Just as you reach for a medical first aid kit when you’re unwell, personal finance has its own first aid kit. However, this financial first aid kit is meant to be used proactively, not as a reaction to specific events. Its primary purpose is to serve as the starting point for your personal wealth management journey.
Here We Open The First Aid Box Of Personal Finance:
Rule of 72, 114, and 144: Doubling, Tripling, and Quadrupling Your Money
- Rule of 72: This rule helps you estimate how long it will take to double your money at a given interest rate. Simply divide 72 by the interest rate to find the number of years required. For example, with an 8% interest rate, it would take 9 years to double your money.
- Rule 114: Similar to Rule 72, this rule calculates the time needed to triple your money. Divide 114 by the interest rate to get the number of years. For instance, at a 12% interest rate, it would take 9.5 years to triple your investment.
- Rule of 144: This rule helps you determine the time required to quadruple your money. Divide 144 by the interest rate to find the number of years needed. At a 12% interest rate, it would take 12 years to quadruple your investment.
Rule of 70: Dealing with Inflation
To understand how fast your investment’s value will decrease due to inflation, divide 70 by the current inflation rate. For example, if inflation is at 7%, your money’s value will halve in about 10 years.
Read: All you Need to Know about Inflation
4% Rule for Financial Freedom
This rule is about achieving financial independence. To calculate the corpus required for retirement, multiply your annual expenses by 25. For example, if your annual expenses are 5,00,000, you’ll need 1.25 crore for retirement. Allocate 50% to fixed income and 50% to equity and withdraw 4% annually, which is 5 lakh. This rule works for 96% of the time in a 30-year period.
100 Minus Your Age Rule: Asset Allocation
This rule helps determine the asset allocation in your portfolio. Subtract your age from 100 to decide how much of your portfolio should be allocated to equities. For example, if you’re 30, allocate 70% to equities and 30% to debt, and if you’re 60, go for 40% equities and 60% debt.
10-5-3 Rule: Reasonable Returns Expectations
Set realistic return expectations for your investments: 10% for equities or mutual funds, 5% for debts (like fixed deposits), and 3% for savings accounts.
50-30-20 Rule: Income Allocation
Divide your income into three categories: 50% for needs (e.g., groceries, rent, EMI), 30% for wants (entertainment, vacations), and 20% for savings (equity, mutual funds, debt). Strive to save at least 20% of your income.
Read In Detail: Turning Your First Salary Into Smart Investments
3X Emergency Rule: Building Emergency Funds
Always keep at least three times your monthly income in an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like job loss or medical emergencies. You can aim for six times your monthly income for added security.
40% EMI Rule: Managing Loan Payments
Ensure that your total monthly EMIs do not exceed 40% of your monthly income. For instance, if you earn 50,000 per month, limit your EMIs to 20,000.
Life Insurance Rule: Protecting Your Loved Ones
Secure your family’s financial future with life insurance. Aim for a sum assured that is 20 times your annual income. For example, if you earn 5 lakhs annually, your insurance should be at least 1 crore.
70-20-10 Rule for Equity Investing
When investing in equities, consider allocating 70% to large-cap stocks, 20% to mid-cap stocks, and 10% to small-cap stocks.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.
