Today we will be talking about two important things. First is the Fed’s decision to leave the key interest rate steady in their January 2025 meeting. The second is why the short-run market movements shouldn’t scare you.
The Federal Reserve decided to keep its key interest rate steady between 4.25% and 4.5%, after cutting it three times since September 2024.
In its post-meeting statement, the Fed gave a few hints about why it decided to keep rates steady.
It sounded more positive about the job market. It noted that unemployment has stayed low and the overall labor market remains strong.
However, it removed a key phrase from December’s statement that suggested inflation was making clear progress toward the Fed’s 2% goal.
Instead, the Fed acknowledged that inflation is still somewhat high and above their long-term target of 2%
A strong job market and sticky inflation mean the Fed has less reason to cut rates as of now.
The statement also reiterated that the economy is still growing at a solid pace.
Overall markets reacted negatively to it and after a somewhat of a recovery yesterday. Overall markets are having a bad day again as we can see from the charts. All the leading indices are showing a downward trend this week.
But as an economist, I want to tell you that these short-term market fluctuations shouldn’t scare you as an investor, and here’s why:
Short-Term Panic Doesn’t Equal Long-Term Trouble. Stock prices go up and down all the time. Two days ago, investors got nervous about AI competition. But that doesn’t mean companies like Nvidia or Microsoft are suddenly bad investments. A single bad day (or even a bad week) doesn’t decide the future of a company or the entire stock market.
AI is Still the Future. Yes, a Chinese company released a cheaper AI tool, but AI is a massive industry with room for many winners. U.S. companies still have great technology, resources, and strong customer bases. Competition is normal in business—think of how Apple and Samsung both make great phones. It doesn’t mean one will disappear overnight.
Smart Investors Think Long-Term. If you invest for the long run (like years, not days), these short-term drops don’t matter much. They can even be opportunities to buy good stocks at lower prices. The best investors don’t panic when the market moves—they stay patient and focus on long-term growth.
People who get affected by these daily movements are the day-traders, or people who bet on options, not investors. However, as an investor of a diversified portfolio for the long term, you should be fine.
So, instead of worrying, use this as a learning moment. The market is unpredictable, but history shows that patience and smart investing win in the long run! And to prove this point let’s look at the overall trend in these charts in the last 10 years
Even with the short-term dips for various reasons, you are much better off investing in a broad-based index fund than trying to time the market.
This is what seasoned investor Warren Buffet also suggests.
Imagine having the freedom to live life on your own terms—traveling, buying your dream home, or starting that passion project. But do you know the key to unlocking that freedom? It’s called financial literacy. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about knowing how to make your money work for you so you can focus on what truly matters.
Financial literacy is about knowing how to handle money smartly—like budgeting, saving, and investing. It’s understanding how your money choices impact your life now and in the future, and figuring out things like credit cards, taxes, and loans.
Being financially literate empowers you to make informed decisions rather than simply going with the flow or relying on others to make decisions for you.
The earlier you gain this knowledge the better it is for you. It is surprising to know that high earners and highly educated people also lack important financial literacy when it comes to managing their money.
As an Indian immigrant who studied economics at USC, I’ve learned that financial literacy is more than just numbers—it’s a tool for taking control of your life. It’s about mastering everyday skills like budgeting, saving, and investing while understanding how your money decisions shape your future. For me, figuring out things like compound interest and insurance options in the US was a game-changer, and it’s empowering to make choices with confidence instead of just going with the flow or relying on others to decide for you.
Key Concepts of Financial Literacy:
Budgeting: Creating a plan for your money, including income and expenses. You become aware of where your money goes.
Saving and Investing: Learning the difference between saving (short-term goals) and investing (long-term growth).
Debt Management: Knowing how to use debt wisely and avoid common mistakes.
Understanding Financial Products: Understanding how credit cards, loans, and savings accounts work.
Setting Financial Goals: Learning how to plan for major life events like buying a car, choosing between renting or buying a house, or paying for college.
Retirement planning: Using tax-advantaged accounts to save and invest for your golden years.
Why is Financial Literacy Important?
