Introduction: What’s Behind the Glitter?

Gold prices in India have hit a historic milestone — ₹1 lakh per 10 grams. This has triggered intense debates: Is this just the beginning of a massive bull run or is the market going to crash like in 2012? Should you buy now, wait for a correction, or sell and book profits?

In this blog, we’ll break down what’s causing the price surge, analyze past trends, and most importantly — help you figure out what to do next. If you’re feeling the FOMO or the fear of staying invested, you’re not alone. But gold isn’t just about market timing; it’s about strategy and understanding the bigger picture.

1. Why Gold Is Soaring in 2024–2025

Gold thrives in chaos — and there’s no shortage of that right now. From the Russia-Ukraine war to rising tensions in the Middle East, and ongoing US-China trade battles, global instability is pushing people to seek safe assets. Gold is often seen as a hedge — a safety net when nothing else feels stable.

Even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) owns over 879 tonnes of gold, about 11% of its forex reserves. Why? Because gold retains value when paper currencies face turbulence. Central banks across the globe are adding gold, not to replace currency but to balance systemic risks.

2. The Indian Psyche and Gold

Gold isn’t just an investment in India — it’s emotion, tradition, and trust. During India’s 1991 financial crisis, we literally flew 47 tonnes of gold to London to borrow money and save the country. For many households, gold is kept in lockers not for returns, but for peace of mind.

This mindset hasn’t gone away. What’s changed is how people buy gold. Gold jewellery demand has fallen from 610 tonnes in 2021 to 563 tonnes in 2024. But gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds) have surged — from just ₹460 crores in 2022 to ₹9,224 crores in 2024. Indians still believe in gold. The mode has just shifted from jewellery to digital.

3. Is Gold Really a Hedge Against Equity?

Many people think gold goes up when stock markets fall, and vice versa. That’s partly true, but not always. From 2006 to 2024, there were many years where both equity and gold went up. The relationship isn’t always inverse — it’s more nuanced.

Sometimes, both asset classes perform well in strong economies with high liquidity. And sometimes, during crises like 2008, both fall — temporarily. The takeaway? Gold isn’t the opposite of stocks. It’s a different player altogether. You need both to balance your portfolio.

4. Does Gold Always Give Returns?

Let’s play a quick game:

• From 1980 to 1989 — return: 0%
• From 1996 to 2002 — return: 0%
• From 2012 to 2019 — return: 0%

Yes, zero. Even gold has long periods of no growth. But during certain stretches like 2008–2012 and 2020–2024, gold has performed extremely well. This reminds us of an important truth — no asset class always goes up. Not equity, not real estate, not gold.

That’s why investing blindly at the top isn’t smart. Nor is ignoring it altogether. The key is balance.

5. What Should You Do Now?

Let’s answer the 3 golden questions:

1. Should I buy gold now?
   If you’re looking long term — 5 to 10 years — having some gold is a good idea. But don’t invest your entire savings. Start small. Think of it as a safety component of your portfolio, not the main star.
2. Should I wait for a correction?
   Nobody knows when the market will fall. If it corrects, great — you can buy more. If it doesn’t, at least you started. Don’t time the market. Build a habit instead — invest monthly, even small amounts.
3. If prices fall, should I buy a lot?
   Again, don’t overreact. Don’t dump all your money into gold. Build a diversified portfolio — equity, FDs, real estate, and gold. That’s how you win long-term.

Investing isn’t about guessing right. It’s about systems, not emotions. Small, consistent investments over time beat big moves based on hype or fear.

Conclusion: Is Gold Still a Safe Bet?

Gold has crossed Rs1 lakh per 10 grams — a milestone, no doubt. But don’t get caught in headlines. Zoom out. Gold has a place in your financial plan — not because it’s always rising, but because it protects. It offers peace in chaos.

If you’re investing with a 10-year view, add gold to your basket. But do it gradually. Don’t panic if it falls. Don’t get greedy if it rises. Systems work. Emotions don’t. And as they say — gold may glitter, but wisdom shines brighter.

For more market updates and smart investing tips, check out:

• Gold Price Analysis – TradeAlone
• Gold ETFs Explained – NSE India
• RBI Gold Reserves – Official Data

Introduction: The Dream Salary Illusion

For many young Indians, the idea of earning ₹15 lakh per year sounds like a dream. It’s that magic number we’re told to chase after college or early in our careers. Your relatives smile, your LinkedIn lights up, and friends whisper — “You’ve made it.” But let’s pause. What if I told you that hitting ₹15 lakh could quietly be the beginning of a trap?

