World MS day 2020

30/05/2020 : World MS Day, and this year’s theme is “connections” which feels all the more important during these trying times. Whether we’re physically together or apart, World MS Day is an opportunity for the entire world to come together and advocate for the MS community. In order to further awareness and deepen understanding of everyday life with MS, we’ve compiled this list of the top 10 things everyone should know about MS.

10 things everyone should know about MS

1. We don’t have a cure

MS is a lifelong, incurable disease that can affect people in a myriad of ways, varying in intensity from mild to severely disabling. Fortunately, there are a growing number of “Disease modifying therapies” to affect the course of the disease and to lessen the impact of symptoms on daily life.

2. Around 2.5 lakh Indians are living with MS!

MS is globally most common in North America; Western Europe with the highest incidence is found in Canada, Ireland, Sweden, and Denmark with a rate of 150-300 cases per 100,000 people. (Check out this article to see comprehensive graphics of global prevalence.) In India te cases are are on the rise day by day, secondary to probably more awareness, better investigation facilities as well as genetic factors.

3. MS can be an invisible illness or a very glaring condition

In a poll of over 1,800 MS community members, 58% of respondents said they frequently hear the line, “But you do not look sick…” This relates to the fact that many symptoms of MS, whether emotional, physical, or cognitive, are not visible on the outside. Such misunderstanding can be one of the most frustrating aspects of MS as 84% of community respondents report people minimizing their MS because they couldn’t see it. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes MS can inflict severe disability, especially for those with primary-progressive MS (PPMS). Patients with PPMS typically have greater difficulties with motor function, including walking, and are more likely to require help with daily activities.

4. There’s normal fatigue, and then there’s what we deal with…

Of the many symptoms associated with MS, fatigue is the most common and potentially most disabling symptom, affecting between 75% and 90% of people who have MS. When asked, about half of respondents said that fatigue is the one symptom of MS that has the greatest impact on their daily life. It is also one of the symptoms most responsible for people’s decision to leave the workforce. In addition to typical causes of fatigue (sleep disturbance, muscle weakness, etc.) people with MS experience a unique form of fatigue, sometimes referred to as lassitude or MS-related fatigue. This MS-related fatigue has an unknown cause, but researchers are working to create a better understanding of how this form of fatigue is distinctive from others.

5. MS can really mess with your head!

Up to two-thirds of people with MS will experience some sort of cognitive impairment. Cognitive dysfunction (also known within the community as “cog fog”) typically progresses slowly and is generally mild-to-moderate though severe impairment affects a small group of people with MS. Cognitive functions impacted by MS include attention and concentration, learning and memory, executive functions such as planning and organizing information, and expression. Learn more details about signs of cognitive problems, their evaluation, and treatments.

6. Some MS symptoms are just plain ODD

The MS community has described a plethora of unexpected symptoms that can only be described with the adjective, weird. One is an uncontrollable itching sensation that feels like bugs are crawling all over you. Another is acute sensitivity to sound that can result in involuntary muscle contraction, like when you’re falling asleep on a plane and you suddenly “jump” awake, called stimulus-sensitive myoclonus. A third symptom is one known commonly through the community as “the MS hug” – a painful sensation around the torso that can range in severity from uncomfortable pressure to intensely painful squeezing and crushing.

7. There is no simple way to diagnose MS

No single set of symptoms or lab test can independently identify MS. Instead, doctors must use multiple tools such as medical history, a thorough neurological exam, and MRIs to reach a diagnosis. This conclusion is considered a clinical diagnosis, meaning the physician relies less on specific test results, but more on symptoms reported by the patient in context of medical history and signs detected during the neurological exam.

8. We’ve been social distancing since before it was “cool”

Obviously, “cool” here is a tongue in cheek reference to the widespread response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but unfortunately this reality has long been a typical way of life for many with MS. Many medications for MS leave those treated immunocompromised and thus simple illness can become severe – as a result people with MS are often forced to live an isolated life.

