From Rs 0 to Rs 1 Crore: CA Shares Practical 5-Step Blueprint That’s Striking a Chord With Indians

In a country where conversations around financial freedom are often filled with unrealistic shortcuts and overnight success stories, a chartered accountant’s grounded and practical advice is making waves online. CA Nitin Kaushik recently shared a no-fluff, actionable roadmap on X (formerly Twitter) that lays out how an average Indian—with no inheritance or high-paying job—can still build over Rs 1 crore in wealth. His post has since resonated widely, going viral for its simplicity and focus on long-term discipline.

What sets his approach apart is the emphasis on creating structure and building good money habits—not chasing luck or relying on risky bets. “It’s not about luck. It’s about systems and consistency,” Kaushik wrote, urging people to shift their mindset from short-term gains to strategic planning.

Here’s a breakdown of the five-phase roadmap he calls the Financial Freedom Blueprint:

💥 From ₹0 Savings to ₹1 Cr: A Financial Freedom Blueprint Most People Ignore

If you’re starting from scratch — no inheritance, no fancy job — this roadmap can still take you to ₹1 Cr and beyond.

It’s not about luck. It’s about systems and consistency.
Here’s a realistic… pic.twitter.com/4NW2XFvdoV

— CA Nitin Kaushik (@Finance_Bareek) August 2, 2025

Phase 1: Build an Emergency Cushion

The journey doesn’t begin with investments—it starts with protection. Kaushik stresses the importance of having a financial buffer in place before making any investment decisions. He suggests saving at least Rs 1 lakh in a savings account or fixed deposit. This acts as a security net in case of job loss, medical emergencies, or unforeseen expenses. According to him, this foundational step helps you stay afloat during tough times and prevents you from dipping into investments prematurely.

Phase 2: Start a Monthly SIP of Rs 10,000

Once the safety net is in place, the next step is to start building wealth through systematic investing. Kaushik recommends investing Rs 10,000 each month into equity mutual funds via SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). Assuming an average return of 12% annually, this could grow into a corpus of over Rs 1 crore in about 20 years. He underlines that staying consistent with your SIPs matters far more than trying to perfectly time the market.

Phase 3: Create a Side Income Stream

Earning from a single job isn’t the only route to financial growth. Kaushik encourages people to tap into freelancing, content creation, tutoring, or other skill-based work to generate an extra Rs 30,000 per month. Crucially, he advises that this side income should be channelled only into building assets or investments—not for day-to-day spending. Done right, this habit alone can contribute Rs 30 to 40 lakh to your net worth over a 10-year period.

Phase 4: Protect Your Financial Base

While growing money is important, protecting it is non-negotiable. Kaushik emphasizes securing term insurance that covers 10–15 times your annual income. He also recommends having a health insurance policy with a cover of Rs 10 to 20 lakh. At the same time, he strongly cautions against high-interest loans and unnecessary EMIs that could derail financial progress. Solid protection ensures your financial plans aren’t wiped out by a single unfortunate event.

Phase 5: Build Your ‘Freedom Fund’

The final and perhaps most aspirational part of Kaushik’s strategy is to build what he calls a “freedom fund.” This fund should be 25 times your annual expenses. So, if your lifestyle costs Rs 6 lakh a year, your financial independence target becomes Rs 1.5 crore. Reaching this figure means you can maintain your lifestyle without being dependent on a salary, giving you true freedom of choice in life.

Bonus Insight: Learn Skills That Grow Your Income

Kaushik also throws in one last piece of advice—invest time in developing high-value skills such as writing, coding, digital marketing, or financial literacy. These skills not only help increase your earning potential but can also scale much faster than traditional investment returns. Over time, your income-generating ability becomes a compounding asset of its own.

What makes this five-step strategy particularly powerful is its realism. There’s no promise of overnight wealth, but rather a long-term, consistent plan rooted in financial discipline. Kaushik reminds us that most people grossly underestimate what steady effort over 10 to 15 years can accomplish.

His viral message cuts through the noise: With the right habits, protection, and income growth strategies, building Rs 1 crore and beyond isn’t just a dream—it’s a roadmap anyone can follow.