Simple (And Boring) Money Rules That Work

Ever dealt with “money anxiety?” It’s the kind where:

• A health scare feels like a financial emergency.

• You calculate the cost of going out before you decide if you’re free.

• You keep wishlisting but never buy because there’s always something more “essential.”

• One unexpected bill means you must compromise on other expenses.

These situations don’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It’s just that no one told you that financial stability comes from getting a few small things right, early.

The "things" we wish more of us had known earlier:

• SIPs actually work. Not in the “mutual funds sahi hai” ad sense, but in the boring, consistent, wealth-building way. Just pick a decent fund and stick with it.

• Not all debt is evil. If your education loan helped you reach where you are, it’s not a mistake. Just make a plan to close it in time. Avoid the lifestyle EMIs, though.

• Take insurance seriously. One term plan and one health policy are essential protections, not add-ons.

• Stick to regulated platforms. If it sounds too rewarding and isn’t SEBI or RBI approved, pause. There are enough legit ways to grow your money.

• Impress no one. Not your colleagues, friends, or Instagram. Don’t buy things to look a certain way.

• Just because it moves fast doesn’t mean it moves forward. Options, penny stocks, and F&O are not for most people, especially not with borrowed money.

• Gold ETFs and government schemes may seem boring. Which is precisely why they work.

• Retirement sounds far. But your future self will thank you for thinking about it now. Even if it’s just one NPS contribution to begin with.

You see, financial freedom isn’t a distant milestone. It’s when a hospital bill doesn’t shake you. When you can say yes to things without checking your balance twice. It’s built quietly when you make choices like these.

And if you ever feel stuck? Finology hai na. 😉