A 22-year-old software engineer from Noida has sparked a conversation on personal finance after revealing how he manages to save and invest ₹20,000 every month while living independently in one of India’s fastest-growing urban hubs.
Priyanshu, who works as a software engineer and shares an apartment with flatmates in Noida, recently posted a detailed breakdown of his monthly expenses on social media. His transparent approach to budgeting resonated with thousands of young professionals trying to balance rising living costs, savings goals, and lifestyle choices.
According to Priyanshu, his monthly expenses total around ₹36,000. The largest share goes toward rent, with his contribution for a three-bedroom apartment amounting to ₹15,000 per month. Utility bills add another ₹500 to ₹1,000 depending on seasonal electricity usage.
Food expenses account for approximately ₹8,000 monthly. While workplace meals help reduce costs, groceries and occasional food deliveries remain a regular part of his budget. Other recurring expenses include ₹5,000 on fitness supplements, ₹5,000 for outings with friends, and around ₹2,000 on petrol. His entertainment spending remains limited, with YouTube Premium being his only subscription service.
However, Priyanshu believes the biggest financial challenge for young professionals is not visible on traditional budget sheets.
“The biggest thing that’s invisible is lifestyle inflation disguised as convenience,” he said, explaining how small, seemingly harmless purchases can quietly increase monthly spending.
He cited food delivery habits as a common example, noting that people often spend significantly more than intended simply to qualify for free delivery offers. According to him, these small spending decisions gradually become routine and can quietly derail financial goals.
Despite consistently saving and investing ₹20,000 every month, Priyanshu admits that building long-term wealth remains a learning process.
“Saving well and building wealth feel like two different things to me, and I’m still learning the gap between them,” he said.
The young engineer also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between enjoying the present and planning for the future. While he aspires to achieve financial independence and retire early, he believes excessive focus on saving can sometimes come at the cost of life experiences.
Another major concern he identified is social media-driven spending. Priyanshu warned that many young earners fall into the trap of comparing their lifestyles with others online, leading to unnecessary purchases and financial pressure.
Whether it’s buying the latest gadget, planning expensive vacations, or upgrading to a new vehicle, he believes social media often creates unrealistic expectations. To avoid impulsive spending, he now asks himself a simple question before making purchases: “Is this actually something I want?”
His financial transparency struck a chord with social media users, many of whom shared similar experiences regarding rent, rising living expenses, food delivery habits, and the struggle to maintain consistent savings.
As inflation and lifestyle costs continue to rise, Priyanshu’s story serves as a reminder that financial success often comes down to mindful spending, disciplined investing, and making conscious decisions rather than chasing every trend.
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