How to plan savings account strategies for different stages of life

Opening and maintaining a savings account is an important part of personal finance management in India. Savings accounts allow you to set aside money, earn interest on deposits, and access funds easily for emergencies or future goals. The strategies for using savings accounts effectively vary across different life stages. Here is a look at how to optimise savings accounts during major life stages.

Savings strategies for students
 

The student years are when many open their first savings account. Here are some tips for students:

• Open bank account online with a zero balance facility. Many banks now offer this feature, so you can start saving without a minimum balance.
  
• Opt for a student savings account. Banks like IDFC FIRST Bank offer special accounts for students with zero balance and free online banking.
• Use the account only for saving, not withdrawals. Have a separate bank account for expenses to avoid dipping into savings.
• Save money received from relatives via bank transfers to the account.
• Consider fixed deposits for large lumpsums like scholarship money to earn better interest.

New job and first salary savings
 

The first job is when your earnings and saving potential increases. Use this stage wisely.

• Upgrade to a regular savings account with free online access, and ATM/debit card.
  
• Save 20-30% of each salary into the account through auto-transfers. Do this as soon as your salary is credited.
• Build an emergency fund with 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in the savings account and continue adding funds each month.
• Open a recurring deposit (RD) for long term goals like buying a car, saving up for pursuing higher education, covering wedding expenses, etc. Invest surplus savings from your salary here.
• Utilize sweep-in FD facility in your savings accounts to earn higher interest on idle balances above specific thresholds.
• Sign-up for a salary account with your employer to get better deals on loans, credit cards, locker facility, etc. later.
• Avoid withdrawals from savings accounts for routine expenses. Use a separate account for this.

Newly married and planning future
 

Newly married couples need to align their finances and plan for the future.

• Discuss each other's financial status, goals, and savings history. Create a joint budget.
• Decide on ownership of existing accounts - Close, retain, or convert to joint accounts. Open joint accounts.
• Set commn goals such as covering expenses for a house, car, vacation, etc. and determine how much to save each month.
• Automate transfers from a salary account to a joint savings account for goal-based saving.
• Create recurring and fixed deposits for long-term goals and earn higher interest.
• Take joint loans and liabilities only after discussing with your partner. Update NOCs on existing accounts.
• Plan investments together for wealth creation. Savings accounts can be used for short-term fund parking before investments.
• Have an emergency fund for covering 6-9 months of household expenses in a savings account.
  

Growing family and saving for kids
 

Growing families need to save for larger expenses on kids' education, activities, vacations.

• Increase automated monthly transfers to joint savings account to provide for the family.
• Open recurring deposits for recurring kid expenses like school fees, extra-curricular activities, medical costs etc.
• Start Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana savings accounts for daughters. Make regular contributions to build a fund for their future.
• Consider Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) that offer insurance plus investment for major future goals like kids' higher education, marriage, etc.
• Invest lumpsums like bonuses, gifts from relatives towards kids goals via Public Provident Fund (PPF), mutual funds, stocks, etc. Park funds temporarily in savings account before investing.
• Avoid dipping into long term savings accountsfor short term expenses. Use a separate account for routine expenses.
  

Middle age and saving for retirement
 

As retirement approaches, savings need to be stepped up.

• Maximise contributions to Employees' Provident Fund and/or Public Provident Fund your retirement corpus.
• Start systematic investment plans (SIPs) in mutual funds for equities exposure and retirement planning. 
• Consider annuities, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), and the Post Office Monthly Income Scheme for a regular pension income after retirement.
• Park lumpsum receipts like bonuses and retirement benefits in savings accounts temporarily before reinvesting for better returns. 
• Move idle money from a savings account to sweep-in FDs, liquid funds, and overnight funds to earn higher interest.
• Balance savings for retirement with other goals like kids' education, their wedding, house renovation, vacations, etc.
• Make sure emergency funds are adequate for the unemployed phase after retirement. Keep funds in liquid instruments.

Adopting prudent savings strategies tailored for each life stage goes a long way in building long-term wealth and meeting important financial goals. Savings accounts provide an easily accessible home for liquid savings to meet your various needs.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.