NEW DELHI: For many young professionals, saving money can feel like a juggling act between bills, loans, and lifestyle choices. But Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, offers a fresh perspective in her new book ‘Mango Millionaire.‘ She compares saving to cricket net practice: the discipline you build while saving sets the stage for successful investing later.“Just as no player would dream of walking into a match without net practice, no investor can hope to succeed without first mastering the art of saving. Saving trains discipline, while investing becomes the real game where goals are scored and wealth is built,” Gupta explains, as reported by ET.
The 10-30-50 Rule : A stepwise approach to wealth
Gupta’s book introduces the 10-30-50 rule, a step-by-step framework to build lifelong wealth. The system recommends saving 10% of income in your twenties, 30% in your thirties and forties, and 50% after your forties.
- Phase 1 (20s–30s): The 10% foundation
“Between twenty to thirty years of age, you can safely aim to stow away at least 10 per cent of your income,” Gupta advises. She acknowledges the challenges young professionals face: “Salary packages or earnings are comparatively lower… certain movies must be watched in theatres, where the popcorn costs more than the tickets.” Her advice for beginners: start small, even with just 1%, and gradually increase over time. - Phase 2 (30s–40s): The 30% acceleration
“Between your thirties–forties, your money inflow will increase… start saving at least 30 per cent of your income around this time,” she says, highlighting promotions, career growth, and business expansion as opportunities to boost savings. - Phase 3 (40s+): The 50% wealth sprint
“By the time you are on the other side of the big F, your forties onwards, you’ll be earning at your peak potential… try to save at least 50 per cent of your income at this stage,” Gupta adds, noting expenses like children’s education and retirement planning.
Savings deducted at source: The SDS hack
Gupta draws inspiration from the TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) system, proposing a Savings Deducted at Source (SDS) model.“Any system which is automated or mandated becomes difficult to bypass. For example, the process of TDS or Tax Deducted at Source, makes it challenging for taxpayers to evade taxes by making the mandatory deductions before the money hits your bank account,” she said, as quoted by ET.
Habit over numbers
Gupta stresses that the key to wealth creation is habit, not just the percentage of savings. “Savings is a habit-driven approach. Initially, forming the habit of saving is more important than the percentage of money you save,” she says.
