There’s one financial planner who beats all the stock market experts, money coaches, and fintech apps combined—our moms. From stretching a single ₹500 note across an entire month to making kids drop loose change into a gullak, Indian mothers have always been the silent architects of household finance. And if you think their old-school methods don’t hold up in today’s digital age, think again. The core principles behind their genius money hacks are more relevant than ever—only now, they’ve got digital tools to make them even sharper.

Here’s a look at some timeless financial tricks every Indian mother swears by and how we can carry them forward in the age of UPI, credit rewards, and discounts.

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1. The Dabba Strategy: Different Stashes for Different Goals

Moms never put all their money in one place. Some tucked away in a spice jar for daily needs, a secret stash in the cupboard for unexpected guests, and an emergency fund hidden so well even Sherlock couldn’t find it. Every rupee had a designated purpose. This is the same concept behind goal-based digital savings accounts—whether it's a fund for monthly expenses, emergencies, or a dream vacation, setting aside money with intention ensures financial security. 

One way to do this effectively is by maintaining separate accounts for savings and spending while automating a portion of your salary into savings as soon as you receive it. This keeps savings untouched and encourages mindful spending with limited funds in your expense account. Additionally, never put all your eggs in one basket—diversify your investments across multiple asset classes, balancing low and high-risk options to ensure long-term financial stability.

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2. The Gullak Strategy: Saving, One Coin at a Time

Every Indian child has had a gullak—one of our earliest financial lessons. It taught us discipline, patience, and the magic of watching small savings turn into something big.

Fast forward to today, and the principle remains the same. SalarySe makes it effortless to round up your transactions and save automatically. Boond boond se sagar banta hai—except now, the sagar sits in a high-yield savings account instead of a clay piggy bank.

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3. Bargaining Like a Pro: Maximum Value for Every Rupee

No one, absolutely no one, bargains like an Indian mom. Whether it’s haggling with the sabziwala or scoring the best deal at a sari shop, she ensures she gets more than what she pays for.

Luckily, with SalarySe, you don’t need to perfect your bargaining skills. With cashback on UPI spends, zero redemption fees, and exclusive deals on 220+ brands, every transaction works in your favour—just like your mom would’ve wanted.

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4. Buying in Bulk: The Art of Smart Stocking

Every month, like clockwork, moms stock up on ration and essentials in bulk. Why? Because wholesale pricing beats buying in bits and pieces, and running out of essentials mid-month is a cardinal sin.

Turns out, this habit isn’t just convenient—it’s financially smart. Over time, bulk buying not only prevents impulse spending but also ensures you get more value for your money—just like mom always knew. Ordering essentials in bulk using credit rewards or cashback offers ensures better tracking of household expenses while maximising savings. And with UPI-linked credit, you even get an interest-free period to manage expenses more efficiently.

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5. The Kitty Group: A Lifeline for Emergencies

Mothers have been running their own financial ecosystems for decades through kitty parties—where a group of women contribute a fixed amount every month, and one member takes home the pooled money. It’s a homegrown version of micro-financing that ensures liquidity without loans.

For a salaried employee working in a corporate setup in a city like Delhi, having liquid investments for emergencies is crucial. Just like a kitty group allows members to access a lump sum when needed, modern financial tools like automated savings plans and high-liquidity investments can serve the same purpose. Keeping a portion of your savings in easily accessible accounts—whether it’s a high-yield savings account, a fixed deposit with a premature withdrawal option, or a liquid mutual fund—ensures you’re financially prepared for any unforeseen expenses.

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Old Wisdom, New Tools: Carrying Forward the Legacy

The financial habits of Indian mothers aren’t just about saving money; they’re about financial discipline, planning, and stretching every rupee to its maximum potential. The world may have gone digital, but these values are timeless—whether it's a virtual gullak rounding up your savings or digital kitty groups helping you pool money, the core principles remain unchanged.

While we may no longer hide cash in kitchen jars or haggle at local markets, the essence of these lessons lives on—only now, they’re powered by apps, digital payments, and seamless automation. So, if you ever wonder where your financial instincts come from, remember: Maa knows best.

Ready to channel your inner mom and master the art of money management? After all, Mother knows best. Start by making every rupee count with SalarySe. After all, the modern-day gullak is just a tap away.