First 90 days of salary: the only checklist you need

The first 90 days decide whether salary aayi, phir gayi becomes your personality. This is the series hub: do these in order, then go deeper on each linked guide.

Days 1–7: know the real number

1. 1.Decode CTC vs in-hand and ignore vanity variable.
2. 2.Read joining-bonus clawback before you spend a rupee of it.
3. 3.Open a separate account or folder for “rent + deposit + emergency.”

Days 8–30: city and survival

1. 1.Lock PG/flat with written deposit terms — photo the room.
2. 2.Set a 50/30/20-ish budget on payday automation.
3. 3.Agree a send-money-home number with family if that is your reality.

Days 31–60: protect and automate

1. 1.Starter emergency fund before flex spends.
2. 2.First SIP in a direct index fund — even ₹2–3k.
3. 3.One lifetime-free card max, full bill only — no BNPL experiments.

Days 61–90: tax and raise-proofing

1. 1.Pick tax regime with a calculator, not a reel.
2. 2.If you freelance on the side, track payouts for AIS.
3. 3.Write a step-up SIP rule for your first hike before it arrives.