Author: The 50 Year Old Guy

Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, have gone from obscure internet experiments to front-page headlines and serious investment portfolios. But for someone just starting out in personal finance — maybe trying to save your first ₹1 lakh — the big question is: Should beginners even bother with crypto? This comprehensive, no-jargon guide will walk you through the basics of cryptocurrency, the pros and cons, the risks, and whether it makes sense for a beginner investor — especially in India. What is Cryptocurrency (and What is Bitcoin)? Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that runs on blockchain technology — a decentralized system that doesn’t rely…

For centuries, gold has been seen as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and safety. From our grandparents’ ornaments to modern-day gold ETFs, gold remains an essential part of Indian households and investment portfolios. But is it still relevant today? And what’s the best way to invest in it? In this comprehensive guide, we break down whether or not you should invest in gold, and how — through physical gold, digital gold, gold ETFs, sovereign gold bonds, and more. Why Gold is Still a Popular Investment Gold is often viewed as: Historically, gold has maintained its purchasing power when currencies weakened,…

Managing money can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to tracking every rupee. But here’s the truth — you don’t need a finance degree or a complicated spreadsheet to take control of your finances. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple, easy-to-follow rule. One of the most popular and effective budgeting methods is the 50/30/20 rule. In this post, we’ll break it down, look at some alternatives, and help you decide which budgeting framework is right for you — even if you’ve never budgeted before. What is the 50/30/20 Rule? The 50/30/20 rule is a simple and intuitive way…

Paying taxes is unavoidable, but paying more tax than necessary? That’s avoidable — if you know where to look. As someone who ignored tax-saving options for years, I want to simplify this topic for people like me: late learners, overwhelmed beginners, and anyone who wants to make smarter money moves without jargon overload. This post breaks down the most popular tax-saving instruments under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, how they work, how much you can save, and which ones might be right for you. What is Section 80C? Section 80C of the Indian Income Tax Act allows you…

Let me tell you something I never thought I’d say at 50:I finally saved my first ₹1 lakh.Not inherited. Not gifted. Not borrowed.Saved. Slowly. Consciously. Painfully. Proudly. I know ₹1 lakh might not sound like much in today’s world. But when you’ve spent a lifetime paycheck to paycheck, dipping into credit cards, ignoring budgets, and convincing yourself that “money will take care of itself,” ₹1 lakh saved is not just a number.It’s a transformation. This is how I did it — and how you can do it too, step by step. Step 1: First, I Got Real With Myself The…

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffett Most of us want to grow our money — but very few know why they’re investing. This is where goal-based investing becomes not just smart, but necessary. Whether you dream of buying a house, funding your child’s education, retiring early, or traveling the world — a goal-based approach helps you turn vague hopes into real, achievable financial milestones. What Is Goal-Based Investing? Goal-based investing is a method where you…

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it… he who doesn’t, pays it.” – Albert Einstein So, What is Compounding? Compounding is when your money earns money, and then that new money also earns more money — like a snowball rolling down a hill and growing bigger over time. It’s the process where your interest earns interest. Let’s Break it Down with an Example Suppose you invest ₹10,000 in a fund that gives 10% annual return. You didn’t invest more — the money just kept growing on itself! Why Is Compounding Magical? Where…

“Don’t look for the needle in the haystack. Just buy the haystack.” – Jack Bogle, Founder of Vanguard (Pioneer of Index Funds) If you’ve ever thought, “Investing sounds risky and complicated,” you’re not alone. Most people are intimidated by stocks and mutual funds. But what if there was a way to invest in the entire market without needing to pick individual stocks or time the market? That’s exactly what Index Funds and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are designed for. What Is an Index? Before we jump into index funds, you need to understand what an index is. Think of an…

“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” – Warren Buffett The stock market might seem confusing, risky, or even intimidating — especially if you’ve never invested before. But once you understand the basics, it’s not as mysterious as it seems. This guide is your simple, no-jargon introduction to how the stock market works — what it is, why it matters, and how you can start investing confidently. What Is the Stock Market? The stock market is a place where buyers and sellers trade shares (also called stocks) of companies.…

“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffett If you’ve heard people say, “Start an SIP,” and nodded without really knowing what it means — don’t worry. This guide is for absolute beginners who want to start their journey into investing through SIPs. What Is an SIP? SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly (weekly/monthly/quarterly) into a mutual fund. Instead of investing a big lump sum, you invest small amounts over time — like ₹500, ₹1000, or ₹5000 per month. It’s like a recurring…