Investing: A Necessity, Not a Luxury


Fri Nov 21, 2025

Investing: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

Many people believe investing is something only the wealthy do. But in reality, investing is for everyone — not just those with “extra money.” Whether you earn ₹10,000 a month or ₹10 lakh, investing is what protects your future. If you avoid it, the cost can be far greater than you imagine. 

Why You Must Invest — Not Just Save

1. We’re Living Longer — Which Means We’re Spending Longer


Did you know?

  • In 1947, the average Indian lived just 45 years.
  • In 2025, many of us will live into our 70s, 80s, and even 90s.
Great news, right? Yes — but it comes with a financial reality. If you start earning at 30, retire at 60, and live till 90, you’ll have:
  • 30 years of income
  • 30 years with NO salary
Think about that.
You’ll spend as many years without income as you did with it. Where will the money come from?
  • You can’t depend on your children.
  • Most jobs don’t offer pensions anymore.
  • Even pensions struggle to keep up with inflation.
Your only support will be what you saved and invested during your working years. Without investing, those 30 years become very difficult.

2. Medical Emergencies Can Destroy Wealth 

Medical Emergencies Can Destroy Wealth Here’s a painful statistic: as per Niti Ayog report Over 5 crore Indians fall into poverty every year because of medical emergencies. 

One illness One surgery, One hospital stay That’s all it takes to wipe out years of savings. Even health insurance doesn’t always cover everything — medicines, tests, follow-ups, and income loss during recovery add up quickly. Investing builds a cushion so life’s shocks don’t break your finances.

3. Inflation: The Silent Threat 

Inflation doesn’t take money from your wallet — it silently reduces its value. If inflation averages 6%, then in 12 years: ₹1,00,000 becomes only ₹53,000 in today’s value. That means you lose half your purchasing power without spending a rupee. That’s why saving alone isn’t enough.
Your money must grow faster than inflation eats into it. How? By investing smartly and consistently.

4. Future Expenses Are Guaranteed — So Prepare for Them 

Some expenses are not surprises:

  • Your child’s school and college
  • Their wedding
  • Buying a home
  • Starting a business
  • Healthcare
  • Travel (and thanks to social media, we all want to travel more)
These things WILL happen — and they are getting costlier. While general inflation may be 6–7%, education and healthcare often rise at 10–15% per year. When we were in school, fees were small. Today, one year of a college degree can cost more than what your entire education cost. 

The good news? You have time to prepare. Start early. Invest regularly. 

And to a typical Indian question — “What’s the guarantee we will live another 20–30 years?” Simple:
The problem is not dying early.
The real problem is living long without financial preparation.

CA Bijo scaria
Chartered Accountant, Author and Speak of Long Term Investments