This isn’t just another lecture on saving or investing. This is about the mental shift that happens when money starts flowing in. Inspired by a brutally honest talk by Ankur Warikoo, this article takes you on a journey of what really happens when your dream salary arrives. And spoiler alert — it’s not all roses.

Main Content

1. The Salary That Changes Everything — Or Does It?

Let’s say you finally get the ₹15 lakh per annum package. Roughly ₹1.2 lakh per month after taxes. On the surface, that’s brilliant! You feel confident. You start thinking about moving out, upgrading your phone, maybe even planning your next vacation.

But society starts reacting. Your parents say, “Beta, time to settle down.” Relatives nudge, “Get your own flat now.” Friends suggest “No more PG bro, rent a 2BHK.” And slowly, expectations start rising — from everyone, including yourself.

You upgrade your life not because you really need it, but because you’re expected to. This is the first trap — societal pressure.

2. Lifestyle Inflation – The Silent Sinkhole

This is what Warikoo calls the “lifestyle sink.” Like water slipping through a drain, your income starts disappearing. You get a cook. You start weekend Swiggy orders. You move from Activa to a red car. Your clothes go from Sarojini Nagar to Zara.

• Grocery shopping becomes BigBasket + Nature’s Basket
• Clothes? Branded only
• Travel? At least once a quarter, or “we’re not living enough”

None of this is inherently wrong. But here’s the catch — it becomes normal. And when it becomes normal, your baseline expenses shoot up. You don’t feel richer anymore. Instead, you feel like you’re still catching up. Because your needs evolve into luxuries… and luxuries quietly become necessities.

3. Relationship Expenses – The Emotional Drain

Relationships change too. Birthday gifts are now Amazon vouchers or Apple Watches. Dinner dates are no longer at cafes — they’re at fine-dining restaurants with pre-booked slots. Even how you express love begins to carry a price tag.

It’s not because the other person expects it. It’s because you want to show that you’re earning ₹15 lakh. From gifts to travel to mini surprises, you start spending to compensate for time, emotions, and guilt.

Friendship dynamics change as well. You begin to avoid friends who aren’t earning as much. Why? Because now you like fancy bars over tapris. You forget that relationships once thrived on shared samosas, not on shared subscriptions.

4. When ₹15 Lakh Starts Feeling Too Small

At some point, a terrifying feeling creeps in: “Even this isn’t enough.” You want more. Maybe ₹20 lakh. Then ₹30. And in that process, you start taking EMIs — car loans, home loans, renovation loans, and worst of all — personal loans.

Your future income gets mortgaged for present desires.

One Warikoo follower said it best: “I earn ₹5 lakh per month and have zero investments.” Why? Because every rupee goes toward repaying something — a plot, a sofa, a fancy phone.

Eventually, you’re not growing richer — you’re getting trapped deeper. Trapped in a golden cage where the job is not optional anymore. You can’t take breaks. You can’t switch careers. You’re just… stuck.

5. Escape Plan: Redefine Money’s Role in Your Life

The escape? Simple but not easy. You redefine what money means. It’s not about showing status. It’s not about proving anything. It’s about freedom.

Warikoo talks about the 50-30-20 Rule — Spend 50% on needs, 30% on wants, 20% on investments. But with one twist. As you grow in your career, increase the investment share of every increment.

Let’s say you move from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.2 lakh/month. Then:

• 50% of the increment (₹10,000) → investments (₹5,000)
• 30% (₹3,000) → wants
• Only 20% (₹2,000) → lifestyle upgrades

This method ensures your “needs” don’t balloon with your income. You preserve the most valuable thing in life — choice. The choice to quit, rest, travel, or start something new.

And most importantly, understand that no amount of salary — ₹15 lakh or even ₹1 crore — can replace purpose. Ambani still works. Musk works even harder. Because it’s not about money. It’s about impact, purpose, and self-respect.

Conclusion: Choose Freedom Over Flexing

It’s easy to get caught up in the euphoria of hitting the ₹15 lakh salary milestone. It feels good. It should feel good. But remember — it’s just a tool. Not the goal. If your lifestyle grows faster than your investments, you’ll never feel rich. You’ll always feel like you’re behind.

