Sharanya Iyer, a popular travel content creator with over half a million Instagram followers, revealed she spent ₹50 lakh in 2024 on travel and other major expenses. Known for her nomadic lifestyle, Sharanya shared details about her spending in a viral Instagram video, highlighting her shift from being an obsessive saver to embracing a more liberating approach to money. Her revelation has sparked a mix of admiration and debate among her followers.
Breaking Down the ₹50 Lakh Expenditure
Travel Expenses
Sharanya spent the majority of her income on globetrotting adventures:
- Destinations Visited:
- Laos and Thailand: ₹1 lakh.
- Madeira: ₹1.5 lakh.
- South Africa with her parents: ₹8 lakh.
- Greenland: ₹3 lakh.
- Iceland (three trips): ₹2.5 lakh (partially sponsored).
- Europe: ₹60,000 (with a ₹40,000 casino win offsetting costs).
- Flights: ₹5 lakh was spent on tickets to various international destinations.
Major Purchases and Other Costs
- New Car: ₹22 lakh on a Hyundai vehicle.
- Medical Expenses: ₹5 lakh on healthcare costs not covered by insurance.
Sharanya clarified that her calculations did not include daily expenses, food, and shopping, which she plans to cut down on in 2025.
Sharanya’s Philosophy on Spending
Sharanya credits her shift in financial habits to encouragement from her father and friends:
- From Saver to Spender: She transitioned from being an obsessive saver to spending more on experiences and meaningful purchases.
- Personal Growth: Sharanya expressed that learning to spend wisely brought her joy and a sense of security in an otherwise challenging year.
“Not everyone needs to agree, but this has been my significant move last year, and it brought me so much JOY,” she shared on Instagram.
Reactions to Her Spending
Sharanya’s video, which has garnered over 1.3 million views, elicited a variety of reactions:
Admiration
- Many followers praised her for living her dreams and exploring the world at a young age.
- Comments like “You’re living the life we all dream of!” showcased admiration for her lifestyle.
Criticism
- Some questioned her financial choices, calling the idea of spending most of her income on travel risky and impractical.
- A user commented, “Not saving and spending all income on traveling at a young age is a very crazy idea!”
Curiosity About Income
Several users were curious about her source of income.
- “How do you afford this lifestyle?” asked one user.
- Sharanya responded to inquiries about costs, clarifying that part of her trips, such as those to Iceland, were sponsored.
Lessons from Sharanya’s Journey
- Value of Experiences Over Savings:
Sharanya’s story highlights the joy and personal growth that can come from prioritizing meaningful experiences over accumulating savings. - Financial Independence:
Her ability to fund her travels through content creation demonstrates the potential of unconventional careers in today’s digital age. - Balanced Approach:
While her spending has inspired many, critics emphasize the importance of balancing spending with long-term financial security.
Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025
Sharanya expressed her intent to continue her adventures but with a more mindful approach to material consumption:
- Cutting Down on Shopping: She plans to reduce unnecessary purchases.
- More Adventures: Sharanya hinted at more travels and experiences in 2025.
Sharanya Iyer’s ₹50 lakh spending journey in 2024 reflects her decision to prioritize experiences and personal growth over traditional financial strategies. While her lifestyle has drawn admiration and criticism, it underscores the importance of aligning financial choices with individual values. As she looks forward to 2025, Sharanya’s story continues to inspire conversations about the balance between living for the moment and planning for the future.
