Luminescence Through Renunciation
From ₹20K Salary to ₹35 Lakh Portfolio: A Story of Simplicity, Sacrifice, and Smart Investing
In 2019, a young graduate stepped into the workforce full of hope. But with limited opportunities and growing family responsibilities, he had no choice but to settle for a customer service job that paid just ₹20,000 per month. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a lifeline.
Two years later, he landed a job with a multinational company that paid ₹65,000 per month. But instead of moving to a bustling city or spending more, he made a rare decision—he chose to live frugally and stay with his family in his hometown. No rent, no flashy lifestyle. Just a quiet, disciplined life.
His monthly expenses remained around ₹5,000. The rest? He invested—month after month—into mutual funds, even when the amount felt small. His focus wasn't just saving—it was wealth creation.
“He didn’t chase the big things. He simply kept doing the small things right, every single month.”
Let’s break down his investment journey:
Investment Summary Table
Year | Monthly Income (₹) | Monthly Expense (₹) | Monthly Investment (₹) | Annual Investment (₹) | Estimated Portfolio Value |
| 2021 | ₹65,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹50,000 | ₹6,00,000 | ₹6.5 lakh |
| 2022 | ₹65,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹50,000 | ₹6,00,000 | ₹14.5 lakh |
| 2023 | ₹65,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹50,000 | ₹6,00,000 | ₹24.5 lakh |
| 2024 | ₹65,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹50,000 | ₹6,00,000 | ₹35 lakh |
Assumption: Average mutual fund returns of ~12% annually through SIP
In addition to his personal portfolio, he also began a ₹20 lakh Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for his father—a mark of gratitude and financial responsibility.
Despite a modest income, he never upgraded his phone (still using a ₹9,000 model bought five years ago) and avoided the pressure of social media lifestyle trends.
Online, his story went viral—some praised his discipline, others debated the practicality of saving so much.
“If you don’t rent, don’t flex on Instagram, and live simply—you can thrive on ₹40,000 a month in this country,” said one user.
Another commented, “Saving 90% of your salary is only possible if your family doesn't rely on your income fully, and if you're not paying for housing, education, or healthcare.”
In addition to his personal portfolio, he also began a ₹20 lakh Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for his father—a mark of gratitude and financial responsibility.
Despite a modest income, he never upgraded his phone (still using a ₹9,000 model bought five years ago) and avoided the pressure of social media lifestyle trends.
Online, his story went viral—some praised his discipline, others debated the practicality of saving so much.
“If you don’t rent, don’t flex on Instagram, and live simply—you can thrive on ₹40,000 a month in this country,” said one user.
Another commented, “Saving 90% of your salary is only possible if your family doesn't rely on your income fully, and if you're not paying for housing, education, or healthcare.”
Yet others highlighted a deeper truth:
“Real financial success in India isn’t always about earning in lakhs. It’s about being resourceful. It’s about having the technique to adapt, live smart, and invest consistently.”
In the end, this isn’t just a story of numbers—it's a story of mindset. A reminder that wealth is quietly built through patience, consistency, and living below your means. In a world chasing more, this young man’s path to ₹35 lakh teaches us the power of less.