Financial literacy isn’t just about managing your paycheck; it’s about building a foundation for your future. Here are a few reasons why it’s essential to be financially literate from the start:
Informed Decision-Making Every day, we make choices that impact our finances, from where we buy coffee to how we save for future goals. When you are financially literate, you can evaluate options and choose what’s best for you, and thus avoid costly mistakes and improve your financial security.
Avoiding Debt Traps Many young adults fall into debt quickly because they’re unaware of how interest works or the consequences of only making minimum payments on credit cards. Learning to manage debt early can save you thousands of dollars in interest and prevent unnecessary stress.
Building Good Financial Habits The habits you form now—like saving regularly, budgeting, and avoiding impulsive spending—will serve you for years to come. Developing these habits early means they become second nature, and this will make it easier for you to reach your goals.
Preparing for the Unexpected Life is unpredictable, and having an emergency fund can protect you during challenging times, like losing a job or facing unexpected medical expenses. Financial literacy teaches you how to build and manage this safety net.
Conclusion
Financial literacy involves smart money management skills like budgeting, saving, and understanding financial products. It empowers individuals to make informed choices that affect their present and future financial well-being. Being financially literate helps avoid debt, fosters good financial habits, and prepares for unexpected situations, ultimately leading to stronger financial security.
If you are someone who loves living in the moment, spending on what makes you happy today, and feel like saving or investing is just…a buzzkill, then this post is for you. Or maybe you know someone like that? Today, I’m here to show you why saving and investing don’t have to feel like a sacrifice—and how they can make your life better, both now and in the future.
Don’t believe me, look at the stats first:
There are a lot of studies and data to support what I am trying to convince you. A recent survey found that 77% of U.S. adults have at least one financial regret, with not saving for retirement early enough being a common concern.
Another study found that more than half of Americans (53%) regularly save for emergencies, yet many still struggle to cover unexpected expenses, highlighting the need for adequate emergency funds. NerdWallet: Finance smarter
Furthermore, according to a study done by the World Economic Forum Financial literacy is associated with higher returns on investment and better financial well-being. World Economic Forum
How saving and investing early is crucial for achieving financial freedom?
Saving & Investing: Think of them as Freedom, Not Sacrifice. First, let me say this: I get it. Life is unpredictable. Why not enjoy it while you can, right? And it’s true—we don’t know what tomorrow holds. But here’s the thing: saving and investing aren’t about sacrificing today. They’re about giving yourself options tomorrow. It’s not ‘either-or’—it’s ‘both-and.’
2. Balance is Key” with a 50/30/20 rule. Let’s talk about balance. You don’t have to give up everything fun to be financially responsible. One easy approach is the 50/30/20 rule. Spend 50% of your income on needs, 30% on wants, and save or invest 20%. That way, you can still enjoy life now and prepare for the future.
3. Start small: Let’s not forget the magic of small steps. You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle overnight. Start small—like saving $5 a day. That’s less than the cost of your favorite latte, but over time, it adds up big! Here’s an example: If you invest $100 a month starting now, in 20 years, you could have over $50,000. And that’s with just a modest return of 8% annually, it could be much higher than that. Compound interest does the heavy lifting for you!
4: Do you value peace of mind? Now, let’s talk about peace of mind. Life is full of surprises. What happens if your car breaks down, you lose your job, or there’s an unexpected expense? Having savings means you can handle those moments without panic. It’s like giving your future self a safety net. Would you rather be a person who is stressed over a medical bill, or who calmly uses their savings to handle it?
5. Save for things or experiences that truly bring you joy, like for a dream vacation. Saving doesn’t just protect you from risks; it also helps you achieve your dreams. Whether it’s traveling the world, starting a business, or buying your dream home with a yard where you can host family and friends, saving makes those things possible. So change your mindset, you’re not giving up—you’re building up!
The key is to spend on what truly brings you joy and save for things that will bring even more joy later. It’s about mindful spending. Ask yourself, ‘Am I spending on what matters most, or could I save for something even better?’
Conclusion: So, here’s the takeaway: saving and investing aren’t about depriving yourself. They’re about giving yourself more—more freedom, more options, and more peace of mind. Start small, balance wisely, and watch your future self thank you.
Today, I will tackle a crucial question for NRIs living in the US: Where should you invest your hard-earned money?
We will explore different investment options in India vs. the US, compare returns, and dive into whether it makes sense to invest in India, especially if you’re a naturalized US citizen.
I am not a financial advisor or tax specialist, so please contact a professional if you need specific advice, this post is for general education purposes only.
I will also briefly touch on the legal formalities you will have to fulfill and the complications of transferring your investment returns between these two countries.
Investment Options in the US
The US offers robust investment options for NRIs:
US Stock Market (S&P 500 Index): Historically, the S&P 500 has offered an average return of about 10% per year.
US Bonds: US Treasury bonds are a secure option with yields currently ranging around 4-5%.
Real Estate in the US: With property prices rising in certain areas, you can expect returns of 5-10% annually depending on the location.
401(k) or IRA: Tax-advantaged retirement accounts offer significant benefits, and the average return can range from 7-10% annually depending on the investments chosen.
Investment Options in India
There are several avenues for NRIs to invest in India. Let’s look at the most popular ones:
Fixed Deposits (FDs): NRIs can open NRE or NRO FDs in Indian banks. These typically offer a 5-7% annual return. NRE FDs are tax-free in India, whereas NRO FDs are taxed at 30% on the interest earned.
Mutual Funds: NRIs can invest in Indian equity, debt, or hybrid mutual funds. Equity funds have offered around 10-15% annual returns over the long term. However, capital gains on these investments are subject to taxation.
Real Estate: Property investments are another option. In metro cities, real estate offers returns between 6-10% annually. However, rental income and property sale gains are taxable.
Indian Stock Market: Direct investment in Indian stocks is possible through the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS). The potential returns are around 12-18% annually, but investing in individual stocks comes with significant risks.
Government Bonds: These offer stable returns of around 7-8% annually, but any earnings will be taxed.
Should You Invest in India if You Don’t Plan to Return?
If you’re a naturalized US citizen and don’t plan on returning to India, you need to consider a few things:
First is the Taxation Complexity: Investment income in India is taxable, and you’ll need to report it in both countries under FATCA, increasing your tax filing burden.
The second factor is the Currency Risk: The Indian Rupee has historically depreciated against the US Dollar, which can reduce the value of your returns when converted back to USD.
Thirdly, limit on how much you can bring to the US: If you earn returns on your investments in India, getting the money back to the US is possible but can be tricky. Indian banks have certain rules and limits on how much money you can send back. You can transfer up to $1 million annually from your NRO account (used for income earned in India). However, this process involves paperwork, such as proving the source of the funds, and you’ll need to follow Indian tax rules.
Plus, you’ll need to pay taxes on this income in both countries.
Here is what I think based on the current data: If your goal is to stay in the US long-term, it may be more efficient to invest in US-based options that are simpler to manage, tax-efficient, and not subject to currency risk.
If you do plan to invest your money in India, there are some Legal Formalities and Documentation you need for Investing in India
First is NRE or NRO Account: You’ll need to open these accounts to hold and send funds. NRE accounts are tax-free, but NRO accounts are taxable.
You will also need a PAN Card for tax reporting purposes in India.
Foreign account tax compliance act or FATCA Compliance: if you are a US citizen, you’re required to report your foreign assets to the IRS.
Lastly, you will need to meet KYC Requirements: which is the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which includes providing proof of identity, address, and NRI status.
But how should your Investment Strategy change if You May Return to India (in the next 5-10 years)
If there’s a possibility you’ll return to India in 5-10 years, diversifying your portfolio between both countries makes sense.
And there are two options
Indian FDs and Real Estate: These can be good for stable, long-term returns and will provide liquidity when you relocate.
US Stock market: At the same time, you can continue investing in US equities to maintain your wealth growth in USD.
So, by having a balanced portfolio, you can adjust based on where you decide to live.
In this post, I want to convince people in their early 20s to start investing, even if they have a limited income. I will highlight the power of compounding, the accessibility of small investments, and long-term wealth growth backed by historical data to support my argument.
