As 2026 begins, Monika reflects on how our relationship with money changes over a lifetime, moving beyond year-end numbers, market levels, or growth forecasts. This episode takes a philosophical turn, using the idea of life’s ashrams to frame our money journey — from learning and earning to harvesting and eventual detachment. Monika explores the paradox of money: when we are young, desires are endless and resources limited; later, resources grow but the hunger for more steadily fades.

Monika urges listeners, especially those approaching or living in the “vanaprastha” phase, to simplify and consolidate. She talks about defining what is “enough,” reducing complexity by selling scattered assets, shifting away from stressful real estate management, putting estate plans and wills in place, and freeing time and energy from financial clutter. Giving — of money, time, or skills - becomes central in this stage, as does staying mentally and physically active while consumption naturally slows. For younger listeners still deep in careers and responsibilities, she reminds them that money is a byproduct of disciplined effort, not the goal itself, and that patience, skill-building, and sensible investing remain non-negotiable.

In listener queries, Longekumar, a widowed government school teacher, writes about rebuilding financial security after loss and asks where to safely invest a lump sum; Anand Kumar Bansal from Bengaluru seeks advice on whether to take more risk despite being financially independent; and Vikas Sachdeva asks whether recent changes in NPS alter its role compared to EPF in retirement planning.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) Your Money in 2026: A Changing Relationship With Wealth

(00:00 – 00:00) Vanaprastha Today: Consolidating Assets, Simplifying Life, and Giving Back

(00:00 – 00:00) Rebuilding Financial Security After Loss and Starting From Scratch

(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Take More Risk When You Are Already Financially Secure?

(00:00 – 00:00) NPS vs EPF: How to Think About Retirement Products After Recent Changes

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠

Monika’s book on basic money management

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/⁠⁠

Monika’s book on mutual funds

⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/⁠

Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/⁠⁠

Calculators

⁠⁠https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/index.html⁠⁠

You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan.

Twitter ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠@MonikaHalan⁠

Production House: ⁠www.inoutcreatives.com⁠

Production Assistant:⁠ Anshika Gogoi