A 24-year-old man earning ₹1.9 lakh per month has sparked a discussion about money, lifestyle choices and the pressure faced by middle-class professionals without generational wealth. Despite saving nearly three-fourths of his monthly income, the man said he constantly worries that spending on a car, holidays or expensive purchases could compromise his financial future.
Event Context
(Also read: ‘Stop romanticising struggle’: Entrepreneur says wealthy Indian parents suffer from ‘poverty mindset’, sparks debate)
“I do not have generational wealth of any kind, so I am on my own and have to plan for my retirement and everything else,” he wrote.
“I would suggest allowing your savings to grow a little before buying a car. In the meantime, you could consider purchasing a second-hand car. Slowly but surely, everything will fall into place,” one person wrote.
“Buy a car for under ₹10 lakh and enjoy your life. In case of an emergency, you may still be able to recover around 60–80% of the car’s value by selling it,” a third user suggested.
A fourth person added, “You are earning a fairly good salary. If you genuinely need a car and it will make your life more convenient, go ahead and buy it. Do not overthink it.”
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Another commented, “Consider buying a second-hand car for under ₹5 lakh, preferably a model with low maintenance costs and affordable spare parts. However, if you do not own a house yet, I would suggest prioritising a home purchase.”
(Also read: Bengaluru woman explains why ₹20,000 rent is not ‘money wasted’ but money well spent)
Match Outlook
He added that even spending on his parents or buying a new phone makes him feel guilty because the same money could be invested or saved for the future.
“Heck, I cannot even take my parents on trips or make them stay in good hotels because that money could be saved, as I have no backup,” he said.
The man shared that he currently spends only on hobbies, clothes and occasional trips. He also admitted that he is constantly chasing a higher salary and looking for job opportunities that could increase his income.
“Mathematically, I should just keep saving, saving and saving as much as possible. Any spending or EMI will affect my future. The rat race, man! Am I thinking wrong?” he asked.
The post was shared under the title, “So a middle-class person with no generational wealth should never buy a car or enjoy?”
The post drew several responses, with many users advising the man to strike a balance between financial security and enjoying life.
