Author: The 50 Year Old Guy

50 years young, proudly running on caffeine, Wi-Fi, and questionable financial choices. Writes about finance and tech, still learning the ropes of personal finance and investing—and sharing the chaos as I go. Successfully unsuccessful, but hey, at least I'm consistent!

Small, steady investments—made every month—can add up to meaningful wealth. This guide shows exactly what to do if you earn under ₹15,000/month. Introduction Most people think you must earn big to invest. That is not true. Even with a monthly income below ₹15,000, disciplined “breadcrumb investments” can build security and long-term wealth. This practical monthly plan is easy to follow and designed for sustainability. Step 1: Build an Emergency Buffer (₹10–₹20/day) What to do: Use a digital piggy bank or a small savings account and save ₹10–₹20 every day. Step 2: Secure Your Health & Life (≈₹500/month) What to do:…

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Context: India’s GST 2.0 simplifies slabs and raises rates on luxury/harmful goods. This article explains the likely effects on consumer behaviour, investment choices, tax planning and long-term wealth patterns. Introduction India’s new Goods and Services Tax framework — widely referred to as GST 2.0 — reduces the number of tax slabs and places many luxury and harmful goods into higher tax brackets. Changes to consumption taxation do more than raise prices: they influence buying decisions, investment strategies and even how households allocate wealth across assets. Why GST 2.0 Matters for Personal Finance Under GST 2.0, fewer slabs and higher rates…

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“Zindagi ke saath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi.” — remember that iconic Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) tagline? Most Indians grew up hearing it from their parents while being dragged to LIC offices on hot summer afternoons. For many, life insurance is that boring file lying in the cupboard next to the wedding album and gas connection documents. But here’s the truth: Life insurance isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. If done smartly, it can also be a pretty decent wealth-building tool while you’re still around (and hopefully binge-watching Netflix well into your retirement). The Desi Mindset: Insurance =…

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Looking for the perfect book to boost your money smarts? Whether you’re a beginner or already savvy with savings, these top-recommended personal finance books will help you level up. Below, you’ll find trusted lists, specific titles worth your time, and a direct place to buy the comprehensive collection: 100 Best Books to Read to Get Better at Personal Finance. Why Books Still Matter for Personal Finance Trusted Sources of Top Personal Finance Books Shortform’s “100 Best Personal Finance Books of All Time” lists titles recommended by experts like Warren Buffett, Malcolm Gladwell, and finance bloggers. Business Insider also publishes a…

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Many Indian households still believe that money management is the man’s job. But the truth is – housewives are the real CFOs of the family! From stretching budgets to planning groceries, they already manage finances daily. The next step? Learning how to save, invest, and grow money. This guide is specially written for Indian housewives – simple to follow, practical, and India-focused. Why Housewives Should Manage Personal Finance Step 1: Start With Saving Even a small amount set aside regularly makes a big difference. Step 2: Explore Safe Investment Options Start with low-risk, easy-to-manage options before moving to advanced ones.…

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Short answer: Yes. But turning a hobby into reliable income depends on (1) market demand, (2) treating the hobby like a business (pricing, marketing, delivery), and (3) picking the right platforms and systems. This guide walks you step-by-step, gives 12 concrete hobby examples, realistic monetization paths, statistics, resources and prompts you can use today. Contents (Quick outline) Snapshot: The Opportunity — Key Stats Here are a few data points that show the real market opportunity for hobbyists (India & global): Bottom line: Buyers exist, platforms exist, and the creator / maker economy has matured — so monetization is real, but…

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The world of investing never stands still. From technology breakthroughs to shifting global markets, the strategies that worked yesterday may not be the ones to rely on tomorrow. As we step into 2025, investors are paying attention to new opportunities while being cautious about risks. Let’s dive into the five most popular investment trends for 2025 and see why they are shaping portfolios across the globe. 1. Green Energy & Sustainability Investments Why it’s popular in 2025: Example: Tesla remains a key EV player, but in India, Tata Power and Adani Green Energy are driving massive renewable projects. ESG-focused mutual…

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming personal finance, making budgeting, investing, and managing money smarter, faster, and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, AI tools can help you optimize your finances in 2025. 1. AI-Powered Budgeting and Expense Tracking Keeping track of expenses can be tedious. AI solves this by automatically categorizing transactions and providing insights into spending patterns. Examples: Apps like Cleo or Emma analyze transactions and alert you if spending exceeds your budget. In India, apps like ET Money and Groww suggest optimal savings or investment allocations. GPT Prompt Example:”Analyze my monthly bank…

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Many people think that a big salary is the only way to become rich. But the truth is, wealth is not just about how much you earn—it’s about how you manage what you have. Smart financial habits, consistent saving, and disciplined investing can help you build wealth even with modest income. Let’s break it down with some simple infographics. 1. Wealth Building Pyramid Wealth is built in layers, just like a pyramid. You start with a strong foundation of earning and living below your means, add consistent saving, and finally reach the top by investing wisely. From small steps to…

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For many of us, the idea of buying something “big” — a smartphone, a TV, a vacation, or even furniture — almost always comes with one option flashing on the checkout screen: “Buy Now, Pay Later” or “Easy EMI Available.” On the surface, EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments) look harmless. They promise affordability, convenience, and instant access. But the flip side is often financial stress, hidden costs, and a subtle erosion of your ability to live debt-free. The good news? You can say no to EMIs and still enjoy nice things. It just takes a mindset shift, some practical money habits,…

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