Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just not good with money”?
Or maybe you save too much… or spend too fast… and you’re not even sure why?
Most of our money habits — the way we save, spend, or avoid money — aren’t random. They’re deeply rooted in what we heard, saw, and felt about money while growing up. This is what’s known as your money mindset — and in India, especially, it’s often shaped more by family culture than formal education.
Let’s explore how your childhood may have programmed your current financial behaviour — and how you can reset your money mindset with a simple but powerful system.
Childhood Conversations = Adult Money Habits
Whether you grew up in a middle-class home in Delhi or a small town in Maharashtra, chances are your money mindset wasn’t formed in a classroom.
It came from statements like:
- “We can’t afford that.”
- “Save every rupee — you never know what can happen.”
- “Don’t tell anyone how much we earn.”
- “Rich people don’t always earn honestly.”
These phrases — repeated by well-meaning parents — slowly build your beliefs about money. And from those beliefs come your behaviours. As adults, we usually end up on one of two extremes:
Two Typical Adult Outcomes from Scarcity Conditioning
1. The Cautious Hoarder
This person grows up hearing about how hard it is to earn money.
As an adult, they save obsessively but struggle to enjoy life.
They fear investing (“what if I lose it?”) and live with constant financial anxiety — even if they’re doing well.
2. The Rebellious Spender
This person was constantly told “no” as a child.
As soon as they start earning, they go all out — shopping, eating out, vacations.
They feel entitled to enjoy what they couldn’t in childhood.
But this often leads to overspending, credit card debt, and zero savings.
Neither of these money habits leads to financial peace.
So, how do we avoid the extremes?
The Key: Moderation + Process = Financial Freedom
You don’t have to live in fear of running out of money.
You also don’t have to blow it all to feel free.
What you do need is a process that brings balance between enjoying the present and securing your future.
That’s where the Money Jar Method comes in — a simple, proven money management system that brings clarity, structure, and balance to your finances.
🏺 What is the Money Jar Method?
The Money Jar System divides your income into 6 “jars” or categories:
- Necessities (50%) – Rent, groceries, bills, basic living
- Financial Freedom/Investments (10%) – SIPs, mutual funds, stocks
- Savings (10%) – Emergency fund, short-term savings
- Education (10%) – Books, courses, upskilling
- Play (10%) – Movies, dinners, guilt-free fun
- Charity (10%) – Donations, helping others
Read the full breakdown here: Your Guide to the Money Jar Method
This method allows you to spend and save with intention. You feel in control — not restricted.
It’s also a great tool for resetting unhealthy money habits formed in childhood.
Generational Money Mindsets: 80s–90s Kids vs. 2000s Onwards
Let’s take a deeper look into how money mindset differs across generations in India.
80s and Early 90s Kids:
- Parents were careful spenders, influenced by post-liberalisation uncertainty.
- Education was priority; luxury was minimal.
- Kids had to earn privileges — be it a cycle or a birthday party.
- Result: They value money, but some carry guilt around spending on themselves.
Kids Born After 2000:
- Born into tech, abundance, and options.
- Parents often gave them everything — from iPads to vacations — without much delay.
- Financial lessons were rarely taught; everything was one click away.
- Result: These adults may struggle with delayed gratification, overspending, or undervaluing money.
So who’s better off?
Neither — if taken to the extreme.
Whether you learned to hoard or got too comfortable with instant gratification, both lead to imbalance.
What we need is a mindset that allows us to enjoy the moment while building for the future.
Rewiring Your Money Mindset Starts Here
Money mindset isn’t permanent.
Like fitness or learning a language, it can be reshaped — with awareness and action.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Money Beliefs
- What did I hear about money growing up?
- Am I afraid to spend? Or afraid to save?
- Do I judge wealthy people? Do I avoid financial conversations
Awareness is the first step.
Step 2: Start Using the Money Jar System
It’s not about perfection — it’s about practice.
Use a spreadsheet or even envelopes to begin.
Even if you can’t follow the exact percentages, the structure itself builds discipline and balance.
Step 3: Educate Yourself (Guilt-Free!)
Read books, watch YouTube channels on financial literacy, attend workshops, or talk to a financial advisor.
There’s no shame in not knowing — only in not starting.
Final Thoughts: Your Money Story Can Change
You may have grown up in a household where money was scarce, secretive, or stressful.
Or in one where everything was given easily, but never explained.
Whichever it is — you have the power to break that cycle.
Your money mindset doesn’t have to control you.
You can create a new financial legacy — for yourself, and for the next generation — by bringing intention, balance, and process into your money life.