9. There are a lot of myths about MS

• Myth: “MS is a fatal or terminal disease”
• Fact: the lifespan of a person with MS is just as long as that of someone without the illness. Though there are some cases of MS that have a rapidly progressive and malignant course, leading to early death, these are rare.
• Myth: “There is no effective treatment for MS”
• Fact: although there is currently no cure for MS, there are effective treatments that can help some people function at high levels most of the time.
• Myth: “You shouldn’t have children if you have MS”
• Fact: research has shown that people with the disease have healthy children and function just as well as parents without MS. Pregnancy and childbirth do not make MS worse. In fact, some women find that pregnancy actually improves their symptoms.
• Myth: “Everyone with MS eventually winds up in a wheelchair”
• Fact: about two-thirds of people with MS only have mild-to-moderate disability and remain ambulatory. Some people may eventually find balance support from a walking aid such as a cane, but the idea that everyone with MS is destined to be wheelchair-bound is false.

10. The MS community is a diverse, invested, and supportive group of patients, caregivers, and loved ones

Though an MS diagnosis is certainly scary, those with the illness are not alone. a lot of onlineresources and help is available abroad, whereas in India , the resources are limited. We have a http://www.mssocietyindia.org/ which is active with 8 chapters across cities in India (check if your city is included here). Newer NGO’s and Support groups are coming up in Mumbai, and we will keep you posted regarding newer updates. Till then, dont forget to Smile! Remember, the world is with you ! 🙂

6 ways MS Excel will help you!

1. Learn the shortcuts (and have them handy)

No, it’s not exactly a customization hack, but the day I learned the shortcuts to cut (Ctrl + X), copy (Ctrl + C), and paste (Ctrl + V), my life was officially changed. While many of us have those hotkeys down thanks to Computer Science 101, there are plenty of other shortcuts that make working in Excel and beyond that much easier. While some you might want to memorize (like undo (Ctrl + Z) or redo (Ctrl + Y)), others you might just want to have handy for when you need them. Download this PDF and keep it handy on your desktop for when you work on your budget. Odds are, if you’re looking for a way to speed up the process, there’s a hotkey you’re not using that can help. A few of my faves?

• Select entire column: Shift + Space
• Select entire row: Ctrl + Space
• Toggle bold: Ctrl + B
• Toggle italics: Ctrl + I
• Toggle underscore: Ctrl + U

A note for Mac users: Use the command button instead of control.

2. Color code your cells automatically

Color-coded drop-down lists are one of the easiest ways to decipher data at a glance. If you want to utilize colors for different things, there’s a simple hack that will make digesting your info so much easier. 

To pull this off, select all the cells you want to color code. Then, in Excel, select Data > Data Validation and then choose “List” in the Allow section. Type in the items you want to add to your list. If you’re creating a budget, this might be Groceries, Rent, Bills, Entertainment, Restaurants.

Select the cell(s) you want to add to the list. From Home, select Conditional Formatting in the Styles or Format menu. Point to Highlight Cells Rules > and select More Rules.

From here, you’ll create some rules. If a cell contains certain text — say “Bills” — you can create a rule to make that cell red. And now, anytime you select “Bills” from your dropdown list, the cell will automatically be colored red. It’s a useful hack for categorizing expenses!

3. Instantly resize columns and rows

I know it’s a little thing in the grand scheme of life, but having to continuously resize my columns and rows has made me want to quit Excel more than once. You think you have things set, then you add another cell that has more text and you have to go and drag to resize over and over again. The solution? Let Excel do the work for you.

Place your cursor on the line between two column markers (A and B, for example) until you see a symbol that looks like two opposite-facing arrows. Once that symbol appears, double click on the line that separates the columns, and the column will automatically be resized to fit the widest bit of text within that column. This works for rows as well, so the text will officially never get cut off, and you’ll never have to tediously drag the dimension for each cell ever again. 

4. “Find and replace” your terms

Whether you realized you made a mistake, you need to do some adjusting, or you’d like to change some terminology, the “Find and Replate” feature is a dream-come-true when it comes to customization. Instead of scrolling through all of your work to find each individual time the word is used, using “Find and Replace” can do it all at once. Highlight the cells you want to choose from, then use the Ctrl + F hotkey (find). From there, a popup will allow you to type in the term you want to find in the spreadsheet as well as the term you want to replace it with. No more excessive cutting and pasting — this does it all in a matter of seconds. 

