Introduction
Many people think we need to earn a lots of money to become financially independent. But the actual truth is — it’s not about how much we earn, it’s about how we manage what we have. In this post, lets go over 5 simple money habits that anyone can start today. These small changes can lead to a big difference over time. Let’s start!
Table of Contents
1. Track Every Rupee You Spend
This is the first and most important habit. You cannot manage what you don’t measure.
Why it matters:
Many people don’t realize how much they spend on small things like coffee, snacks, or online shopping. These small expenses add up quickly.
How to start:
- Use a simple app like Wallet, Money Manager, or just Google Sheets.
- At the end of each day, note down your expenses.
- Categorize them: Food, Travel, Shopping, etc.
Pro Tip:
Do this for 30 days. You’ll be shocked to see where your money actually goes!
2.Pay Yourself First
This is a classic personal finance rule that truly works.
What it means:
Before you pay bills, buy groceries, or shop online — put aside a portion of your income for yourself. This money goes into savings or investments.
How to do it:
- Save at least 20% of your income every month.
- Automate it if possible — set up an auto-transfer to your savings account or mutual fund.
Benefits:
- Builds your emergency fund
- Creates long-term wealth
- Makes you feel in control
3.Avoid Impulse Buying
Let’s admit it — we’ve all bought things we didn’t need, just because they were on sale or looked cool.
What to do instead:
Follow the 24-hour rule:
- If you see something you want to buy, wait 24 hours.
- Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”
- In most cases, the urge will pass.
Try this too:
- Unsubscribe from shopping apps and emails
- Remove saved debit/credit card details
- Shop with a list, not with your mood
You’ll be surprised how much money you can save!
4.Budget Like a Boss
Budgeting sounds boring, but it’s a powerful tool.
What is budgeting?
It’s just planning how much you’ll spend in different categories every month — so you don’t run out of money halfway through.
Start with the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% for Needs (rent, food, bills)
- 30% for Wants (dining out, entertainment)
- 20% for Savings & Debt repayment
Tools to help:
You can use:
- Notebooks
- Google Sheets (I can give you a template!)
- Apps like GoodBudget or YNAB
Why it works:
You stop guessing and start planning. That gives you peace of mind.
🚀 5. Learn About Money — One Topic a Week
The more you know, the better decisions you’ll make.
Start with the basics:
- What is compound interest?
- How do mutual funds work?
- What is credit score?
Where to learn:
- YouTube (Try channels like CA Rachana Ranade or Labour Law Advisor)
- Blogs (like this one 😊)
- Podcasts (like Paisa Vaisa)
Make it fun:
Pick one money topic per week and spend 30 minutes learning about it. Over 6 months, you’ll be smarter with money than 90% of people around you!
5.Learn About Money — One Topic a Week
The more you know, the better decisions you’ll make.
Start with the basics:
- What is compound interest?
- How do mutual funds work?
- What is credit score?
Where to learn:
- YouTube (Try channels like CA Rachana Ranade or Labour Law Advisor)
- Blogs (like this one 😊)
- Podcasts (like Paisa Vaisa)
Make it fun:
Pick one money topic per week and spend 30 minutes learning about it. Over 6 months, you’ll be smarter with money than 90% of people around you!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fancy degree or a high-paying job to take control of your money. All you need are a few simple, consistent habits — like tracking expenses, saving first, and spending mindfully.
Start with just one habit from this post today. Then slowly build your way up. In a few months, you’ll feel more confident, less stressed, and ready to build your own RupeeNest.