Ever noticed how football teams win not just because they have a star striker — but because the entire team works together? There’s someone guarding the goal, someone passing smartly from the midfield, someone setting up shots, and someone finishing strong. Each player knows their job. They don’t overlap. They stay in formation.
Now, imagine if your money worked like that — where each rupee you earn had a clear role, and your income was divided smartly into “players” with different purposes.
That’s exactly what the 6-Jar Money Management System helps you do. It gives structure to your income and helps you plan for daily needs, future growth, personal happiness, and even giving back — without guilt, stress, or confusion.
Let’s build your personal finance dream team, shall we?
Jar 1: Necessities Jar – The Goalkeeper (50–55%)
This jar is all about survival and stability. Like a goalkeeper, it doesn’t grab attention, but it protects you every single day. Without this jar, your financial life would be chaotic.
What is this jar about? It covers your day-to-day living. Think of this jar as your monthly essentials fund. It ensures your home runs smoothly — from your roof to your food.
What goes in this jar?
- Rent or Home Loan EMI, Groceries and essential meals
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water)
- Transport (fuel, bus, cab fares)
- Mobile/internet recharge
- Basic clothing
- Children’s school fees
- Medicines and necessary health checkups
This jar should ideally be 50% of your income, but if required, can go up to 55%. If your spending is beyond that, it’s a sign to simplify your lifestyle — not just to cut costs, but to make room for wealth-building in other jars.
Jar 2: Financial Freedom Account (FFA) – The Striker (25%)
Meet your striker — the one who helps you score long-term goals. This is the jar that takes you from working for money to letting money work for you. The FFA is about investing in income-generating assets. It’s not money you save for emergencies or future spending — it’s money you grow. The golden goose that lays eggs and keeps compounding.
What goes in this jar?
- Mutual Fund SIPs
- Stocks or Index Funds
- Gold ETFs or Sovereign Gold Bonds
- PPF or NPS
- Real Estate Investments (for rental income)
- High-yielding Fixed Deposits
The money in this jar should ideally never be spent — only reinvested. It creates passive income, builds long-term wealth, and reduces dependency on active earnings. Wealthy people think long term, while poor people think short term. This jar teaches you to plan decades ahead.
Jar 3: Long-Term Savings for Spending (LTSS) – The Midfielder (10%)
This jar is your midfielder — helping you transition between today’s responsibilities and tomorrow’s desires. LTSS is for expenses you can see coming, but aren’t monthly. It gives you freedom to dream and plan — without falling into debt or dipping into your investments.
What goes in this jar?
- Vacation fund
- Festival or wedding expenses
- Buying a new phone, AC, or sofa
- Home repairs and painting
- Gym memberships, personal trainer, or health retreats
- Special birthday or anniversary gifts
This jar lets you enjoy life guilt-free, knowing you planned for it. You don’t need to swipe your credit card or break an FD to travel or celebrate.
Jar 4: Education & Self-Growth – The Coach (10%)
Even Messi needed a coach. This jar is your coach — pushing you to grow, learn, and improve your game. This is your personal development fund. It’s not just about learning new things — it’s about upgrading your value in the world. Whether you’re a teacher, designer, homemaker, or entrepreneur — this jar makes you better.
What goes in this jar?
- Online courses (Sales, Tech, Communication, Finance, etc.)
- Certifications
- Masterclasses and workshops
- Skill-building webinars
- Books, audiobooks, and podcasts
- Personal coaching or mentorship
No matter how uncertain the world is, your skills are your best safety net. This jar makes sure you’re constantly evolving and staying relevant.
Jar 5: Charity / Giving Back – The Team Spirit (5%)
Every team needs heart. This jar brings purpose to your money — beyond bills and budgets. Everyone resonates with a cause. For some, it’s education for underprivileged girls. For others, it may be supporting cancer patients, feeding stray animals, or spiritual giving. This jar channels your compassion into action.
- NGOs working for child education
- Health foundations (cancer, mental health, organ donation)
- Animal shelters and wildlife preservation
- Supporting a friend or house help in need
- Religious or spiritual community donations
- Volunteering time at local teaching programs
Giving doesn’t need millions. It needs intent. Even ₹500/month given consistently can bring immense joy, purpose, and fulfilment. The hand that gives is always above the hand that takes.
Jar 6: Play Account – The Cheerleader (10%)
Every team needs a cheerleader and every human needs joy. This is the jar that reminds you to live a little — without guilt. This jar is about fun — the kind you don’t have to justify. It’s not about splurging blindly, but about enjoying life today while building for tomorrow.
What goes in this jar?
- Weekend staycations
- Eating out or ordering in
- Spa days, salon treatments
- A new outfit, gadget, or hobby supply
- Parties or live events
- DIY kits, classes, or fun experiences
If you don’t allow joy, you’ll eventually rebel against your budget. This jar ensures you feel rewarded and human — while staying financially disciplined.
Note: These percentages are guidelines, not rules. Based on your income, lifestyle, and responsibilities, you can adjust. The idea is to give every rupee a role.
Final Thoughts: Lead Your Money Like a Team Captain
When you start treating your income like a football team — with clear roles, strategy, and discipline — everything changes.
You stop living paycheck to paycheck. You stop fearing bills. You stop feeling guilty for spending or anxious about not saving.
You become the captain of your finances.
So don’t just let money “happen” to you. Start the 6-Jar Method today and give your money purpose, power, and a plan.
Pingback: Money Mindset: How Your Childhood Shapes Your Financial Habits (and How to Fix It) Money Mindset: How Your Childhood Shapes Your Financial Habits (and How to Fix It) - Arthabodhi Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just not good with money”?