Early learnings with money

Growing up in a Marwari joint family, money was always respected. Pocket money was limited, I received just Rs. 2 per week back then. New clothes came once a year during Diwali, stitched by the local tailor. We were taught to save before we were taught to spend.

But one thing always fascinated me. While we were given a small amount for ourselves, my elders never hesitated to donate generously at temples or gaushalas. Even then, I was expected to donate Rs. 50 to gaushalas.

As a child, I didn't understand it. Today, I do. They were teaching us that money is a tool. It should create value, not just display success. Maybe that's why, even today, I don't feel the need to own a luxury car. Not because I can't. Simply because I don't want to.

For me, a car's job is to take me from one place to another. It doesn't change who I am. The same goes for branded clothes or expensive holidays.

I've never believed that our lifestyle should become our identity. Our values should.

The older I get, the more I realize that wealth is not measured by what you can buy. It's measured by the choices you make when you can afford almost anything.

I'm grateful that long before I learnt how to earn money, my family taught me how to respect it.