5. Format your ₹₹₹₹₹₹

So, you’ve added in some numbers and your sheet is looking great, but it suddenly occurs to you: You want all of the cash to have a INR sign so you can differentiate them from things like multiples and pay periods. Instead of manually adding a rupee sign to each and every cell, just select the column that contains the numbers you want to reformat, then use: Ctrl + Shift + ₹ to change the entire column into rupees. In addition to physically adding the ₹ sign to each number, it will also add decimal points and commas. For keyboards that dont have the ₹ sign , use the $ sign, in the Indian subcontinent it will come out as ₹.

6. Utilize text expansions

It’s been 84 years since I’ve typed out things like months, days of the week, or “to be determined” without condensing. Whether it’s because I’m never 100% sure how to spell “February” or not doesn’t matter. The point is, to save time, we as a society condense. When sharing a budget spreadsheet or keeping it for your long-term records, however, expanding your condensed lingo is important. Instead of spending the time to type everything out, which can really add up, add a shortcut so that any of the shortened phrases you commonly use will automatically be expanded. 

To utilize this hack, go to File > Options. Once a new window pops up, click “Proofing” on the lefthand side and then select “AutoCorrect Options.” Finally, in the text boxes of “Replace” and “With,” just add your abbreviation and the extended text. After clicking “add” and “OK” a few times, your changes will be saved. To utilize your nifty new shortcut, all you need to do is type your abbreviation into an empty cell and click “Enter.” 

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Whether you dig deep into Excel or just get your hotkeys perfected, utilizing hacks and shortcuts are an easy, efficient, and, dare I say, fun way to customize your budget and make organizing your money your own.

KON MARI your finances!

How Do You Know If Something ‘Spark Joy’ When Using the KonMari Method?

To know if something “sparks joy,” pick up an item that you definitely love. This could be your favorite book or that jacket that always makes you feel like a million bucks.

Hold it in your hands and try to get a sense of how it made you feel. Now we apply this.. walking you through how to use the KonMari method to save money and reach your financial goals!

It’s Okay To Not Love Everything You Own, Especially When Digging Yourself Out Of A Financial Hole

In the KonMari method, you are supposed to discard (or donate) everything that doesn’t spark joy.

It doesn’t matter how useful the item may or may not be. While this is an idealistic idea, it doesn’t make sense for everyone.

If you find yourself sorting through all of your clothes and realize that nothing you own brings you happiness, don’t get rid of everything in one shot, unless you plan on walking around naked.😉

Don’t purge everything in your closet to have an excuse to go on a shopping spree.

Growing up in poverty, I didn’t always love the clothes or shoes iwore, but I didn’t have a choice, and that’s okay.

There is a fine balance between loving absolutely everything and going broke to get things you love.

For example, maybe you’re choosing between a new pair of Nike shoes you really love that cost 7000₹ and last seasons’ collection that is on sale for 599₹ and you still like those a lot. It makes more sense to save ₹₹₹ and get the shoes you really like over the ones you really love.

While that example uses shoes, the same applies for big ticket items like houses/apartments, furniture, cars, etc.

Don’t let your blind pursuit of material things prevent you from attaining your financial goals.

Anyway so that’s as about saving by AVOIDANCE

The next paragraph will help you make a plan to get ahead.

Acquire the Items You Want

If you don’t love any of your winter jackets, maybe keep the one you like the most and donate the rest.

Staying warm in a jacket you’re okay with is a lot better than freezing outside wearing only a sweater or sweatshirt that sparks true joy.

The good news is that you don’t need to keep that same jacket forever. If there’s another jacket you really love, add it to your budget. “You can set aside some money each month specifically to buy that jacket.”

