Soldiers' corner: Building a financial nest is equally important as defending borders

The advantage defence officers have is a stable income during service and access to the Defence Services Officers Provident Fund (DSOP), which currently offers 7.1% returns.

A defence officer’s career can span about 10 years on the short side to 40 years on the higher side. The journey involves frequent postings across the country, with the occasional foriegn assignment . A demanding professional schedule, tough and often secluded postings especially in earlier days, and the relentless preparation for service-related exams leave little time for managing personal finances. In fact, this aspect is the last in one's mind till one becomes fairly senior.

Active Service v/s retirement reality

During active service, most officers rarely feel the financial pinch. Postings are generally in Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities, with perhaps one stint in a Tier 1 location. Such places have a high quality of life at a lower cost. Lifestyle expenses stay modest, and the pay offers the comfort of job security, along with inflation-linked salary revisions every six months.

Every alternate posting is a field posting which gets some extra cash allowances. But the reality after retirement is different. If an officer has not planned well, settling in a Tier 1 city becomes extremely challenging—especially if they do not already own a home there. A 3BHK apartment in Pune, Bengaluru or Gurugram today can cost anywhere from Rs 1.5 crore to  Rs 3 crore. At an inflation rate of 5 percent per year, this could become Rs 2–4 crore in 10 years’ time. Relying solely on the pension emoluments to bridge this gap is unrealistic.

The DSOP Advantage and its limitations

The advantage defence officers have is a stable income during service and access to the Defence Services Officers Provident Fund (DSOP), which currently offers a return of 7.1 percent. The DSOP is an excellent tool for the debt allocation of a portfolio. However, it cannot substitute for equity allocation, which is essential for long-term growth. The risk lies in relying entirely on DSOP or, at the other extreme, chasing unverified stock tips from friends or social media. Both approaches can leave an officer unprepared for the financial realities of civilian life.

Also read | Uttarkashi cloudburst lays bare India’s alarming home insurance gap

The cost of delay

The solution lies in starting early and building a balanced portfolio. Suppose an officer begins investing at age 30 with a goal to build a retirement corpus of Rs 3 crore by age 50. Assuming a blended return of 10 percent per annum from equity and debt, this would require a monthly investment of roughly Rs 50,000. Delay that start to age 40, and the monthly requirement jumps to nearly Rs 1.3 lakh to achieve the same corpus — a big ask, given other family commitments. The earlier one starts, the less the strain on the monthly cash flow.

A suggested investment strategy

In the initial years, equity exposure can be built through simple ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), gradually moving to actively managed mutual funds as one gets more comfortable. Gold can be considered for diversification, and direct equity investing should only be undertaken after building adequate knowledge and a thorough research. For officers with demanding schedules, there is a strong case for engaging a qualified financial advisor to design and implement a long-term plan.

Also read | SIP is the way for Indian youth to gain financial freedom

Real estate: A double-edged sword

Real estate is another area where one needs to be cautious. Given the constant transfers, many officers invest in property without a cohesive strategy—buying plots or flats across cities simply because the opportunity present itself. While real estate can have a role in a portfolio, it is best to first identify the city where one is most likely to settle and purchase a primary residence there. Buying property in hill stations or remote locations purely for lifestyle appeal should be a deliberate, well-considered choice rather than an impulse. Heavy EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments) for illiquid properties that are difficult to maintain or sell can strain post-retirement cash flows and lock up capital.

Retirement in Tier 1 cities

Building a retirement corpus beyond pension is essential, especially for those planning to live in Tier 1 cities. For example, a retired officer living in a city like Pune or Bengaluru might need Rs 1.2–1.5 lakh per month to maintain a comfortable lifestyle today. At an inflation rate of 6 percent, this figure could double to Rs 2.4–3 lakh in 12 years. A well-structured investment portfolio can supplement pension income through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, ensuring a steady monthly inflow. With increasing life expectancy — now close to 80 years for urban Indians — it is important not to reduce equity exposure to zero at the time of retirement. Instead, it should be gradually lowered over time to ensure the portfolio continues to grow and preserve purchasing power.

Common Financial Pitfalls to avoid

Some common mistakes must be avoided. Unrealistic expectations from any single asset class often lead to disappointment and poor planning. Overexposure to illiquid real estate can create long-term financial stress. Following stock tips without research is another trap. And perhaps the costliest mistake is buying property out of fear of missing out, rather than as part of a coherent plan.

Planning for one's retirement is not a sprint but a marathon. The earlier one starts, the better it is.

The writer is a certified financial planner and founder, True North Finance, a financial and investment planning firm based in Pune.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.