In an environment marked by changing interest rate cycles, inflationary pressures, and evolving investment options, experts say that financial stability continues to depend on consistency, time, and disciplined planning.
The importance of an early start
According to Saurabh Bansal, Founder of Finatwork Investment Advisor, the key to building wealth lies in starting early and allowing compounding to work over time.
“The best retirement plans aren’t built in your 50s — they’re built through small, consistent savings that begin in your 20s and 30s,” he said.
“For example, investing ₹10,000 a month for 30 years at 12% can grow to around ₹3.5 crore. But even if you double that amount and invest for only 20 years, the total would be about ₹2 crore. That’s the difference time makes.”
Suranjana Borthakur, Head of Distribution & Strategic Alliances at Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India), added that early and consistent savings can ease financial stress later in life.
“Even small, regular investments of ₹500 or ₹1,000 a month can grow meaningfully over time. Starting early allows your money to work longer and provides greater flexibility for future goals,” she said.
Strengthening financial foundations
Saurabh Jain, Co-Founder of Stable Money, said World Savings Day serves as a reminder for individuals to reassess their financial habits and prioritise long-term stability.
He outlined ways to build a stronger financial base:
- Build an emergency fund: Setting aside six to nine months of expenses in fixed or term deposits provides a safety net for unexpected events.
- Develop a credit history early: Maintaining timely payments and low credit utilisation helps build a healthy credit score, easing future access to loans.
- Balance portfolios with fixed-income instruments: Fixed deposits, government bonds, and small savings schemes can add stability and predictable returns.
- Include gold for diversification: Allocating a portion of savings to gold, whether physical or digital, can hedge against inflation and market volatility.
- Review and adjust investments regularly: Periodic assessment of mutual fund SIPs and other investments ensures alignment with goals and risk appetite.
Saving with discipline
Experts emphasise that saving is less about timing markets and more about maintaining consistency and clarity in financial goals. While savings accounts remain a convenient option for liquidity, parking surplus funds in short-term deposits or similar instruments can help enhance returns without increasing risk.
They note that small, regular savings and prudent financial planning can help households withstand economic uncertainty and build lasting security over time.
First Published: Oct 30, 2025 5:02 PM IST