If you don’t have a budget, MAKE ONE

After some months of saving up you will have enough money to buy that jacket without having to go into debt. If you are budget spending money each month, you can also save that money over a few months until you have enough to purchase your jacket. “The key is to not go into debt to obtain the things you truly want.”

Another benefit of saving the money over a few months is that occasionally you will find that your tastes may change or you may find another jacket you like even more!

You will also appreciate your new jacket way more by waiting more time to get it. Research has specifically proven that you’ll enjoy things more if you wait to purchase them.

The Purpose of Downsizing Your Closet Via The KonMari Method Is Not to Make Room for More

A common misconception is that KonMari method encourages even more consumption.

Kondo argues in her book that after downsizing, you will realize that you don’t need to buy more things because you will not miss the items you no longer have.

But, if you only have one set of thermal wears and you live in some cold place like delhi, where a pair is essential, don’t rush to get rid of them. They may not spark joy, but they definitely serve a purpose in the harsh winters. Your body will thank you.

The true purpose of the KonMari method is to be happy with the things you already have.

If you will struggle with online shopping, give yourself a 6-month period of time to settle into your downsized closet. After 6 months you’ll have an idea of what things you truly love and those that you probably don’t. You will also know what things may be missing.

Minimalism is definitely picking up steam. From tiny houses to the KonMari method, downsizing is definitely on the rise. The Netflix documentary “minimalism” by Matt d’avella is another star! worth a watch!

However, it is important to note that there are no limits on what you can keep. If you have a large library with hundreds of books and they all spark joy, then keep all of them! Do all 10 pairs of running shoes bring you joy? Perfect, keep all of them.

Just remember that by focusing on the things you really enjoy, you’ll be more satisfied and happy. After all, you’re better off being wealthy than rich.

Even With KonMari method, Creating the Life You Want Takes Time

Having the life that Kondo wants you to have will take time.

You will not magically get rid of a ton of things and then only be surrounded with things you absolutely love. Be patient.

We live in a society where everyone wants everything (and with free shipping!).

Give yourself an opportunity to reflect on where you are in life now and where you want to be in the future.

If you are currently struggling with paying all of your bills, but envision your future self retiring on the beach drinking out of a coconut, you are not alone.

The difference between attaining that goal or having to work until you are 70 years old is simply hard work, dedication, and a rock-solid budget.

If you’re married/partnered, it also requires a spouse/partner that is 100% on the same page as you regarding your financial goals. A partner with a loose budget is like trying to swim with an anchor attached to your ankle. Doesn’t work very well. Another post will soon come up on how selecting the RIGHT PARTNER HELPS DEFINE YOUR ENTIRE LIFE’S FINANCIAL STANDING! stay tuned! 😁

Remember, Rome wasn’t built overnight, and neither will your retirement.

KonMari may be a piece in the jigsaw puzzle that will help you achieve your dreams. If KonMari can help you be happy with the things you already own then maybe that will be your ticket to not racking up credit card debt.

Anything that can help you save thousands of bucks over a lifetime is worth looking into. The KonMari method is no different.

Can You KonMari To Save On Medical Bills?

As a physician, I am always up for sharing information to help others live a healthy life.

Kondo states in her book that some clients have reported weight loss. I suspect that the weight loss is most likely from all of the effort required to truly do a complete and thorough re-organization using KonMari.

Instead of sitting in from the the TV, you’ll be on your feet sorting items and carrying bags full of items to your car or the garage.

Physical activity (especially when combined with a diet heavy in fruits and veggies) is an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular and overall health.

During the active discarding phase of KonMari (before the actual organization) this could even count as your daily physical activity as recommended by evidence based medicine.

Remember that being unhealthy is expensive, especially over the long-term..

If you live a sedentary lifestyle and spend a lot of time sitting down, maybe KonMari is the spark you need to get you moving. Maybe after you have shed a few pounds you will start to feel better and this will jumpstart a more active and healthy lifestyle.

Could you eventually reverse chronic disease and save money on medical bills? Maybe! If you do, let me know in the comments!

Adapting The KonMari Method For Your Refrigerator

When I have friends over, they are always surprised by how little food I hve on hand. The truth is, I save more money this way.

