I invest about 40% of my salary. About 35% goes towards essentials. And the rest, I blow up. I mean it. I have to spend this money on things I enjoy in the present. Eating out with friends, buying things I always wanted, saving for a larger purchase (but not investing), etc.

Be very wise about this. If you go and spend on stupid things that are supposed to make you happy but don't, that's money wasted.

Analyze yourself. Understand what really does make you happy and spend money on that. Travelling works well for me.

Other points to note:

1. Before any investment, have at least 6 months' (or more) worth of savings in your bank account, FD, liquid funds, or someplace safe.

2. FD and liquid funds are low-risk. But that's not going to give you any real growth. Invest in equity mutual funds and/or stocks.

3. Investment first, then spending. Live on the money left after you invest. Don't invest after having spent on stupid things.

4. Spend a lot of money on a few things you like. Not on everything. On other things, try to save. Do you really need a fancy kitchen knife? Probably no. Buy the cheapest good quality knife. Do you love shoes? Okay, buy nice ones.

5. Buy a smartphone that costs less than half your monthly salary. Don't try to impress others with your gadgets. It doesn't work. Want to impress? Work on your personality.

6. Investing your existing money will not make you super-rich. Work on increasing the amount of money you earn.

7. No EMIs. Buying a house? Fine, maybe. Vehicle? If you really need it, and/or are very passionate about it. Anything else, no EMI. Pay for it from your bank account or don't buy it.

8. Finance is very very vast. Just because someone seems to know what they're talking about doesn't mean they actually know it. Subscribe to all newsletters you can find about finance, Indian or otherwise. Read books on investing. Follow the right people on Twitter. Investing isn't about finances alone. Learning about investing teaches you a lot about life.