1. The Power of Compounding
If a 22-year-old invests just $100/month into an index fund with an average annual return of 8%, they’ll have over $383,000 by age 62. In contrast, if they start investing at 32 and contribute the same amount, they’ll only have $174,000 by age 62. Takeaway: Starting 10 years earlier results in $209,000 more, even with the same contributions.
So, as we saw compounding works better with time, the earlier they start, the longer their money grows exponentially. Also, it doesn’t matter how little you start with, even a small amount invested early often beats larger amounts invested later.
2. Investing Doesn’t Require Huge Income
A common belief people have is that they need to earn 100k or more to start investing. This is far from being true. Many brokerage apps like Robinhood, Fidelity, or Vanguard allow people to invest with as little as $1. ETFs like Vanguard’s VOO (S&P 500 tracker) have no minimum investment if purchased fractionally.
One of the ways to do that is by reallocating small expenses like $5 daily coffee runs:
$5/day × 30 days = $150/month.
Investing this monthly could grow to $575,000 in 40 years (assuming an 8% annual return). So, as we saw, even tiny sacrifices can snowball into a significant nest egg.
3. Opportunity Cost of Waiting
The economist in me has to bring this up – opportunity cost, which means the best use sacrificed. Do you know that if you wait 10 years to invest, you would have to contribute 3x more monthly to catch up?
When you Invest at 22, $100/month for 40 years, you get $383,000.
However, if you wait and start investing at 32, $300/month for 30 years, you will only get $379,000
Skipping investing early means people can lose the “free growth” from compounding during their 20s.
4. Risk Appetite in Their 20s
Another big reason to start early is that most young investors can afford to take risks because they have decades to recover from market downturns. This is the best time to invest in higher-growth assets like stocks, as opposed to bonds or savings accounts, which pay less returns.
Historically, the S&P 500 has returned 10% annually on average. Even with the short-term volatility, long-term investors consistently benefit as seen from the upward slope of the S&P 500 index from its inception till date. If you look at any 8-year window picking any two data points, it has always gone up.
In the following section I will give you a step-by-step breakdown of how to start investing in your early 20s:
Step 1: Open an Investment Account
First, you need a platform to start investing. The two most beginner-friendly options are:
Roth IRA: A retirement account with tax-free growth and withdrawals (best if you qualify based on income).
Brokerage Account: A general investment account without restrictions on withdrawals.
How to do it:
Research platforms like Vanguard, Fidelity, or apps like Robinhood or M1 Finance.
Sign up online, which would take 10-15 minutes.
Link your bank account to transfer money.
Pro Tip: Choose platforms with no account minimums and low fees.
Step 2: Start Small (Even $10 a Week)
Small, consistent contributions add up over time due to compounding. You don’t need a lot of money to begin.
How to do it:
Determine an amount you can comfortably set aside. For Example, you can start with $10/week or $50/month.
Use the platform’s fractional investing option to buy partial shares of ETFs or index funds (like Vanguard’s VOO or SPY).
Pro Tip: Here is a real-life example, if you spend $10 weekly on streaming services, consider cutting back slightly to reallocate this toward investing.
Step 3: Invest in Low-Cost Index Funds or ETFs
These funds spread your money across many companies, lowering risk and giving reliable long-term growth.
How to do it:
Search for funds like S&P 500 ETFs (e.g., VOO, SPY) or Total Stock Market Index Funds (e.g., VTI).
Click “Buy” on your app and input the amount you want to invest (e.g., $10).
Confirm your purchase.
Pro Tip: Look for funds with low expense ratios (fees below 0.1% are good options).
Step 4: Automate Your Investments
Automation ensures consistency, making investing a habit without needing effort.
How to do it:
Set up recurring deposits from your bank to your investment account (e.g., $50/month).
Enable auto-invest for specific funds to keep investing the same amount regularly.
Example: You won’t even notice $10 disappearing each week, but your portfolio will grow quietly over time. Dollar-cost averaging is an investing technique, where you invest a fixed amount every week or month without worrying about market movements.
Step 5: Track Progress & Stay Consistent
Seeing growth (even small) will motivate you to stick with investing. But remember, it is investing and is done for the long term. Don’t let the short-term market fluctuations affect you emotionally.