I have been a crooner for “fresh food” and only buy ingredients for specific recipes that I’m sure I’m going to make or that I know I will for sure eat. This means going shopping more often than you’re used to.

That’s really the only downside I have encountered, but it also means I always have a fresh stock of food! I’m totally against the American lifestyle of stocking up on food and cooking once a week and heating and reheating. we are not used to this and we shudnt be!! our mom’s cook hot rotis for us, we might as well will get it for life!

This way also, since we are getting out of the house, it helps promote a more active lifestyle.

Thumb rule : arrange your fridge in a way that you can see everything inside of it when you open the door. This will only be possible after a thorough review of everything inside. Much like you did with your clothing, go through each item.

But Instead Of Keeping Items That Spark Joy, Keep Things That Haven’t Gone Bad Or Expired

Do NOT go shopping without the list. Or on an empty stomach. Your waistline will also thank you as you will also be less likely to make impulse buys. At the grocery store this usually means buying soda, chips, cakes, and other items not on your grocery list!

Don’t forget to also add some healthy snacks.

If you are hungry and don’t have the energy to prepare a snack or meal, just open the freezer, throw the frozen fruits in a blender with some yogurt and you’ve got yourself a smoothie. Frozen fruit is my only weakness but luckily it can be made healthy!!

Tweak this plan accordingly depending your work schedule, distance to a grocery store (if you live an hour away, then planning for a few weeks at a time makes more sense), and family size.

Using The KonMari Method To SIMPLIFY Your Finances

The idea of downsizing can be applied to non physical things as well.

For example, a lot of people carry a slew of different credit cards. But did you know that closing cards you don’t use may help improve your credit?

Having fewer accounts and cards can also help you stay organized so that you don’t miss any payments.

Student loans are another area where the KonMari Method can come in handy. Often times, student loans don’t come in a tidy package.

Often, student loans come in the form of multiple loans for every semester. your parents might have taken them for u if u r one of those private medical college students #nojudgements.

For that reason, it’s not unusual to graduate with a handful of different loans to have to manage. Refinancing your student loans and consolidating them into a single loan can have multiple benefits. It can both lower your interest rate and simplify your life.

The Bottom Line On The KonMari Method

Whether you are ready to buy the book and dive head first into organizing your life or are just happy with how things are in your life, I think we can all agree that we could all be a little more happy with the things we already have.

For some, that requires getting rid of half of their possessions and realizing they don’t miss those things.

For others, just some meditation and expressing gratitude for all of their blessings. A little MINDFUL SPENDING can go a long way here.

Regardless of where you find yourself on the KonMari train, remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Arigatou gozaimasu for reading!😁😁

How to save while eating out

Our culture revolves around food. I’m a big #foodie and so is every second Indian. It seems that nearly every social event we are invited to includes eating and drinking. But going to restaurants can get expensive. “Eating out cheap” kind of sounds like an oxymoron, but today I ll share some of the things i’ve done to stay within our budgets while still eating out. 

Like with everything else, MODERATION IS KEY. We all have friends that never eat at home and eat every meal outside of their house. There are also those that are self-made chefs and rarely venture out. And most of you, like me, are probably somewhere in the middle.

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Preparing meals at home is usually the best way to save money, especially as your family grows in numbers. more on that in an upcoming post!!

🥞

But it’s not always possible to prepare every meal at home. In fact, I ll be introducing a line in the budget specifically for restaurants. coz I enjoy going to restaurants and giving it up completely is something I would avoid!!

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it is also the most variable expense in our budgets, which can make it more difficult to predict than a fixed cost like car insurance premium.

USE these tips and u can now predictably stay within the restaurant budget every month. Ready to see how eating out cheap is possible? 

1. Look at the Menu Before Arriving

This is simple, but it’s amazing how effective it is. Whether it’s the local @subway or @mcdonalds, this is clutch.

in the age of #zomato and #swiggy and #ubereats you Take 5 minutes before you get to the restaurant and decide what you’re going to order before you even walk in the door. Take appetizers, entrees and dessert all into consideration. Leave nothing to chance.

.this is combating your psyche #neuroeconomics

You are the most vulnerable and most likely to make an impulsive decision when you have the menu in your hands and the waiter or waitress is going around taking orders. By knowing exactly what you want, you’ll no longer be receiving surprises when it’s time to pay.

This is also a great strategy for those looking to shed a few pounds. It is really easy to over-order when placed on the spot, especially when all your friends are doing the same. Make your picks ahead of time and more importantly, stick to your choices! Not only will your wallet thank you, but your waist line and heart will too. That cheeseburger will seem the most tempting when you are about to place the order, but the good news is that eating out cheap should still be delicious!

2. Save Half or Share .

One trick that’s easy to do is to only eat half or split a meal with your significant other/friend/sibling. If you eat half, that meal can actually feed you twice, or if sharing, can save you half of the cost. We promise you, you won’t die of starvation! In fact, while doing research on #PCOD, #polycysticovariandisease -my MD thesis topic , I learned that calorie restriction has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and fertility problems and mortality,. It doesn’t take a medical degree to realize that most of us are more likely to die from obesity (&lifestyle diseases) than starvation though! 

3. Drink Water

Stick to water when placing your order. The full bar or free refills of soda (read: empty calories and sugar) always sound tempting, but stay strong.

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If you want to have alcohol, it is always more affordable to have a drink at home afterwards, or simply stick to one!

Not to mention that you can also save by not needing a cab/ola/Uber if you’ve had too many drinks.

You are probably starting to see the theme between saving money while also improving your health. If you don’t like plain water, add a lemon for flavor or try sparkling water to change things up. HYDRATE!

4. Tip steady

If you receive great service and want to go above and beyond the standard 15%-20% tip that is great! Many service workers rely on tips for their livelihood, so a generous tip is a wonderful thing. Giving always gets! 😁 #drewbarrymore tips exactly equal to the bill amount, #billgates is a steady 15% tipping always. decide and stick to it. whatevr suits u!

5. Use Coupons

If you know you will be going to a certain restaurant ahead of time, look for coupons online, on their website or their social media pages. You can also sign up for their rewards club for offers. I don’t. need to tell you about

#zomatogold #swiggysuper #uberGET50 and such majorly fruitful coupon codes.

pro tip: don’t spend all day looking for a coupon that will save you a mere 50₹ on a 2500₹ party. But spending 5 minutes of searching is well worth it and is something that most people don’t consider even though they’d love to be eating out cheap.

6. Use Gift Cards (#newconcept)

Many people get gift cards for birthdays or holidays and never use them. After a few days it’s easy to forget they are there. In fact, over $1billion of gift cards go unused every year. This concept is gaining speed in the Indian subcontinent slowly! Put your gift cards where you will see them so you don’t forget you have them.

Pro tip 1: remember to take a picture of yourself enjoying your awesome dinner and send it to the person who gave it to you and thank them again!

Pro tip 2: If you know far enough of advance that you’re going to a specific restaurant, use one of the gift card exchanges online to buy a gift card for a fraction of it’s value. #Cardpool and #Raise are two sites where you can go and search for gift cards and buy them at a discount! Just make sure you buy a digital card or buy the card early enough to give the card time to arrive in the mail before you use it.

remember to shoot your questions on email or by commenting below!! I will be happy to answer

Welcome richdoc! Here, we Multiply!

Thankfully, personal finance isn’t rocket science!
Pressed against the wall of student loans and earning meager salaries as a doctor in India, living in a new city faraway from home, I’ve taken control of my personal finances.  Now, I’m setting out to help all of you
do the same. A great place to start is to subscribe to my weekly newsleeter and to follow my Instagram page, beginning with Personal Finance customized for docs 101!  I’m always going to be focused on money
matters and how to avoid making costly mistakes that can set you back. Life is already hard enough, don’t let money make it even harder.
If you have any questions or comments, please comment here or email me and I will get back to you!

