We continue with our series on youth and their financial planning strategies.

We began with Anjali and Uday who shared their financial plans and objectives with us. Financial expert Gaurav Mashruwala analysed and advised them on their strategy.

Over here, we look at how Nikhil and Arpita are handling their financial lives.

Nikhil and Arpita are both 26 years old and live in Kolkata.

Though young and earning well (Nikhil has a take-home of Rs 32,000 and Arpita Rs 26,000), they don't subscribe to the view of 'living it up' and 'parting hard'.

Their social life would include a movie once a week (sometimes twice, depending on what's running) at a multiplex. They do eat out often though -- around twice or thrice a week. They go to a pub just once or twice a month since Arpita does not drink.

Since both come from middle-class families, they have largely similar views towards money. Their parents constantly extolled the virtues of saving (and still do!).

Nikhil believes in leading a luxurious life "within limits" and loves to shop. That explains why he has three credit cards. Arpita believes in saving for the future.

Their goals are simple and what most people would aim for.

1. In five years time, they plan to have a child and would like to save for their child.
2. Ten years down the road, they plan to buy a house for Rs 20 lakh (Rs 2 million).
3. Nikhil would like to retire at 60. Right now he is 25 and would be completing 26 years on July 28, 2006.

Take a good look at their expenditure patterns and finances before you read the comments of our expert, Gaurav Mashruwala.

• Nikhil and Arpita's expenses
• Nikhil and Arpita's savings and investments
• Gaurav Mashruwala on the couple's financial planning strategy

Would you like to be financially appraised? Then do write to us with these details and Gaurav Mashruwala will comment on your investments.

1. Name
2. Age
3. City you live in
4. Phone number
5. Take-home salary/earnings
6. List of your current investments and the amount invested in each
7. Number of loans you are servicing with details of tenure and EMI
8. Monthly expenses
9. Details of insurance cover (medical and life)
10. Number of dependents
11. Goals towards which you would like to save
12. Tax bracket you fall under

• If you are married, the above details need to be provided for both spouses.
• Requests without all the above details will not be considered.
• We may not be able to answer every query due to an overwhelming response.

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