Rising interest rates and 5.5 per cent inflation can put household budgets under pressure, forcing even financially disciplined families to reconsider their priorities. Bharath, a 32-year-old salaried professional, had always believed that a steady income and disciplined savings were enough to secure his family’s future. Every month, he paid his home-loan EMI, set aside money for his parents, covered household expenses and invested a small amount for the future. However, as g