Personal Finance customized for docs 101 :

GETTING STARTED

I have been broke growing up, and some simple knowledge has helped me swamp out of this pool of poverty. Today while I’m pursuing my superspeciality in Neurology, I attempt to save harder and compound my cash , even better. This is an effort to spread the knowledge I learned the hard way/being self taught/ luckily meeting the right people.
The ultimate goal is to save enough money so that our kids won’t have to support us when we get old. And to help you do the same. Lifestyle Uplifment is also one of my agendas. All this is ultimately, striving for a better , comfortable lifestyle.

We will get there.

In this , Personal Finance customized for docs 101, I’ll show you the way.

We have all, always thought that personal finance was complicated and too confusing to understand unless you were an accountant. I didn’t study finance in MBBS or my MD but realized how crucial it is and
also that, how simple it is. Personal finance boils down to a few simple steps that are easy to follow.

You may spend a lot more time on some steps than other steps. If it takes you 6 months or a year to make it to the next stop of the Beginner’s Guide to Personal Finance, that’s okay! The most important thing is to stick with it. Go ahead and bookmark this Personal Finance customized for docs 101, because you’re going to keep coming back to it throughout your journey. 🙂

FOR A CUSTOMIZED FINANCE ASSESSMENT MAIL ME AND SUBSCRIBE. DON’T WORRY, ITS FREE!!

The 8 Simple Steps to Personal Finance
The steps below form the core of the Beginner’s Guide to Personal Finance. While these steps seem straightforward, they are extremely powerful. If you learn them and follow them, you will both improve your relationship with money and be able to improve the quality of your life. We know we have! This is specially customized for the Indian scenario, no matter how little or how much you earn, this will help you compound it to 6 digits and MORE!

We will summarize the 8 steps below and then dive into more detail for each one.

8 STEPS OF PERSONAL FINANCE

1. SPEND LESS SAVE MORE
2. MAX OUT PPF SAVINGS
3. PAY OFF HIGH INTEREST LOANS AT THE
   EARLIEST
4. BEEF UP “FUCKYOU” FUND
5. MUTUAL FUNDS
6. DERIVATIVES TRADING
7. TOP OUT RETIREMENT SAVINGS
8. SAVE FOR YOUR DREAMS

Today we discuss point number one.

1. Spend Less to Save More
   Research shows that the hardest part about reaching any goal is getting started. Saving money is no different. Most of us talk about wanting to save and what we would do with the money. But then we kick the can down the road and put off getting started until we “make more money” Most of the people who talk about personal finance tell me that they don’t know where to start. They have a job but are living paycheck to paycheck. I’ve been there too. For years. But you have to start somewhere. Saving just 500 rupees a week will help you save over 25000 bucks in your first year.
   Reading this Personal Finance beginners’ take is a good start! However, the first real step is to CREATE A BUDGET. A budget is a plan for how much money you will spend over a given period of time. We
   recommend starting by breaking it down by month. If you make 25,000 Rs. a month, then your budget must account for how every single one of those rupees will be spent or saved. 
   The easiest and best way to save is going to be by spending less money every month.

Set a realistic goal and slowly prove to yourself that you can save. In order to cut your living expenses we recommend focusing on housing first. Living with roommates, or even better, at home with your parents if it’s the same city for a few years is a GREAT move.
We realized that we were spending too much money eating out every week so we began to cook more meals at home. Other items that you might be paying too much money for are monthly cell phone bills,
cable bills, and car payments.
If you think you are already spending the bare minimum, you probably aren’t. If you still can’t find anything to cut, then you need to find a way to make extra money.(post coming up on my instagram
page)
It is important to put your credit cards away and not use them until you get your finances in order. You’ll be paying a lot more money in interest by carrying a credit card balance.
Don’t move onto step 2 of this Personal Finance101 until you have saved up and put away 12,500 rs (half your income) from your this month’s income. If your savings drop below that you need to return to step 1.
If you still don’t know where to start, just email us and i can walk you through it. Make sure to check out our post on budgeting and saving to learn more! STEP 2 COMIN UP SOON. STAY TUNED!!

and have a rich week 😀 😀

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton