interest rates. Pay off high-interest debts first since they cost more over time. “Karz aur mehmaan – jitna jaldi niptao utna sukoon milega!”
Use methods like Debt Snowball (paying small debts first) or Debt Avalanche (paying high-interest debts first). If possible, try to get lower interest rates from your bank. Always pay on time and avoid new loans until old ones are cleared.
Use Debt Consolidation. It will help you combine all your debts into a single loan at a lower interest rate.
4. Get Insurance
Insurance protects you financially. Health insurance covers medical costs, life insurance helps your family, and car/home insurance protects against accidents.
Term life insurance is cheap and provides good coverage. Compare different insurance plans before choosing. Review your policy every few years and update it if needed. Avoid scams and buy from trusted companies.
5. Earn Cashback While Spending
Use cashback credit cards or apps like Rakuten to get money back when you spend. Credit cards give 2-5% cashback on groceries, fuel, or online shopping. “Lalach buri bala hai!” Do not overspend just for rewards.
Always make full payment of your credit card bill to avoid extra charges. Choose cards with no annual fees. Use cashback savings to pay off debts or invest.
6. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Many forget old subscriptions (Netflix, gym, magazines, apps). Check your bank statements and cancel the ones you do not use.
Share subscriptions with family or friends to save money. Use free options like YouTube or podcasts instead. Subscription tracking apps can remind you about renewals. Review subscriptions every 3–6 months.
7. Learn About Money
Understanding money helps you make smart choices. Read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, listen to finance podcasts, or take free online courses. Learn about budgeting, investing, and taxes.
Join seminars or consult experts. Practice by using stock market simulation apps before investing real money. Knowing about finances helps you avoid scams and build wealth.
Resource Type | Recommendations |
Books | - Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi |
Podcasts | - The Ramsey Show - Millennial Money |
Free Online Courses |
8. Lower Your Energy Bills
“Boond boond se sagar bharta hai!”
Save on electricity by using LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances. Unplug gadgets when not in use. Set your AC to 24°C to save energy. Consider solar panels or other eco-friendly options. Look for government programs that offer discounts for energy-saving products. Small changes can reduce your monthly bills.
9. Check Your Taxes
Ensure your tax deductions are correct to avoid overpaying or getting a surprise bill. Update your tax details with your employer if needed. Invest in tax-saving options like ELSS and PPF to reduce tax. Use tax software or consult a professional to get all legal benefits.
Example: Mrs. Sharma earns ₹10,00,000 yearly. Without tax-saving investments, her tax is:
Tax Calculation (Without Investment)
Now, if she invests ₹1,50,000 in ELSS or PPF (Section 80C), her taxable income is reduced to ₹7,75,000.
New Tax Calculation (With ₹1,50,000 Investment)
Tax Saved: ₹13,750! (Note: The calculations are based on the new tax regime for FY 2025-26, which includes a standard deduction of ₹75,000 and revised tax slabs.)
Feature | ELSS | PFF |
Lock-in | 3 years | 15 years |
Returns | Market-based size, high |
10. Set Savings Goals
Decide why you are saving—an emergency fund (6 months’ expenses), a vacation, or a house down payment. Follow the SMART goal method: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Open separate accounts for each goal and automate savings. Track your progress and celebrate small wins.
11. Start Budgeting
Before budgeting, understand how you spend money. “Jitni chadar, utne hi pair failao! " Set spending limits and reduce unnecessary costs (like eating out often). A flexible budget helps handle unexpected expenses. Regularly check and improve it.
12. Invest in Different Things
Do not put all your money in one place. Spread it across stocks, bonds, real estate, and mutual funds. Choose investments based on your age and risk level. Low-cost index funds are significant for long-term growth. Rebalance your portfolio every year.
Example: Manoj has wisely spread out his ₹10,00,000 investment across different areas:
₹18,000 (30%) |
₹12,000 (20%) |
-₹6,000 |
Savings/Debt Repayment | ₹12,000 (20%) | ₹8,000 (13%) | -₹4,000 |
Total | ₹60,000 (100%) | ₹60,000 (100%) | ₹0 |
- Financial Markets by Yale University on Coursera - Introduction to Corporate Finance by Columbia University on edX - Personal Finance by Khan Academy |
Stock Market Stimulations | - Wall Street Survivor |
7-8% fixed
Risk | High | Very low |
Taxation | Profits up to ₹1,00,000 tax-free; 10% LTCG tax beyond that | Fully tax-free |
*T&C Apply
Stocks (₹4,00,000): He bought shares in large and mid-sized companies.
Bonds (₹3,00,000): He invested in government and corporate bonds.
Real Estate (₹2,00,000): He invested in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are companies that own or finance income-producing real estate.
Mutual Funds (₹1,00,000): He chose low-cost index funds, which track specific market indexes.
