First money moves: how the Gen Z tackles unfolding job market risks

The young are exploring MFs, gold and fintech and leaning on parental guidance to navigate emerging issues

- Jash Kriplani

India's Gen Z-professionals in their early 20s-are starting careers in a time of rapid change. Technology, evolving industries, and policy shifts are reshaping jobs, yet many are surprisingly confident about managing their finances.

For them, financial planning is driven by curiosity: experimenting with mutual funds (MFs), gold, fintech products, and leaning on parental guidance. Still, gaps remain, from neglecting health insurance to struggling with an emergency fund.

In this first part of Mint Money's series, we spoke to three young professionals to see how they navigate savings, investments, and protection amid a volatile job market.

Emergency fund

For many, building an emergency fund feels daunting-important, but hard to prioritise. Diya Sanghvi, 25, a copywriter at a Bengaluru fintech, has only recently begun setting aside part of her salary. "It's a bit scary," she admits, citing inflation, policy shifts, and global tremors. Even so, she commits nearly a third of her income to equity mutual funds.

Pavithran, 24, a video editor at an IT company in Bengaluru, says: "I understand that it is important to have a few months' worth of expenses in savings to handle any unexpected changes in job situation, but I am yet to build one. I would be keen to get some financial advice on this."

He keeps his spending in control with the biggest fixed outgo a ₹7,000 bike EMI. Petrol, food and travelincluding ₹2,000 for monthly visits to his parents in Chennai-and some clothing expenses fill the rest. "I avoid spending too much on eating out or food delivery apps," he says.

In contrast, Aryaman Sital, 22, a software engineer in Noida, has saved three to four months' expenses. Living with his parents frees him from rent and utility costs, giving him a head start. His disciplined habit of saving pocket money and internship earnings during college now provides a solid buffer.

Navigating savings habits