For Kolkata-based Anirban Sarkar, 2011 was a financial watershed. Before that he was “leading a bachelor’s life.” In 2011, his post-marriage life started. “I had no savings earlier, but after marriage there were more responsibilities,” he said. He met Uttam Kumar Sen at a financial well-being campaign, and Sen went on to become the couple’s financial adviser. This led to the Sarkars having a sturdy plan that stood the test of time when Anirban was without a job. Sen also helped them organise other things, due to which they are now confident about their finances.
Getting on track
“I had randomly bought insurance and mutual funds from friends and family. I even tried equity, but that was a bad experience,” said Anirban. Having burnt their fingers with equity, most of Sarkars’ savings were in fixed deposits. A lot of this changed. “To begin with, I was a conservative investor. But I learnt how equity was good if used properly,” said Anirban. Their portfolio’s asset allocation was recalibrated based on their risk profile. “About 85% was in debt. Now, about 75% is in equity,” said Anirban.