How to do it:
Check your account monthly or quarterly—not daily! Markets fluctuate over the short term and some months or years you will see a dip in your investments. But if you have invested in a diversified group of companies, significant growth starts happening after 5 years of investing consistently. The longer the better.
Increase contributions as your income grows. For example, you can gradually contribute more. Go from $50/month to $100/month when you get a raise.
Final Note:
If you follow these steps:
Investing $10 a week with an 8% annual return can grow to $87,000 in 30 years.
But gradually increasing your contributions will multiply this amount significantly.
The key is starting now—every year you wait, you lose out on making compound interest work in your maximum favor. Time in the market makes a big difference!
When I moved to the U.S. from India 20 years ago, I had big dreams but little money. After earning a degree in economics from USC and working in consulting in Los Angeles, I realized something critical: making money isn’t just about hard work—it’s about strategy. So, if I had to start over today and wanted to become a millionaire in the next 20 years, here’s exactly what I’d do.”
Step 1: Define a Clear Goal and Timeline
First, I’d calculate my target. To hit $1 million in net worth in 18-20 years, I’d break it down:
We’re assuming you’re starting at age 22, straight out of college you landed your first job, with $0 saved. You’ll have 18 years to invest, aiming for an 8% average annual return, the historical return of a diversified stock portfolio like the S&P 500 net of inflation.
How Much Do You Need to Save?
To hit that $1 million mark, you’d need to save $1,300 per month.
This is based on the math of compound interest:
So you have a $1M goal (future value)
8% annual return (that’s 0.667% monthly)
And you have 216 months (18 years)
So, start putting away $1,300 a month consistently. I know it seems like a lot, especially in the first few years but read this post till the end as we will go over the steps to do that.
Graph Growth Development Improvement Profit Success Concept
Here’s what your journey looks like:
Annual savings: $1,300 × 12 = $15,600
Over 18 years, you’ll contribute a total of $280,800.
Investment growth through compounding adds $719,200.
That’s how your money grows to hit $1 million!
If you are starting later?
Let’s say you start at 25 and have 15 years instead. You’d need to save about $1,800 per month to reach the goal.
If you are Saving less?
If you can only save $500/month, you’ll need higher returns, around 12%. But be cautious—higher returns mean higher risk! So don’t invest all or most of your money in very high-risk assets like individual stocks or crypto. Even though crypto is at an all-time high, I still stay away from it.
Let’s say you save $1,000/month for 18 years:
So your Contributions: are $216,000
Investment growth at 8%: will make it $577,000
So Total is: $793,000
To close the gap to $ 1 million, either increase your savings later in your life or aim for slightly higher returns, like 10%.
If this is not possible, then Here’s how to adjust your savings strategy
Start Small, Increase Over Time Begin with $500/month, which grows to approximately $146,000 in 18 years at an 8% return.
To reach $1M, increase your savings by 10% yearly as income grows (e.g., from raises or promotions).
Year 1-4: you save $500/month
Year 5-9: you can manage to save $732/month (a 10% annual increase)
Year 10: you save $1,175/month and gradually increase as much as possible
This gradual increase allows you to build momentum without straining your budget.
Also, Invest in high-growth, diversified assets (e.g., index funds) during the early years to maximize compound returns.
Make sure to Plan for Major Lifestyle Changes
If you get Married: You can Combine finances and align saving goals with your partner. Joint contributions can reduce individual pressure.
If you have Children: You will need to Prioritize family needs but maintain consistent savings. Use tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans for education while preserving long-term investments.
Also, make sure to revisit your plan yearly to adjust for income, expenses, or life changes. Even minor increases (e.g., $50/month) compound significantly over time.
“If you save aggressively, invest wisely, and create multiple income streams, this is achievable. Let’s move to step two.”
3. Step 2: Learn a High-Income Skill
“Consulting taught me one thing: people pay for specialized skills. If I were starting fresh, I’d pick a high-demand skill—like coding, digital marketing, or even financial consulting—and master it in 3-6 months. In my industry, the mid-level people make $300K a year.
