I love my mom. She raised me with values, strength, and the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
But when it came to money?
She didn’t teach me much.
Not because she didn’t care, but because no one ever taught her either.
Growing up, money wasn’t something we openly talked about at home.
We were taught to study hard, get a good job, be “sensible”… and everything else would just fall into place.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t.
My First Paycheck Felt Like a Dream
Until it didn’t.
I remember getting my first salary — I felt proud, empowered, and honestly, a little unstoppable.
But by the middle of the month, I was confused.
Where did all the money go?
Rent, groceries, online shopping, birthday gifts, last-minute dinners… and suddenly, my account balance was giving me anxiety.
And that was the pattern, month after month.
No savings. No plan. Just reacting to whatever came up.
And quietly feeling embarrassed that I “should’ve figured this out by now.”
Nobody Teaches Us — Especially Women
In most Indian families, boys are taught about money from a younger age — investing, tax-saving, insurance… all the serious stuff.
Girls? We’re often expected to “be careful” with money, but never really shown how to manage it.
So we end up learning the hard way:
- Struggling with credit card debt
- Feeling guilty for spending on ourselves
- Not knowing how much to save, invest, or even where to begin
- Relying on others for major financial decisions
And we keep quiet because no one else seems to be talking about it either.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner
Here are a few things I’ve learned through Vittae. money — things I wish my mom (or literally anyone) had told me earlier:
1. Budgeting isn’t boring, it’s powerful
It’s not about restricting yourself. It’s about knowing where your money is going and making sure it’s working for you, not just disappearing.
2. You don’t need to earn more to save — you need a plan
Most of us think we’ll save “when we start earning more.” But saving even a small amount consistently matters more than waiting for the perfect time.
3. Debt doesn’t make you a failure
So many women carry silent shame around loans or credit cards. But debt is just a part of life — what matters is learning how to manage it.
4. Investing is not just for finance bros
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need lakhs to start. You just need to start. One step at a time.
5. You are allowed to want financial independence
Even if you’re married. Even if you have kids. Even if your family thinks “he’ll take care of it.”
You are allowed to want control over your money and your future.
So Where Do You Start?
You don’t need a degree in finance. You don’t need fancy tools.
You just need:
- A simple monthly budget
- A basic savings plan
- An understanding of where your money goes
- And the courage to start talking about it — even if you feel behind
And no, it’s not too late. No matter your age or income.
Want a Simple Step-by-Step to Start?
I’ve put together a short, easy-to-follow guide with:
- A no-stress budget template
- Small changes you can make this week
- How to get out of debt without feeling overwhelmed
- How to start saving ( if you think you can’t)
Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send it to you directly.
No pressure. No judgment. Just help — because you deserve it.
Let’s Break the Silence
Money shouldn’t feel confusing, scary, or shameful.
It should feel empowering.
And we don’t need to keep figuring it out the hard way — alone.
We might not have learned this from our mothers,
but we can be the generation that gets smart about money — and teaches our daughters, sisters, and friends to do the same.
Let’s stop surviving paycheck to paycheck.
Let’s stop avoiding our bank statements.
Let’s take charge — one decision, one month, one small habit at a time.
You’re not behind. You’re just getting started. We’re here to help you.