Every year, Manoj reviews and adjusts his investment mix to ensure it matches his financial goals and his comfort with risk. This practice is known as rebalancing and helps maintain a balanced and diversified portfolio.
13. Know Why You’re Saving
Having clear goals makes saving easier. Separate short-term (buying a gadget), medium-term (buying a car), and long-term (retirement) goals. Use visual reminders, like a vision board. Your priority should be an emergency fund.
14. Save for Retirement Early
“Aaj ki bachat, kal ki rahat!”
The earlier you start, the more compound interest helps your money grow. Contribute to employer retirement plans like 401(k), especially if they match your contribution. Other options include IRAs or SIPs. Keep investing regularly and adjust based on your risk level.
15. Get Maximum Tax Benefits
Tax-free savings accounts (like HSA (Health Savings Account), 401k) can be used to reduce taxes. Claim deductions for donations, education, and medical expenses. Use tax credits like child tax credits. A financial expert can help you use all legal tax-saving options.
16. Pause Retirement Contributions If Needed
If you have a financial emergency (job loss, medical issue), you can temporarily pause your retirement savings. But restart them as soon as things improve. During tough times, focus on paying bills and saving for short-term needs.
17. Plan No-Spend Days
Have days without spending money. Enjoy free activities like parks, libraries, or home-cooked meals. This will help you control unnecessary spending.
Planning a “No-Spend Day” can help you save money and become more mindful of your expenses. Here's how you can approach it:
Meals:
Estimated Savings: If you typically spend ₹150 on breakfast, ₹200 on lunch, and ₹250 on dinner at restaurants, cooking at home saves you ₹600.
Estimated Savings: Avoiding a ₹300 movie ticket and a ₹200 cafe visit saves ₹500.
Transportation:
Estimated Savings: If daily commuting costs ₹100, this choice saves ₹100.
Miscellaneous:
Estimated Savings: Avoiding impulsive buys might save an additional ₹500.
Total Estimated Savings for the No-Spend Day: ₹600 (meals) + ₹500 (entertainment) + ₹100 (transportation) + ₹500 (miscellaneous) = ₹1,700
By dedicating a day to not spending, you save money and become more mindful of daily expenses. Engaging in free activities and utilizing your existing resources can lead to significant savings over time.
18. Reduce Insurance Costs
“Sahi jagah ka insurance, tension ka endurance!”
Compare insurance rates from different companies to find cheaper options. Bundle insurance (like car and home) for discounts. Increase deductibles (the amount paid before insurance covers) to lower premiums. Safe driving and security systems can also reduce costs.
19. Track Your Spending
Record every transaction using apps like Spendee or a notebook. Check spending patterns and cut unnecessary costs. Reviewing your spending weekly helps build better habits.
20. Use Credit Cards Wisely
Always pay the full amount to avoid interest. Keep your credit usage below 30% to maintain a good credit score.
Best Practise | Description |
Planned Purchases Only | Use credit cards strictly for purchases you have budgeted for, avoiding impulsive spending. |
Pay Full Balance Monthly | Make the full payment of the credit card bill each month to prevent interest charges and debt accumulation. |
Maintain Low Credit Utilisation | Keep your credit usage below 30% of your available limit to support a favorable credit score. |
Leverage Rewards Responsibly | Use credit card rewards wisely—do not overspend just to earn points! |
Developing smart money habits—such as budgeting, automating savings, reducing debt, and making informed investments—can significantly improve your financial well-being. "Akal bada ya bhains?"—Paise ke maamle mein hamesha akal hi chalana!” Starting with small, consistent actions and focusing on clear goals can lead to substantial results over time. Rahul's experience demonstrates that even modest steps can yield significant financial improvements.
How can I save with a low income?
A. Begin by automating small savings, like ₹500 per month. Reduce unnecessary expenses, such as subscriptions or dining out, and utilise budgeting apps to monitor spending. Aim to save 5-10% of your income initially.
How do I apply the 50/30/20 budgeting rule?
A. Divide your after-tax income into three parts: 50% for Needs (rent, groceries, bills), 30% for Wants (dining out, entertainment), and 20% for Savings/Debt Repayment (emergency fund, investments, or loans).
Should I pay off my debt or invest first?
A. Prioritise paying off high-interest debts, like credit cards. Once these are managed, focus on investments such as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and retirement funds.
Is an emergency fund necessary?
A. Yes, it is crucial to have an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses. Starting with ₹10,000 in a savings account or fixed deposit can provide a financial safety net for unexpected situations.
A. ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) has a 3-year lock-in and offers market-linked returns with higher risk and growth potential. PPF (Public Provident Fund) has a 15-year lock-in, provides fixed, risk-free returns, and suits conservative investors. Both offer tax benefits under Section 80C.
