'Don’t buy it unless you can afford it twice': Financial advisor shares how he saves 95% of his income

Akshat Shrivastava emphasised that his financial journey was not about deprivation but conscious decision-making.

In an age where aspirational spending and social media-fuelled consumerism dominate financial behaviour, Akshat Shrivastava’s disciplined approach to money stands out as an example of long-term planning and restraint. The financial educator, investor, and popular content creator recently shared his personal finance journey in a detailed LinkedIn post, highlighting how one core philosophy enabled him to save as much as 95 percent of his income.

Shrivastava began his career on a modest salary of Rs 10,000 per month. Living with his parents, using a second-hand phone, and relying on home-cooked meals, he still managed to save between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 a month. With no debt and a minimal lifestyle, he built strong saving habits early.

Over the years, his income increased significantly. After securing a corporate job with a Rs 50 lakh annual package, Shrivastava kept up his frugal lifestyle. He continued living debt-free and saved Rs 20 lakh per year, channelling most of his savings into high-growth investments. Over time, those investments started generating passive income, accelerating his journey towards financial independence.

Now, even as a family man living in an expensive city and travelling globally, Shrivastava claimed that his savings rate remained at 95 percent. He attributed this to one key mindset: “Don’t buy something once unless you can afford to buy it twice.”

“This mindset is non-negotiable unless it is an investment in upskilling,” he said in his viral post.

[1] When I started my career: my salary was 10K, I used to live with my parents; used a 2nd hand mobile phone. Ate home cooked meals (almost all the time).

I was not married/had kids, took no debt.
And, still saved 1-2K/month.

[2] Fast forward a few years: I got a good…

— Akshat Shrivastava (@Akshat_World) June 15, 2025

He emphasised that his financial journey was not about deprivation but conscious decision-making. “Most people give in to lifestyle inflation when their income goes up. But I never let my lifestyle inflate faster than my income,” he wrote.

Shrivastava’s philosophy resonated with a wide audience. While many lauded his discipline and long-term thinking, some social media users pointed out that his savings rate, while admirable, might be unrealistic for many Indians grappling with stagnant salaries and rising costs of living.

Nonetheless, many commended his early start and consistent habits. Several users shared their own struggles with impulse spending and debt traps, echoing the importance of developing financial literacy and restraint from a young age.

His message, though simple, struck a chord with many: build wealth by not chasing every trend. “Save, invest, and live below your means—even when you start making more. That’s how you win long-term,” he wrote.