'Save, but also spend': Edelweiss MF's Radhika Gupta says life’s not about net worth alone

Radhika Gupta encouraged her followers to move away from an overly rigid focus on wealth accumulation.

Radhika Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, called for a more holistic approach to personal finance, one that balances the rigour of saving and investing with the importance of enjoying the rewards of one’s hard work.

In a reflective post on X, Gupta began with a poetic line in Hindi, which, when translated into English, described how a dream had set her journey in motion and how a fleeting moment of joy can feel immensely satisfying. She emphasised that fulfilment gained through sincere effort holds a distinct and lasting value.

“My job is to sell SIPs,” she wrote, referencing systematic investment plans, “but I always tell everyone – young and old – to take the time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.”

Gupta encouraged her followers to move away from an overly rigid focus on wealth accumulation. “Save, but also spend, on things that give you joy, because it makes the journey worth it,” she added.

My job is to sell SIPs, but I always tell everyone - young and old - to take the time to enjoy the fruits of your hardwork. Save, but also spend, on things that give you…

— Radhika Gupta (@iRadhikaGupta) July 23, 2025

Offering a counterpoint to a purely numbers-driven approach to finance, she wrote: “At the end of the day, life is not a race of who has the highest NAV or most rupees, but who has lived most joyfully.”

She concluded her postwith a call for balance: “The middle path exists, and it is a good one,” reinforcing the message that financial prudence and personal enjoyment can coexist.

This was not the first time Gupta used social media to challenge widespread financial misconceptions and offer accessible advice. In an earlier post, she sought to clarify a common misunderstanding surrounding mutual funds, equities, and SIPs, using a food metaphor to illustrate her point.

“A reasonably smart person asked me a question: should I choose equities or mutual funds or SIP?” she wrote, adding, “It drives me crazy that after all these years, people think SIP and mutual funds are different, and that mutual fund means only equity.”

Beyond the domain of finance, Gupta has also weighed in on broader public health issues. In April this year, she addressed India’s growing obesity problem with a practical suggestion for restaurants: offer half-plate portions for all menu items.

"I'm glad we're talking openly about obesity – it's an important issue," she wrote. Acknowledging cultural habits around food, she noted, "Many of us eat small portions but end up finishing everything on the plate because, culturally, we don't like wasting food. When dining alone, sharing isn't always possible."

She proposed that eateries could price half-portions just above 50% of the full plate to protect their margins. “This would give diners a way to eat less – without wasting food or money,” she said.