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Average Indian millennial becomes financially independent between 21-25 years

* 34% of millennials have kick-started retirement savings already

* 47% of millennials prefer SIP/recurring deposits as an investment avenue

* 41% of millennials set aside a budget of 10-20% of their annual income as savings

* The first of its kind investment-focused survey from the company covered more than 20,000 millennial customers across 80 cities

Mumbai : CASHe, India’s leading AI-driven financial wellness platform with a mission to make financial inclusion possible for all, today released the ‘The Financially Independent Millennial’ report 2022. According to the survey, more than 43% of the respondents across the country stated they started making financial decisions independently between the ages of 21-25 years. The pan-India survey was conducted among more than 20,000 customers on the CASHe platform as well as on its newly acquired wealth management platform, Sqrrl. The survey witnessed the participation of millennials from more than 80 cities and captures their preferences and attitudes towards finance & investment matters.

As millennials are evolving and growing to take on additional financial commitments, there is a growing realisation among the cohort for responsible investing. As part of their preference for ongoing investment and growth, millennials are eyeing to ace financial discipline and regularity with over 47% of respondents expressing their penchant for SIP/recurring deposits as their preferred investment pattern followed by 31% of respondents who favoured goalbased savings. Although young millennials may not have much to put aside, the study indicates that they are aiming to adopt smart savings habits. Also, the cohort’s inclination towards SIP and goal-based investment plans implies their commitment to regular savings.

With millennials growing increasingly wary about money matters post-pandemic, the study indicated that a vast majority of the respondents (41%) set aside a budget of anywhere between 10-20% of their annual income as savings. The data showcased the growing trend of millennials adopting responsible financial behaviour at an early age. However in contrast it also stated that a considerable chunk of millennials (around 30%) set aside less than 10% of their annual income as savings which raises concern in regard to the cohort committing to regular savings.

The report also highlighted that millennials are rapidly evolving as ‘forward thinkers’. While boomers are either into retirement or nearing it, millennials have plenty of time to plan and save, however, there is a growing consciousness among millennials to start saving early for their post-retirement life. More than 34% of the respondents stated that they were highly conscious of the matter and have started saving already. Whereas close to 48% of the respondents said they have not yet factored in retirement planning but a considerable chunk (23%) aim to kick-start retirement planning soon.

Millennials are increasingly turning to digital alternatives and prefer to do their investments themselves. In terms of preference for new-age alternative asset classes, Digital Gold topped the charts with more than 33% of the respondents voting for it. It clearly showcased millennial inclination towards gold as a stable asset class and a profitable instrument offering long-term gains. Digital gold offers the digital native cohort the best of both worlds - owning physical gold with the benefits of new-age technology that eliminates the hassles of physical inspection and onus. This was followed by cryptocurrency (29%), fractional ownership (17%), P2P lending (12%), and US equity investment (9%).

With increasing awareness about tax saving modes and avenues, millennials are joining the clique of savvy investors who look at both future returns and present tax savings. According to the survey, more than 56% invested in tax saving plans, while the rest were found supposedly unaware.

Millennials have faced the most uncertain economic future of the generation since the onset of the pandemic. The majority of millennials have grown to become more cautious about finances amid the pandemic. According to the report, medical emergency, accounting for 36% was the top reason for millennials availing loans in 2022. This was followed by unplanned expenditure and education accounting for 19% and 14% respectively.

The report also highlighted that banks continue to lead the stride as the most preferred go-to lending avenue among millennials. The survey highlighted that 41% of millennials secured loans from a bank whereas 35% of the borrowers opted for a digital lending platform. Owing to the relaxed eligibility criteria, bias-free processes, and attractive interest rates, lending platforms are rapidly gaining popularity among millennials.

V Raman Kumar, Founder Chairman, CASHe said, “Millennials – the first generation to be known as digital natives have made technology an integral part of their everyday life and therefore money management too is no exception. As the country’s largest workforce, millennials are driving a paradigm shift in the wealth-management industry. The cohort is seeking new-age offerings at the intersection of technology and innovation that help them pursue a custom-fit journey that suits their investment appetite and goals. The survey clearly showcases how millennials today are rapidly evolving as investors, borrowers, and wealth creators. CASHe has engaged with the Indian millennial cohort extensively and has been an integral part of their aspirational journey. With the acquisition of Sqrrl, we aim to leverage our deep understanding and expertise with the cohort to offer customized financial planning and investment strategies tailored to suit this unique cohort while empowering them to embrace a responsible wealth management journey.”

CASHe is an AI-based, credit-led, non-bank, mobile-first financial wellness platform focussed on making financial inclusion possible by serving the underserved digital cohort in India. The company is driven by its laser focus to unlock opportunities for everyday people by making financial inclusion and accessibility possible using its cutting-edge algorithms and cloud-based credit decision systems. CASHe is a first-of-its-kind origination, lending, distribution, and investing platform democratizing access to credit for millennials & Gen Z in India.

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