In this episode, Monika discusses the excitement of receiving your first salary and how to make the most of it. She shares practical advice on balancing financial responsibility with celebrating this milestone, ensuring that young professionals set themselves up for long-term success. From prioritizing loan repayment and setting up a cash flow system to building an emergency fund, she outlines three key goals for the first year of earning. By following these steps, young earners can develop strong financial habits without feeling overwhelmed by long-term investment planning right away.

Next, she decodes what a portfolio means and why it's essential for wealth building. A portfolio is a mix of different asset classes—debt, equity, and real assets—structured according to an investor’s financial goals. She explains how a young professional’s portfolio differs from that of a retiree and how diversification helps manage risk while achieving growth or income.

In the listener Q&A, Uma wants to invest her son’s savings as he transitions into financial independence and asks for guidance on the best instruments for long-term wealth creation. Sandeep is struggling with an expensive insurance policy and seeks advice on whether to continue or surrender it. Deepali, living in Bangkok, wonders if she should purchase health insurance in India ahead of a potential relocation and whether she should adjust her asset allocation or sell a rental property for better returns.

Chapters:(00:33 - 05:02) Making the Most of Your First Salary

(05:03 - 06:07) Understanding Investment Portfolios

(06:08 - 09:45) How to Invest Savings for a Young Adult

(09:46 - 11:36) Should You Surrender an Expensive Insurance Policy?

(11:37 - 15:53) Health Insurance and Real Estate Decisions for Relocation

https://www.amfiindia.com/Themes/Theme1/downloads/MAMForm-forchangeinstatusfromMinortoMajor.pdf 

https://www.camsonline.com/Investors/Service-requests/Service-Request-Forms/Minor-attains-Major

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Monika’s book on basic money management

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/⁠⁠

Monika’s book on mutual funds

⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/⁠

Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/⁠⁠

Calculators

⁠⁠https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/index.html⁠⁠

You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan. 

Twitter ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠@MonikaHalan⁠

Production House: ⁠www.inoutcreatives.com⁠

Production Assistant:⁠ Anshika Gogoi⁠