Estimated read: 5 minutes
We all know festivals and family events arrive like clockwork — and often they blow monthly budgets. The trick isn’t austerity; it’s planning. Here’s a practical, Indian-friendly approach to save for those occasional, but big, life moments.
Recognise the predictable shock
Festivals (Diwali, Eid), weddings, school events — these are predictable costs. Treat them like monthly bills stretched over a year. If Diwali costs ₹12,000, that’s ₹1,000/month if you plan 12 months ahead.
Create invisible, named envelopes
Use “envelopes” for each goal: Festival Fund, Wedding Gift, Annual Insurance Renewal. Even a small monthly contribution feels powerful. In chat-first tools, create a simple habit: “Raamoo, add ₹500 to Festival Fund.”
Automate small transfers
If you can automate transfers to a separate savings account or a sweeper fund, do it. The key is “out of sight, out of mind.” If automation isn’t possible yet, set a weekly reminder in chat to move the money.
Combine high-frequency saving with round-ups
Round-up strategies help. If you can round-up purchases to the nearest ₹10 and sweep the change into a festival fund, the numbers add up without pain.
Use committed short-term instruments
For goals within a year, avoid volatile instruments. Keep money in a recurring deposit, liquid funds, or a high-interest savings product. They’re easy to access and don’t punish you for timing.
Involve the family
If the event is shared, make everyone pitch in a predictable way. A family bucket for festival expenses reduces friction and aligns expectations.
Plan for gifts and unplanned invites
A buffer for “last-minute gifts” keeps you calm. Budget a small “gift line” in your envelope; it covers those surprise invites.
Track and learn after the event
After Diwali shopping, review: what could be postponed? What can be DIY next time? These small learnings reduce future costs.
Wrap-up
Big irregular expenses are just predictable line items if you plan. Use named envelopes, automated micro-savings, and conservative short-term instruments. With small, consistent moves, festivals remain joyful — not stressful.
