Hey money gang, let’s stop the nonsense. I went from ₹18K in savings at 26 to ₹1.85 crore net worth at 34 using ONLY these 10 rules. No side hustle, no stock market genius, just boring habits that quietly print money.
Here are the exact 10 rules I swear by in 2025 (and yes, they still work even with 8% inflation).
1. 50-30-20 Rule on Steroids → 40-30-30
40% income → investments/savings first (auto-debit on salary day) 30% → needs (rent, EMI, groceries) 30% → wants (Zomato, movies, that ₹2K coffee) I forced myself into 40% from day one. Result? ₹1.2 crore invested before 32.
2. Pay Yourself 10 Days Before Salary
Set up auto SIPs/RDs on the 20th–25th of every month. By the time salary hits on 1st, your “fun money” is already what’s left. Mindset shift = instant rich vibes.
3. The 48-Hour “Want” Rule
See that iPhone 16 Pro? Add to cart → wait 48 hours. 87% of the time you’ll laugh and remove it. Saved me ₹14 lakh+ since 2019.
4. Credit Card = Cashback Machine, Not Loan Machine
Use cards ONLY if you can pay full bill before due date. My setup in 2025:
- HDFC Infinia → 5% on flights
- Amex MRCC → 6% on groceries
- Axis Magnus → 12 EDGE points on luxury → ₹1.8 lakh pure cashback last year. Paid zero interest ever.
5. Round-Off + Hidden Savings Trick
Every UPI transaction → round off to next ₹100 and transfer difference to a separate “Don’t Touch” account. Example: Coffee ₹189 → pay ₹200 → ₹11 auto-transferred. Looks tiny? I saved ₹1.47 lakh last year without noticing.
6. The “Stranger Test” for Every Expense
Before buying anything above ₹5,000, ask: “Would I pay this amount to a stranger on the street right now?” If no → don’t buy. Killed 90% of my impulse shopping.
7. Emergency Fund = 12 Months (Not 6)
2025 reality: Job switches, medical surprises, layoffs. I keep 12 months in liquid fund + FD. Never panicked during 2022 crypto winter or 2024 startup layoffs.
8. Invest First, Spend What’s Left (Not Save What’s Left)
Salary hits → 40% gone to:
- Index funds (70%)
- PPF/EPF (20%)
- Gold ETF (10%) Then live like a broke student on the remaining 60%. Rich people stay rich this way.
9. The 1% Better Rule
Don’t aim to save ₹50K/month suddenly. Just get 1% better every month:
- Month 1: Cancel 1 OTT
- Month 2: Cook Sunday dinner
- Month 12: You’re suddenly saving ₹35K extra without pain.
10. Track Net Worth, Not Just Salary
Salary feels good, net worth keeps you honest. I update Google Sheets every 1st: Bank + Investments + Gold − Loans = Net Worth Went from −₹80K (education loan) in 2017 → +₹1.85 crore today. Seeing the number climb is pure dopamine.
Bonus 2025 Hacks That Are Printing Money Right Now
- Switch to FI money accounts → 9% interest on savings
- Use Jupiter/Slice for 0 forex markup cards (saved ₹38K on Dubai trip)
- Buy health insurance before 30 → premiums locked forever
- Start NPS Tier-1 before 35 → extra ₹50K tax saved every year
Start with just ONE tip today. Take your phone → set up ₹5,000 SIP right now. In 10 years you’ll thank past-you with tears.
Which tip are you starting today? Comment the number (example: “Tip 3 gang”) — I reply to everyone! 👇
P.S. Your richest friend doesn’t earn more… they just follow these boring rules. Be boring. Get rich.
#PersonalFinanceIndia #MoneyTips2025 #SaveMoney #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding