To celebrate Diwali this year, IWB thought it would be nice to hear stories of working women who are on their way to attain financial independence. If you are seeking a professional guidance on managing your money in a better way and becoming the Lakshmi of your life, our campaign Lakshmi’s Money Diary might just help you! 

We asked 5 Indian women to maintain a journal and record their everyday expenses for a week. After 7 days, our Finance Expert Priyanka Bhatia, co-founder Women on Wealth & WOW Money Gym, will study their spending habits and saving rituals in order to counsel them. Priyanka will reveal exactly what stops these women from becoming financially self-sufficient and how they can fix the problem.

But before we understand the limiting beliefs that hold most Indian women back, let’s introduce you to these working women who’re a part of our campaign.

Kruti Javeri, Livelihoods Program Director at an NGO in Ahmedabad.

Age: 25

Salary:  43,850/- per month

Monthly Expenses –

Gym membership:  Rs. 1,700/- per month

Mobile bill:  Approx Rs. 850/- per month

Conveyance:  Rs 2,000-3,000 per month

Miscellaneous: Rs. 4,000 every alternate month

Clearly, you aren’t bearing heavy expenditure on a monthly basis. So why do you think you need capital guidance?

I have got a few doubts related to the kinds of savings I do every month. Also, I think it’s about time I take my financial planning seriously.

Since you’re not a planner yet, is it right to say you’re a spontaneous spender?

Well…when it comes to buying myself something, I could be an impulsive buyer. However, I think I’m getting wiser with time. When I was single, I would spend without really giving it a thought. Since marriage brings you a certain set of responsibilities, I could see a significant shift in my money-spending habits.

What monthly strategies do you follow to put your and your husband’s money to its best use?

Every month, we invest in our health insurance (Yearly Health policy: approx 27,000 premium) and that is it. We take it quite seriously.

That’s a smart action plan. Are you the in-charge of the family/house expenses?

Not really. Since my husband and I live with our parents, they are the ones who hold the baton. I call it the benefits of living in a joint family. Also, because we’re staying in our ancestral house, we’re able to save on a huge rent.

What about the loans, if any?

The amount depends. If at all, it is Rs 30,000/- per month and is mostly taken care by the husband.

Are you currently saving to accomplish a personal goal?

I dream of sending my parents for an elongated tour abroad, and as per my estimation, it’s going to cost me roughly 2-3 lacs. At the moment, I’m on this money-mission.

Are you undergoing any financial insecurity?

What if I am not able to save enough towards my retirement? *laughs*

Kruti is traveling this week and is worried what her Money diary is going to reveal her (ahem!) voyage expenses. To know what happens during her counseling with expert Priyanka Bhatia, stay tuned!

Click to read the stories of other participants Anita D’souza, Yashita Ratra, Lavvanya Iyer