A horrific act of terror in Pahalgam last week has shaken the nation, and in this episode, Monika addresses the financial implications of a potential war. While the armed forces are on the frontline, civilians are not immune to the disruption—war impacts all of us, not just emotionally but economically. As the geopolitical climate intensifies, she lays out a clear, calm, and practical financial toolkit to help you prepare: from building an emergency fund to conserving cash, reducing debt, and avoiding risky investments. She also underscores the importance of keeping some cash at home, ensuring insurance coverage is intact, and stocking essentials for at least a month. Whether or not the worst comes to pass, being financially prepared is the most responsible thing you can do right now.

Monika then simplifies the concept of fiscal policy. Often heard but seldom understood, this key economic tool affects how much the government taxes us and where it spends our money. She breaks it down so you understand how budget decisions today ripple into your financial life over time—from inflation to infrastructure, subsidies to defence. Fiscal policy isn’t just theory; it’s personal.

In the listener Q&A, Mohanish from Pune asks whether to buy a second home now or wait and invest the funds for a potentially better outcome in the future. Anup from Mysore wonders if he should invest his bonuses in a new mid or small cap fund or stick with his existing ones. Aravinda writes in to clarify if the retirement planning rule of thumb refers to gross or net annual income.

Chapters:

(00:31 – 04:27) Preparing Financially for War

(04:28 – 06:13) What Is Fiscal Policy and Why It Matters

(06:14 – 11:29) Should I Buy a Bigger House Now or Wait

(11:30 – 13:40) Where Should I Invest My Bonuses?

(13:41 – 14:37) How to Calculate Retirement Corpus Milestones

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠

Monika’s book on basic money management

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/⁠⁠

Monika’s book on mutual funds

⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/⁠

Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/⁠⁠

Calculators

⁠⁠https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/index.html⁠⁠

You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan.

Twitter ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠@MonikaHalan⁠

Production House: ⁠www.inoutcreatives.com⁠

Production Assistant:⁠ Anshika Gogoi⁠