'Don't depend on your kids for retirement,' warns CA with a blunt take on real costs and savings

Planning for retirement is no longer about hope or tradition—it’s about numbers, strategy, and taking control before it’s too late. CA Nitin Kaushik recently highlighted a harsh reality for many: relying on children as a fallback is not a family value, it’s a risk management failure. With inflation, taxes, and shifting investment landscapes, building a personal financial safety net has become essential for anyone looking to retire comfortably.

Kaushik breaks down the math clearly. A monthly expenditure of Rs 50,000 today could escalate to nearly ₹1.93 lakh in 20 years with a conservative 7% inflation rate, meaning maintaining the same lifestyle will require far more than most anticipate. Traditional instruments like fixed deposits are no longer sufficient, especially with the 2026 tax changes limiting deductions on debt and high-value insurance policies. He stresses the importance of leveraging equity investments efficiently, including maximising the Rs 1.25 lakh annual LTCG exemption to keep gains tax-efficient.



The larger lesson, Kaushik notes, is that retirement planning cannot be emotional—it must be asset-backed. By treating future finances as a sovereign fund, rather than depending on children or external support, individuals can secure independence, stability, and peace of mind. Building this personal fund over the next two decades ensures that one’s lifestyle is safeguarded without becoming a financial burden to the next generation.

In essence, retirement planning today requires foresight, discipline, and an informed strategy. Kaushik’s perspective is a call to action: transform assumptions into actionable plans, embrace modern investment approaches, and take ownership of your financial future before circumstances dictate otherwise.