New Delhi, Sept. 10 -- Sreeparna Ghosh, 39, an IT professional from Kolkata, follows a three-step investment plan-building an emergency cushion, maintaining her lifestyle, and securing retirement.

"I invest in shares and mutual funds and have bought some land for my long term goals. I try to diversify my portfolio as much as possible. For my short term goals I prefer putting my money into recurring deposits," she said.

Your 30s are a financial tightrope. Earnings grow, but so do responsibilities-building an emergency corpus, buying a home, starting a family, planning for education and marriage, and saving for retirement. This is the time to inculcate disciplined money habits and set clear goals to balance today's needs with tomorrow's s...