Finance Coach Aruna Keerthy's 3 Steps to Save While Paying Debt
Personal finance expert Aruna Keerthy shared a three-step strategy to help individuals save money even while actively repaying loans. The method focuses on smart budgeting and mindful spending to build savings alongside debt reduction.
Key takeaways
- Track all your expenses to understand spending patterns.
- Create a budget that includes a dedicated savings amount.
- Automate savings transfers and EMI payments for consistency.
Many individuals find themselves struggling to save money while simultaneously managing loan repayments, often feeling like there's nothing left after paying Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). However, finance coach and content creator Aruna Keerthy has outlined a straightforward three-step approach to tackle this common financial challenge.
Step 1: Track Your Expenses Diligently
The first crucial step, according to Keerthy, is to meticulously track every rupee spent. This involves understanding exactly where your money is going, from essential bills to discretionary spending. By logging expenses, individuals can identify areas where they might be overspending or where cuts can be made without significantly impacting their lifestyle.
Step 2: Create a Realistic Budget
Once expenses are tracked, the next step is to create a realistic budget. This budget should not only account for loan EMIs and essential living costs but also allocate a specific amount for savings. Keerthy emphasizes that this savings allocation should be treated as a non-negotiable expense, similar to an EMI. The key is to set achievable savings goals based on your income and expenditure patterns.
Step 3: Automate Savings and Debt Repayment
The final step involves automating both savings and debt repayment processes. Setting up automatic transfers from your salary account to your savings account on payday ensures that a portion of your income is saved before it can be spent. Similarly, ensuring EMIs are automatically debited prevents late payment fees and maintains a good credit score. Keerthy suggests that by automating these crucial financial activities, individuals can build a consistent habit of saving and debt repayment, ultimately leading to improved financial health.
This strategy aims to shift the mindset from saving what's left after expenses to prioritizing savings and debt repayment, thereby fostering a more disciplined approach to personal finance.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step recommended by Aruna Keerthy to save money while paying debt?
The first step is to diligently track all your expenses to understand where your money is going.
How can I ensure I save money even with EMIs?
By creating a realistic budget that includes a specific allocation for savings and treating it as a non-negotiable expense.
What is the final step in Aruna Keerthy's savings strategy?
The final step is to automate both your savings transfers and your debt (EMI) payments to ensure consistency.