This is the first of Trendlyne's My Money Series - a series on the money decisions of ordinary Indians. Here, we speak to Akhil, a 24 year old photographer. These stories cover Indians across income classes, to find out how people save, invest and spend their money. 

"We are a family of three, and all of us work - my parents and me. I completed my schooling and got a job. I earn Rs. 2.4 lakh a year, and I started saving for a motorbike when I started working.

I've wanted a bike for a long time - we don't have any transportation and usually use the bus. The bike model I wanted, a Hero Splendor, cost me Rs. 53,000. I had saved some money over one year of working, which helped me pay an advance of Rs. 25000.  I am paying the balance now through EMI, at Rs. 2,400 per month.

I try to save some money every month to invest. My monthly expenses are around Rs 10K since I live with my parents, and don't have rent costs.  I don't have a fixed deposit account, and don't put much money in the bank. Instead I contribute Rs. 3,500 every month to a chit fund. 

I also have a savings account at a jewellery store, into which I add Rs. 1000 per month. The store allows me to keep an account with them, so after 12 months if I want to buy gold, they will give it to me at the lowest rate it was selling at during those 12 months.

In our family we have always saved in gold. Demonetization has shown that cash, banks, all of this can make life complicated. But people will always buy and sell gold."