Author: The 50 Year Old Guy

Picture this: You’re holding a ₹500 note. It feels… underwhelming, right? A couple of Swiggy orders, one Friday night pizza binge, or a few guilt-ridden coffees at Starbucks — and poof! It’s gone. But what if I told you that this modest ₹500 could quietly build you a six-figure fortune? Yup — ₹500/month can make you a Lakhpati in just 10 years. No MLM, no crypto rollercoaster, no black magic. Just boring, beautiful compounding. Let’s Do the Math (Don’t Worry, It’s Fun Math) Assume: You’ll have: ₹1,15,739 Yes, from ₹60,000 invested over 10 years, you’ll have a neat ₹1.15 lakh…

We learn algebra, trigonometry, and Shakespeare — but most of us leave school without knowing how to manage a monthly budget, handle a credit card, or save for retirement. This gap in education leaves millions of adults financially confused, vulnerable to debt traps, and ill-equipped to build a secure future. It’s time we ask the serious question: Why isn’t personal finance taught in schools — and why must it be? 1. Money is a Life Skill, Not a Luxury Knowledge Personal finance isn’t just about investing or tax-saving — it’s about making decisions that affect every aspect of life: Ignoring…

Planning financial goals—whether it’s your dream retirement, your child’s education, or that bucket-list international vacation—can feel overwhelming. But in 2025, there are several free and reliable tools that make this process easy, visual, and even empowering. Here’s a curated list of free goal-planning calculators and resources to help you start your journey. 1. PrimeInvestor’s Financial Goal Calculator This tool is perfect for beginners who want to know how much to save monthly to reach a future financial goal. Just plug in: The calculator instantly tells you how much your goal will grow with inflation, and how much to save monthly…

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — from Instagram filters to your bank’s chatbot. But can AI really help you make better financial decisions? Yes — if you know how to use it. Here’s how AI is changing personal finance, and how you can use it to save, invest, and grow wealth smarter. 1. AI-Powered Budgeting: Your New Money Coach No more manual spreadsheets. AI-driven apps like Walnut, Jupiter, and Money View automatically track your income and spending, categorize it, and even alert you when you overspend. Example: If you spend ₹8,000 on food in a month, the app breaks it down…

They say money is a lifelong teacher — but I swear I kept skipping class until my 50s. If you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and wondering whether your money decisions are future-proof… here’s a personal, brutally honest walk through my financial missteps — and what I wish I had done differently. In My 20s: The Era of Ignorance and Swag Mistake #1: No Budget, No Plan — Just Vibes I treated my salary like it was a reward for surviving college — and spent it accordingly. I had no clue where my money was going. Weekends were for…

Let’s be honest — being broke is not fun. It’s not romantic, it’s not edgy, and it’s definitely not a personality trait. Yet, millions of people (with full-time jobs, degrees, and dreams) are broke by the 12th of every month. Why? Let’s investigate this tragedy with a mix of comedy, brutal honesty, and just a sprinkle of financial wisdom. Reason #1: The “YOLO” Budgeting Strategy Yes, you only live once — but that doesn’t mean you should live like Mukesh Ambani with an Ola Money balance. Reason #2: Equating Salary Day to a Festival When your salary hits, it feels…

Living paycheck-to-paycheck is an exhausting cycle — one that traps millions, regardless of how much they earn. For many, the money is gone even before the month ends. But escaping this cycle isn’t about winning the lottery or earning 3x more. It’s about mindset, planning, and small consistent changes. This guide breaks it all down — with realistic examples and actionable strategies that work even if you’re starting from zero. What Is the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Trap? If most or all of your income is spent on basic expenses — rent, food, EMIs, bills — with little or no money left for…

Understanding your mutual fund portfolio statement is crucial—not just for tracking performance, but for making smarter decisions. Yet, many investors ignore it or feel overwhelmed by the jargon. This guide will walk you through how to decode every section of your mutual fund statement—so you know exactly what’s going on with your money. Why Your Statement Matters Your mutual fund statement is like your fund’s report card. It tells you: Ignoring it is like driving a car without a dashboard. Types of Mutual Fund Statements How to Read Each Section 1. Folio Number Your unique account number with each fund…

Personal finance isn’t just about money — it’s about freedom. Whether you’re earning ₹15,000 or ₹1,50,000 a month, escaping debt, or planning early retirement, this ultimate handbook covers it all. Chapter 1: Know Where You Stand – Financial Self-Awareness Chapter 2: The Golden Rule – Spend Less Than You Earn Chapter 3: Build Your Emergency Fund Chapter 4: Crush Your Debt Chapter 5: Start Investing – Even With Small Amounts “The stock market is a device to transfer money from the impatient to the patient.” – Warren Buffett Chapter 6: Understand Taxes and Save Smartly Chapter 7: Protect What You’ve…

Economic recessions might be unpredictable, but how you respond to them doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s job loss, inflation, or market volatility, you can take control of your financial future with a smart, steady approach. Here’s how to save, invest, and manage your money when the economy takes a hit. 1. Don’t Panic — Prepare “Recessions are inevitable. Panic is optional.” — Morgan Housel A calm, proactive mindset is your best asset. Use the downturn as a chance to build resilience, not regret. 2. Build or Rebuild Your Emergency Fund Don’t treat this as an “oops I spent too…