Use your salary to buy freedom, not furniture. Invest more. Upgrade less. And define success on your own terms — not by the EMI of your SUV or the price of your next phone.

Because in the end, the real goal isn’t to earn more. It’s to need less and live more.

👉 For more financial wisdom, follow Ankur Warikoo’s blog or check out his YouTube channel.

Want personal finance updates and smart money tips? Bookmark TradeAlone Finance Blog today.

Introduction

In the dynamic world of stock markets, staying updated with the latest financial results of key players can make all the difference for investors. Today, we’re diving into an exciting update from Parag Milk Foods Ltd., a renowned name in the Indian dairy industry. With the release of their audited financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2025, Parag Milk Foods has set a remarkable benchmark. Let’s explore the highlights and what they mean for shareholders and the market at large.

Quarterly Financial Performance

Parag Milk Foods Ltd. reported its highest ever quarterly revenue of Rs. 918 crore, marking a significant 16% year-over-year growth. This achievement is backed by an impressive 13% volume growth. Such robust performance reflects the company’s strategic market positioning and effective product demand management.

Despite a slight decline in Gross Profit Margin (GPM) by 10 basis points to 25.1%, the company’s EBITDA showed a remarkable 69% growth, reaching Rs. 75 crore. This translates to an EBITDA margin of 8.2%, a substantial increase from 5.6% in the previous year. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged by 141% to Rs. 33 crore, and the Profit After Tax (PAT) skyrocketed by 167% to Rs. 26 crore, showcasing the company’s operational efficiency and strategic cost management.

Annual Financial Performance

For the fiscal year 2025, Parag Milk Foods recorded an annual revenue of Rs. 3,432 crore, driven by a 10% volume growth and a 9% value growth. The Gross Profit Margin expanded by 130 basis points to 25.8%, reflecting the company’s ability to manage input costs and enhance product pricing strategically.

The EBITDA for the year stood at Rs. 293 crore, a 30% increase year-over-year, with an EBITDA margin of 8.5%. The company reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 133 crore, marking a 54% growth, and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 119 crore, showing a 31% increase. Cash flow from operations was robust at Rs. 212 crore, indicating healthy liquidity and operational efficiency.

Key Business Highlights

• Robust Volume Growth: The company witnessed a strong volume growth of 10% during FY25, driven by core categories like Ghee, Cheese, and Paneer, which saw a volume growth of 18% in Q4FY25 and 17% for FY25.
• Market Leadership: Parag Milk Foods continues to lead in market share with its flagship brand Gowardhan Ghee holding a 22% share in the branded cow ghee segment, and Go Cheese commanding a 35% market share in the Cheese category.
• Volatility in Raw Material Prices: The average milk price during Q4FY25 was INR 37/litre, up by 12% YoY. Despite this volatility, the company managed to improve its Gross Margins, showcasing strong cost management capabilities.
• Improved Margins and Profitability: With a 130 basis point expansion in GPM to 25.8% during FY25, Parag Milk Foods has improved its profitability by optimizing its product mix and commanding premium pricing.
• New Age Businesses: Brands like Avvatar and Pride of Cows have shown significant growth. Avvatar recorded a 41% YoY growth, while Pride of Cows is expanding its product portfolio and distribution through quick commerce.

Distribution Reach

Parag Milk Foods’ growth is not just limited to its core products but extends to its distribution network. The company has been aggressively expanding its retail reach, ensuring that its products are available across diverse channels. This broad-based growth strategy is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in the market.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Parag Milk Foods is focused on sustaining its growth momentum by diversifying its product offerings and expanding its market reach. The company’s premiumization strategy, as seen with Pride of Cows, is expected to drive further revenue growth. Moreover, Parag Milk Foods is likely to continue leveraging its strong market position and distribution network to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the dairy sector.

Conclusion

Parag Milk Foods Ltd. has demonstrated an impressive financial performance for the quarter and fiscal year 2025, backed by strong volume growth, improved profitability, and strategic market positioning. As the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, it holds promising potential for investors and stakeholders. For those keen on the Indian dairy market, keeping an eye on Parag Milk Foods could be a lucrative move.

For more details on their financial performance, visit the official Parag Milk Foods website.