Introduction
If you’re just starting out with your finances, things can feel overwhelming. Budgeting, saving, investing, EMIs, credit scores — there’s so much to learn. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to know everything to start building good money habits. You just need to begin with the basics.
I created Paisa Padho to simplify personal finance for beginners — people like you and me who weren’t taught this stuff in school. In this post, I’m sharing 5 simple, beginner-friendly money rules that completely changed how I handle my own finances. No jargon. No pressure. Just real, useful advice.
1. Always Save Before You Spend
Most people spend first and try to save what’s left — and often, nothing is left. I used to do the same. My salary would come in, and by the 20th of every month, I’d be broke again.
Then I discovered a simple shift: “Pay yourself first.”
Now, I automate a small transfer (₹2000) into my savings account or mutual fund the moment my salary hits. It’s a habit that makes saving consistent — even when income is limited.
💡 Beginner Tip: Start by saving just 10% of your income. Automate it. Even ₹500 counts when you’re building the habit.
2. Track Where Your Money Goes
Have you ever looked at your account at the end of the month and thought:
“Where did all my money go?”
That’s exactly why tracking your expenses is so powerful. For me, it was a Google Sheet that opened my eyes. I realized I was spending ₹3500 a month just on Swiggy orders.
Once I started tracking, I found patterns and could take control.
💡 Beginner Tip: Use simple tools like Google Sheets, Notion, or free apps like Walnut or Money Manager. Do it for 30 days — the results will surprise you.
3. Credit Cards Are Tools, Not Free Money
Credit cards are not evil — but they can be dangerous if used wrong. In my early 20s, I fell into the trap of treating my credit limit like extra income. It led to late fees and debt stress.
Today, I use credit cards only for planned expenses and repay the full amount before the due date. That’s how you build a solid credit score and stay out of debt.
💡 Beginner Tip: If you’re just starting out, use only 1 credit card, and never spend more than what you already have in your bank.
4. Start Investing Early — Even If It’s Small
Don’t wait to earn “a lot” before you invest. I used to think ₹1000 wasn’t enough to matter. But when you invest early, time does the heavy lifting.
A ₹1000 monthly SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) starting at age 22 can grow to ₹45+ lakhs by age 50, assuming decent returns. That’s the magic of compound interest.
💡 Beginner Tip: Start a SIP in a simple index fund like Nifty 50 or Sensex. Don’t worry about perfection — just begin.
5. Say No to Things You Don’t Need (Right Now)
One of the hardest lessons I learned is that you don’t need to match everyone around you.
Friends buying new iPhones? Colleagues partying every weekend?
It’s okay to say “No” if it doesn’t align with your goals.
Your peace of mind and long-term freedom are more valuable than any impulsive purchase. Saying “no” today means saying “yes” to your future.
💡 Beginner Tip: Before buying anything non-essential, ask:
“Will this matter to me in 6 months?”
Conclusion: Start Small. Stay Consistent.
You don’t need to be a financial expert to get your money life in order.
Just focus on a few simple, smart steps — and build from there.
Pick one rule above and start today.
Whether it’s saving before spending, tracking your expenses, or starting that first SIP — your future self will thank you.