Many young earners today are facing a very different financial landscape from the one their parents knew. Rising living costs, expensive housing and easy access to credit have changed how people think about money.
CA Nitin Kaushik wrote on X that the old rules no longer fit today’s reality, and young Indians need to follow more practical, numbers-based decisions instead of traditional expectations.
Owning a house has long been seen as a sign of stability, but high prices in major metros have made early buying difficult. Kaushik believes
“The new reality demands new rules — ones rooted in today’s numbers, not nostalgia,” he says. According to him, if renting helps save more money and that amount is invested wisely, it can actually work better than buying an overpriced home too early.
A brand-new car is often seen as a milestone, but Kaushik suggests this mindset needs to change.
“Cars don’t have to be status symbols,” he notes. “Buying a well-maintained pre-owned car or delaying the purchase can protect years of savings.”
Before upgrading lifestyles, he says it is essential to build a financial cushion.
“Just 3–6 months of cushion can prevent a small setback from turning into a financial avalanche,” he writes.
Also, credit cards and instant loans may look convenient, but Kaushik warns that they come with long-term stress. “It’s a trap disguised as convenience. Normalising it only normalises financial stress,” he says.
Simply put, as young Indians navigate high costs and uncertain markets, the message is clear: make decisions based on real numbers, stay cautious about debt and protect savings before chasing lifestyle upgrades.