What if you have irregular income
If you have a 9-to-5 job, you might be deeply envious of those who have less structured work lives. But remember that they also have less structured finances. How do they deal with this?
If you are such a person, Swapnil Pawar, co-director, PARK Financial Advisors, has some advice for you. First, list your annual income for the past three years. The lowest figure should be taken as a benchmark, he says. Your annual expenses should not exceed 80% of this amount. The remaining amount should be invested (see “Budget for Irregular Income”).
To ensure that you have enough money to meet the recurring monthly expenses, Pawar suggests that you keep aside enough money to meet at least six months’ expenses. This is not an emergency fund, so it should be replenished every time you bring home some money.
What about monthly investment targets? Do you need to keep aside money for that too? Not necessarily. Pawar suggests that you invest a lump sum in a debt instrument and then systematically transfer money to equity mutual funds in the proportion you desire. The advantage of this method is that you are not under pressure to maintain a higher bank balance (where your money depreciates in value) on account of the money that is to be invested in SIPs.
Irregular income should not deter you from taking loans either. The banks will offer you credit on the basis of your past years’ income. But don’t opt for loans with long tenures.
Instead, Pawar suggests that you maximise the down payment and pay off the loan with higher EMIs. After all, it is easier to predict your career movement in the next three to four years than in the long term, he says.
The insurance calculation for people with irregular income remains the same as for those who get a regular salary. But professionals like doctors and lawyers should also buy a professional indemnity cover.
Special situation: Irregular income Profession: Pakhawaj player Personal annual income: Rs 4-6 lakh Strategy: Income from joint family pooled together (three brothers are musicians). Expenses of family easily met by the joint income Budget for irregular income 2005: Rs 4 lakh Lowest annual income: Rs 3.5 lakh Average annual income: Rs 4.5 lakh Monthly income for budgeting purposes: Rs 3.5 lakh/12 = Rs 29,000(Approximately) Annual expenses limit: 80% of lowest annual income=Rs 2.8 lakh |
