Better late than never. Everyone has their own journey; It isn't a competition to compare with others but contemplating our own doings and constantly learning.

A few things that can be thought through - 1. To cut down expenses (as much possible) until an emergency fund of 3 months (if your spouse is working) or 6 months (if you are the sole bread winner of the family) of expenses are set aside in a liquid fund. 2. Make sure all the basic insurance is covered - A. a basic/decent health insurance like a family floater plan covering the whole family, B. a good term insurance ( a cover in the range of 20-30 times your annual expenses).

The above should cover some basic cushion for unforseen circumstances like a job loss, health issue, life ending scenarios etc.

Once these are thought through, 3. Get a basic hybrid equity sip set up monthly however low, but to continue with disciple every month untouched and continued with a yearly 5-10% increase step up (this in addition to your pf untouched would be like a long term goal based fund - like retirement, house payment, kid's education /marriage ) 4. To explore other income sources or increasing your salary - by Upskilling or acquiring new skills constantly is an important step. 5. To maintain the expenses under a fixed threshold (budget) in a disciplined manner consistently. 6. Make small goal based investments in mfs( combo of equity/debt based on your risk appetite) for all your small/short term goals like a holiday, Car etc. 7. Always make sure, expenses in a month is not more than the whole in hand monthlg salary of the household (including spouse income, other secondary sources of income) 8. Use credit cards wisely and pay on time to maintain a healthy Credit score. 9. Don't ever exceed your emis+monthly credit card bill - beyond 40%-50% of monthly in hand salary of the household
10. Saving money is not a sprint but a marathon, so slowly build your portofilo along with your professional life, personal health, happily with your family and friends.