R2I Chapter 2.3: How much money did you save up in the US before deciding to return to India?

My Return to India (R2I) story > R2I Chapter 2.3 

The answer to the question of "how much money" is extremely subjective. Back in 2005, a friend of mine, Kesh, decided to move back to India after he met his target was rather simple and achievable: saving $100,000 by the end of H1B term. 

Kesh was firm on the target amount and the plans to move back after meeting that goal. He moved back to India a month after his savings hit that target. At the time it converted to about 50 Lakhs. 

In addition, Kesh had inherited a nice house in Koramangala (Bangalore) from his father and set-aside a part of his savings to renovate the house before moving in. He invested the rest in mutual funds and bank and lives happily with the interest and dividends he earns. 

We meet occasionally, and Kesh seems to be content with the decision to move back to India and his investment targets. 

I used that as an example when I was considering a move back to India  (ref blog: What were your experiences moving back to India after getting US citizenship?). I consider myself blessed to have earnt and saved a nice nest-egg when I had to take the decision to move back. In addition to my $$ savings, I had some investments and a house in India, which eased the transition.

So, how do I answer the question "How much money did you save up in the US before deciding to return to India?" I don't. Instead, I just narrate my friend's experience and point back to how one has to define one's own targets based on future life expectations. 

A few tips about money and savings when it comes to R2I:

• There is no magical number that applies to all
• If you have a house/flat/villa in a major metro in India, the amount of ‘savings’ alone will matter less
• Cost of living in India varies widely. Amount of savings you need also depends on the city/town/village where you plan to return back to.
• Amount of savings also depend on the lifestyle you aspire to.

Bottomline: Your $$ savings alone should not dictate your “Return to India” decision. That decision should be based on other factors besides money and savings alone….. though a savings cushion will certainly help.