In a world where “YOLO” and impulse spending dominate the financial habits of young professionals, Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta is offering a refreshingly simple and actionable framework to build wealth across life stages. Her “10-30-50 rule”, introduced in her new book Mango Millionaire, is gaining traction as a practical guide for anyone struggling to balance lifestyle aspirations with long-term financial security.
The rule is straightforward:
-
Save 10% of your income in your 20s
-
Save 30% in your 30s and early 40s
-
Save 50% from your mid-40s onward
But behind these numbers lies a deeper philosophy—one that challenges the binary thinking of “spend now or save later” and instead encourages a balanced, habit-driven approach to money.
Saving Is Net Practice, Investing Is the Match
Gupta compares saving to cricket net practice: repetitive, essential, and foundational. “No player would dream of walking into a match without net practice,” she writes. “No investor can succeed without mastering saving first”. This analogy resonates with India’s cricket-loving youth and reframes saving as a skill to be honed—not a sacrifice to be endured.
In your 20s, when salaries are modest and temptations are high, Gupta recommends starting with even 1% if 10% feels daunting. “Habits matter more than amounts,” she emphasizes. The goal is to build discipline early, so that when income rises, the habit of saving is already second nature.
The 30s: When Life Gets Serious
By your 30s, career growth, promotions, and business opportunities typically increase income. Gupta advises ramping up savings to 30% during this phase. “Life and goals get serious,” she notes. This is the time to start planning for major milestones—buying a home, starting a family, or launching a business.
She also acknowledges the emotional tug-of-war many face: “The tussle between attending the next Coldplay concert and putting money away is real. Every generation had it—even before Instagram showed up”. Her message is clear: you don’t have to choose between joy and discipline. You can do both.
The 40s: Peak Income, Peak Responsibility
In your 40s, Gupta recommends saving 50% of your income. This is when most professionals hit their peak earning potential—but it’s also when expenses like children’s education, elder care, and retirement planning loom large. “Make the most of it,” she urges.
To make saving easier, Gupta introduces a clever hack: SDS—Savings Deducted at Source. Inspired by the tax system’s TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), SDS automates savings before the money even hits your account. “If you can pay tax without thinking, you can save without thinking,” she says.
YOLO vs. SDS: The Real Flex
Gupta’s framework doesn’t shame spending—it reframes it. “Reality is, life is not a choice between YOLO and savings… it’s a balance,” she writes. Her advice to Gen Z is empowering: “You can do both—buy the handbag and save money for the start-up. That, Gen Z, is real flex.”
This message is resonating widely, especially among young earners who feel overwhelmed by financial jargon and investment pressure. Gupta’s rule offers clarity, simplicity, and a roadmap that evolves with life.
Mango Millionaire: Wealth for the “Mango People”
Gupta’s book Mango Millionaire, co-authored with Niranjan Avasthi, is not about chasing unicorn IPOs or crypto windfalls. It’s about helping everyday Indians—what she calls “mango people”—build wealth through consistency, not complexity.
The book is packed with anecdotes, relatable advice, and a tone that’s more mentor than mogul. It’s already being hailed as a must-read for anyone starting their financial journey.
Sources: Times of India, MSN India, India Today
