What They Don’t Teach You About Money in Indian Schools
What They Don’t Teach You About Money in Indian Schools
“Padhai karo, achhi naukri milegi, paisa khud aa jayega.”
How many of us grew up hearing this?
Indian schools taught us algebra, the Pythagorean theorem, and how to write essays on cows—but never once taught us how to manage money, invest it, or grow it.
And that’s a problem.
Because most of us are now navigating adulthood like this:
Working hard. Earning decently. Still broke.
So, let’s talk about the money lessons schools should’ve taught us, but didn’t.
1. How to Budget and Track Expenses
We were never taught to create a monthly budget.
We learnt to balance chemical equations, but not balance a bank account.
Reality:
Without tracking your money, you’ll never know where it’s leaking. A simple budget can save thousands per month.
What to do instead: Use apps like Walnut or Spendee, or go old-school with a notebook. The point is: know where every rupee goes.
2. The Power of Compound Interest
We all heard the formula:
A = P(1 + r/n)ⁿt
But no one told us it can make you rich if used right.
Reality:
If a 20-year-old invests ₹5,000/month in mutual funds, they could have over ₹2 crores by 50. Just by being consistent.
What to do instead: Start early. Even ₹500/month is a start. Time is your greatest asset.
3. Why Just Saving Is Not Enough
Indian families glorify saving. And while saving is good, keeping your money idle in a savings account is not.
Reality:
Inflation silently eats your money. ₹100 today won’t buy the same tomorrow.
What to do instead: Learn basic investing—mutual funds, PPF, NPS, or even index funds.
4. Good Debt vs Bad Debt
School: “Debt is bad.”
Life: “Home loan? Education loan? Credit card EMI? What’s the difference?”
Reality:
Not all debt is evil. Debt used to build assets (like a home or education) is good. But debt used for iPhones and vacations? That’s a trap.
What to do instead: Understand the purpose of every loan. If it doesn’t grow your income, think twice.
5. Taxes and How to Legally Save Them
Do you remember learning how to file an ITR? Or what Section 80C is?
Exactly.
Reality:
Every salaried person can save thousands through deductions. But most of us learn this late—or never.
What to do instead: Learn about income tax slabs, deductions, and exemptions. It’s not that hard—YouTube is your free school now.
6. Why Emergency Funds Are Non-Negotiable
One medical emergency can wipe out years of savings. We were never told to prepare for the unexpected.
Reality:
You need at least 3–6 months of expenses saved separately in an emergency fund. No, your parents' money doesn’t count.
What to do instead: Create an emergency fund—even if it’s slow. It’s your financial seatbelt.
7. Money is Emotional, Not Just Logical
We weren’t taught that emotions affect financial decisions.
That’s why people blow bonuses on gadgets but hesitate to invest ₹500 in a SIP.
Reality:
Money decisions are 80% behaviour, 20% math. And until you master your emotions, you’ll keep repeating the same mistakes.
What to do instead: Build financial discipline. Read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad or The Psychology of Money.
Final Thoughts
Schools prepared us for exams, but not for real-life financial stress.
But the good news?
You don’t need a fancy degree to be financially wise—you just need to start learning, a little every day.
Because in the real world, money isn't just math—it’s freedom.
👉 If this hit home, share it with someone who’s still figuring out their finances. Let’s teach each other what schools never did.
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