So, I can talk about my industry but it applies to whatever your industry may be in, I’d learn AI-powered financial analysis tools and position myself as an expert for small businesses needing strategic advice.”
4. Step 3: Create a Scalable Income Stream
“Next, I’d focus on something scalable. In addition to my day job. Like freelancing over the weekends or at night, if possible, launching an online course, or starting a YouTube channel, just like this one.”
For Example:
“If I taught personal finance or shared my journey from $0 to $1 million, I could monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.”
Step 4: Save and Invest Relentlessly
“Making money is one part, but growing it is another. I’d adopt the ‘pay yourself first’ rule, saving 50% of my income if possible. Then, I’d invest aggressively in low-cost index funds, rental properties, or high-growth sectors like AI.”
The formula is simple: Start early, save consistently, and let compound interest do the heavy lifting. Even if life throws you curveballs, you adjust your savings and investments to stay on track.
Step 5: Network Like a Millionaire
Opportunities don’t knock—they’re created. I’d attend local entrepreneur meetups, connect on LinkedIn, and offer my expertise to build relationships with like-minded
“Sometimes talking with the right person could lead to a profitable partnership or even seed funding for a business idea.”
Step 6: Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
“Lastly, I’d resist the temptation to upgrade my lifestyle too soon. Drive a reliable car, live modestly, and focus on reinvesting profits into building wealth.” the key is to achieve financial freedom where my passive income becomes almost equal to my active income.
“Instead of splurging on a new $1,000 phone, I’d invest that money—it could turn into $2,000 or more in a few years.”
Some of you might have heard in the news about a janitor in the US, who had millions of dollars of net worth after he passed away. It was not about how much he made, but it was how he managed the money. Some highly educated people also don’t know how to manage their money.
So “Here’s the truth: becoming a millionaire isn’t easy, but it’s possible. With the right skills, smart investments, and disciplined habits, you can build the life you want, you can achieve financial freedom where you don’t have to work to support your living, you can work on following your passions.
So, if I can do it at age 42, starting as an immigrant with a dream, so can you.”
Today, I am answering the top 10 most Googled personal finance questions. Whether you’re just starting or need a refresher, these are the questions everyone is asking—and I am giving you the answers!” So make sure to read till the end, you will learn something new.
Question 1: “What is a debit card?”
A debit card is a card linked directly to your checking account. Money is immediately deducted from your account balance every time you swipe it. Unlike credit cards, there’s no borrowing involved, which means no interest payments!
Question 2: “How much money do you need to open a savings account?”
The amount you need to open a savings account varies by bank, but typically, you can open one with as little as $25 to $100. Some banks even let you start with no minimum balance, so be sure to shop around!”
Question 3: “How do you use a line of credit?”
“A line of credit is a flexible loan you can access when you need it, up to a certain limit. You only pay interest on what you borrow, and you can draw from it as many times as needed. It’s great for emergencies or large expenses, like home repairs!”
Question 4: “What is a budget?”
“A budget is a plan for your money. It helps you track your income and expenses so you can make sure you’re not overspending. The goal is to allocate your money effectively—some for savings, some for bills, and a little for fun!”
Question 5: “What is an APR?”
“APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It’s the interest rate you pay on loans or credit cards, expressed annually. This includes not just the interest but also any other fees or costs involved, helping you compare the true cost of borrowing.”
Question: 6“How to invest?” Start with low-cost index funds or ETFs. Diversify your money across stocks, bonds, and other assets. Make consistent contributions and hold long-term for growth.
Question 7: “How to make money?” Pick up a side hustle, start freelancing, or invest in stocks. You can also create digital products or start a small business.
Question 8: “Should I pay off my credit card or save?” If your credit card has high interest, pay it off first. If your interest is low, balance paying off debt with saving for emergencies.
Question 9: “What size mortgage can I afford?” A good rule is that your mortgage should be no more than 28% of your monthly income. Factor in taxes, insurance, and other costs too.
Question 10: “What is a W9 form?” A W9 form gives your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to a business or person so they can report payments to the IRS. It’s commonly used for freelancers and independent contractors
