.jpg)
I spent over 15 years in school learning equations I never used, memorizing historical dates I soon forgot, and writing essays about people I never met. But no one ever taught me how to manage a salary, build savings, or deal with credit card debt. For something so important — money — we were never really prepared.
.jpg)
No one told me that earning money is only the first step. What truly matters is how you manage it. In school, we’re taught how to get good grades so we can get a “good job.” But no one explained that even a good salary can disappear fast if you don’t budget. I learned the hard way — after spending entire paychecks in the first 10 days of the month.
No one taught me about debt traps. I thought credit cards were a symbol of success. Free money, right? Until I realized what 42% interest actually looks like when you miss a payment. I didn’t know about credit scores, EMIs, or how late payments can silently mess up your future loan chances. I just kept swiping because no one said I shouldn’t.
No one talked about investing. All we heard was “save money” — but where? How? In a piggy bank? I didn’t know that money sitting idle loses value because of inflation. I didn’t know what mutual funds were. I thought investing was only for rich or old people. If someone had explained compounding to me at 18, things would’ve looked very different now.
We were never taught to question lifestyle inflation — that trap where your expenses rise as your income grows. We assume more money means more things: better phone, fancier clothes, costlier dinners. But happiness doesn’t scale with spending. Freedom does. And financial freedom only comes when you learn to live below your means — not just within them.
No one explained the emotional side of money either — the guilt of spending on yourself, the shame of asking for help, the pressure to earn more, the comparison with others. Money is not just numbers; it’s deeply tied to our self-worth, family expectations, and sense of security. I wish school taught us that part too.
And perhaps the biggest lesson school missed: money is a tool, not the goal. It’s not about being greedy or obsessed — it’s about creating options, building peace of mind, and taking care of the people you love. Money won’t solve everything. But not having money can make almost everything harder.
Now, I’m learning — slowly, through mistakes, books, podcasts, and trial & error. I wish I had learned all this earlier, but I’m grateful I’m learning it now. Because once you understand money, you don’t just handle your finances better — you live more freely, more confidently, and more intentionally.
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments