'Feels guilty spending extra': Woman earning ₹1.7 lakh a month says parents’ demands burden her, can't even replace broken phone

A 27-year-old woman’s Reddit post about struggling to save despite taking home ₹1.7 lakh a month has gone viral.

She wrote that she feels financially strained despite earning over ₹1 lakh after deductions, as most of her salary goes toward SIP investments and education loan repayments.

“I’ve been wanting to buy a phone for some time now — my current one is almost broken. But I feel guilty spending on it, wondering if I’m cheating on my savings. What if something goes wrong?” she shared.


The woman added that she avoids spending on herself, limits Swiggy orders to under ₹200, and rarely goes out with friends.

“I hate this life where I can’t spend on myself after working the whole day. Thinking for over six months to replace a phone feels pathetic,” she said.

She also expressed feeling weighed down by her parents’ expectations.

“My parents want me to spend on them, take them on vacations… I don’t know where to get the money. I feel frustrated with the demands — I have to buy for others before I look at my own needs.”

According to her post, she pays ₹30,000 in loan EMIs, invests ₹50,000–₹60,000 monthly, spends ₹20,000 on commuting, and ₹5,000 on a maid.

Reactions on Reddit

Commenting on the post, one user advised: “Without knowing your exact details, I’d broadly divide income as — 40% for essentials (EMIs, groceries, utilities), 30% for savings, and 30% for enjoying life. No point saving for tomorrow if you aren’t living today.”

Another suggested: “Track your expenses, reduce SIP to ₹30k–₹40k, cut commute costs to ₹10k, and you could save ₹60k a month. Aim for at least ₹30k savings.”

A third commented on the psychological side of spending: “I earn 20% less than you but still think thrice before spending even ₹500 on a T-shirt. It’s how we were raised — seeing our parents avoid expensive purchases shaped our habits. It takes time to change. I’ve started allowing myself small treats like a ₹200–₹300 Swiggy order without guilt. You will too.”