What it takes to be happy

My late grandfather lived a full life. He passed away a very happy man at the age of 90. He was the most respected person in our family.

He is the embodiment of the plan. He has planned his life so well that even the big surprises that come before his eyes are handled with relative ease. How can he do that!!!

This is the biggest myth as he has 4 children (3 daughters that he has to marry), 11 brothers and sisters whom he has to take care of without any support from his parents.

When I started working, I got my first salary of 5000 rupees (2005) which I spent till the last pay. One day he called me in the room and asked what I did with my first paycheck.

I told her I had presents for everyone at home and spent the rest partying. Then he told me something that I follow to this day. Plan every rupee you receive very carefully.

Save 30% of your total salary, no matter how hard it is. Just keep the money aside as if it never belonged to you. This savings is after PF and other standard deductions.

Repay your loans no matter how hard it is for your existence. This will build trust and people will trust us more. Hungry but never insolvent. If you go hungry once, you will learn your lesson.

Be sure. Keep an amount that can be used to pay a premium once a year. Make sure the above expenses do not exceed 70% of your total income. If this happens, you are not planning well financially. Reduce fixed costs.

With 30% of your earnings left, don't keep a dime. Spend it to the last rupee. This is purely meant to be spent. Complete this amount.

I have argued that 30% is not enough. After 12 years of following his advice, I understand that 30% is more than enough.