Life moments

Your first job

The habits you set with your first salary shape everything after. A simple order to follow: safety net, cover, then investing.

Your checklist

Tick items off as you go; nothing is saved.

• Keep 3–6 months of expenses aside in a savings account or liquid fund before investing for the long term.
• Take health insurance of your own, even if your employer covers you; employer cover ends when you change jobs.
• If someone depends on your income, take a term life plan while premiums are low.
• Start a SIP on your salary day, so investing happens before spending.
• Raise the SIP every year with your increment (a step-up SIP).
• Check your EPF account, and name a nominee for every account and investment.
• Keep credit card spending to what you can clear in full each month.

Work out your numbers

Each calculator opens with these example figures; change them to your own.

• A ₹5,000 monthly SIP for 25 years
• The same SIP, raised 10% every year
• What retirement needs, starting at 24
• Take the 2-minute Money Health Check

How we can help

• Mutual fund portfolios
• Insurance planning