AKG Money

Short-term goal planner

A trip next summer, a new phone, a car down payment in three years. For each goal, see what it will cost when you need it, where the money should sit until then, and what to put aside every month.

These are example numbers. Change any of them to see your own answer.

Goal 1
months from now
₹

= ₹2.5 L

₹
₹
Goal 2
months from now

Put 0 to leave this goal out.

₹

= ₹1.2 L

₹
₹
Goal 3
months from now

Put 0 to leave this goal out.

₹

= ₹3 L

₹
₹
Falling short

3 of 3 goals are short. You need ₹1,03,164 more a month in total (₹1,18,164 needed, ₹15,000 invested now).

Goal by goal
ItemEurope tripNew phoneCar down payment
When2 months12 months36 months
Costs thenAfter price rises₹2.52 L₹1.27 L₹3.57 L
Already saved₹50,000₹20,000₹0
Return assumed6%7.5%7.5%
Needed each month₹1,00,731₹8,519₹8,914
You invest now₹5,000₹5,000₹5,000
Spare or short−₹95,731−₹3,519−₹3,914

Where to keep the money, and what to do

Europe trip: short

Needed within 3 months: savings account or sweep-in FD (very low risk).

  • Find ₹95,731 more a month, or add a lump sum now.

New phone: short

Needed within 3 years: liquid or low-duration debt fund, arbitrage fund, FD (low to moderate risk).

  • It's a nice-to-have: pushing it back 6–12 months makes it much easier.
  • Find ₹3,519 more a month, or add a lump sum now.

Car down payment: short

Needed within 3 years: liquid or low-duration debt fund, arbitrage fund, FD (low to moderate risk).

  • It matters to you: a target maturity fund or AAA corporate bonds can earn a little more for the same time frame.
  • Find ₹3,914 more a month, or add a lump sum now.
Falling short₹1,03,164/mo short

How this is worked out

  1. Each goal's cost grows with the price rise you set until the month you need it.
  2. The time frame decides where the money should sit: up to 3 months in a savings account or sweep-in FD; up to 3 years in liquid, low-duration or arbitrage funds or an FD; beyond that a conservative hybrid fund. Each has a typical return, which you can change.
  3. Money you've already saved grows at that return. The monthly amount is what you need to add so that, with your savings, you reach the goal exactly on time.
  4. Spare or short compares that with what you invest for the goal today.

Questions people ask

Why not put short-term money in equity funds?

Over a few months or a couple of years, stock markets can fall 20–30% and not recover in time. For money you need soon, safety matters more than return.

How are these options taxed?

Savings interest, FDs and most debt funds are taxed at your income-tax slab. Arbitrage and equity-savings funds are taxed like equity: 20% if sold within a year, 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh after that.

What if I can't find the extra each month?

Push nice-to-have goals back a few months, add any bonus or lump sum now, or trim the goal. The plan shows which goals are must-haves so you can protect those first.

Can I plan more than three goals?

Plan three here, copy the link, then change the goals and plan the next three. Print both if it helps.

Is my data saved anywhere?

No. Everything is worked out in your browser. Your goals stay on your own device, and the page link holds them so you can share them.

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