Why Is India Saving Less?
Outlook Money|November 2023
Recent data released by RBI revealed that the net savings of households dropped to a five-decade low, leading to concerns about lifestyles and preferences in recent times
JOYDEEP SEN
Why Is India Saving Less?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Bulletin released on September 18, 2023, published data on the “Flow of Financial Assets and Liabilities of Households”. This data is about financial assets and financial liabilities of households across India.

The surveys conducted by wealth managers or wealth surveyors are usually confined to the cities and towns, and hence the outcome would be different but this one includes every corner of the country, including rural areas.

 Financial assets, in the RBI report, are deployments in bank deposits, other deposits (non-banks), life insurance, Provident Fund (PF) and pension, small savings schemes in post office, and investments in mutual funds and equity. Financial liabilities are loans from banks and other entities.

Data And Trends

The data led to a lot of debate. It was revealed that the net savings of households have dropped to a five-decade low. This led to concerns about lifestyle and preferences of people in current times.

The Ministry of Finance also issued a clarification that the low savings rate is not so much of a concern, but a change in approach to managing money; people are availing of loans to finance assets, such as real estate, cars, etc.

But before we comment on the good or the bad part of it, let us first understand what is happening. The data on financial assets of households has been published on two parameters: flow and stock. Flow implies incremental savings or investments in a given time period, similar to how a profit and loss account measures the result of a given time period. Stock means the stock of financial assets on a given date, like how a balance sheet shows an entity’s snapshot on a given date.

Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Outlook Money.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Outlook Money.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA OUTLOOK MONEYSe alt
Here's How To Claim Tax Refund If You Missed The ITR Deadline
Outlook Money

Here's How To Claim Tax Refund If You Missed The ITR Deadline

The Income-tax Act, 1961, allows the refund of any excess income tax deducted on your income beyond your actual tax liability.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
26 Spiels You Should Not Fall For
Outlook Money

26 Spiels You Should Not Fall For

We have a list of 26 traps that you should avoid in your journey to creating wealth

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2024
Unified Pension Scheme
Outlook Money

Unified Pension Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) on August 24, 2024, guaranteeing 50 per cent of the salary as assured pension for central government employees.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Unlocking Financial Freedom with Freedom SIP: A Beginner's Guide
Outlook Money

Unlocking Financial Freedom with Freedom SIP: A Beginner's Guide

Freedom SIP is the smartest way to finance your retirement because it allows you to ride the compounding rocket to build wealth, even by investing a small monthly sum.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Asset Allocation Strategy to Safeguard Against Market Fluctuations
Outlook Money

Asset Allocation Strategy to Safeguard Against Market Fluctuations

Invest in different asset classes, such as equities, debt, gold, etc., so that if a particular segment doesn't perform in a given situation, others will come to the rescue.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
The Role of Asset Allocation in Investing
Outlook Money

The Role of Asset Allocation in Investing

A proper mix of asset allocation that aligns with investor's goals is key to the portfolio's long-term performance and reaching milestones.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Why Retirement Planning is Crucial in Life
Outlook Money

Why Retirement Planning is Crucial in Life

Retirement planning is the key if you want a financially secure life in your sunset years.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
IS SENIOR HOUSING FOR YOU?
Outlook Money

IS SENIOR HOUSING FOR YOU?

Many seniors have taken refuge in senior living facilities in their twilight years as their children have moved abroad. While that may help them ward off boredom, they often come at a huge cost

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
WITH OR WITHOUT INDEXATION: WHEN DO HOMEOWNERS PAY LESS?
Outlook Money

WITH OR WITHOUT INDEXATION: WHEN DO HOMEOWNERS PAY LESS?

Calculating taxes under both methods-considering inflation and property appreciation-can yield a more precise result

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Flexing Its Way Across Market Cycles
Outlook Money

Flexing Its Way Across Market Cycles

Very few funds meet investors' expectations of delivering superior returns across market cycles, and HDFC Flexi Cap Fund is one of them.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024