From Piggy Banks To SIPs: How Indian Moms Are Raising The Next Generation Of Financially Savvy Kids

I remember my grandfather telling us that homemakers are the best managers. They know how to budget the house and manage money and the home. Earlier, this was just about mothers teaching us about handling our piggy banks. Today, Indian moms are using everyday moments to introduce their children to powerful financial tools, from SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) and cryptocurrencies to digital wallets and budgeting. What used to be complex financial jargon is now part of the daily routine, turning lessons in money management into engaging and real-world experiences.

Dr. Jyoti Tripathi, a fertility specialist and mother, puts it this way: “Money was once a taboo topic, now it’s a key part of our daily conversations. The way we talk about money, from SIPs to UPI, has changed. I want my children to understand how to make money work for them, not just how to spend it.”

Start young

Research backs up what many moms already know: financial habits are formed early. According to a 2023 study, children who are taught financial basics between the ages of six-10 show stronger money management skills in their teens and adulthood. Yet, in India, nearly 96% of parents admit their children lack financial literacy. But a growing number of mothers are taking charge.

For Gayatri Ahuja, a Delhi-based entrepreneur, teaching her children about money starts with pocket money. “When I give my kids money, it’s not just about the exchange—it’s about a lesson. We break it down into three categories: spend, save, and share. It’s simple, yet impactful. They now know that money isn’t just for instant gratification but for making thoughtful decisions.”

This approach resonates with Jyoti Ohri, a Delhi mom who’s making financial education a part of her 10-year-old daughter’s daily life. “I’ve introduced her to SIPs as 'magic that grows over time,’ like planting seeds. She’s fascinated by the idea that her small savings today could become something significant in the future.”

For these mothers, it’s about more than just managing money; it’s about creating a mindset, teaching their kids that every financial decision, no matter how small, matters.

Teaching digital finance

In an increasingly cashless world, digital finance is the next frontier. Moms are embracing tools like UPI payments, digital wallets, and even cryptocurrency to teach their kids about money in the 21st century.

Neena Mehra, a Mumbai-based architect, is already teaching her children how to use QR codes to pay for purchases. “It’s second nature for me to scan a QR code at the store, and I use it as an opportunity to teach my kids how digital payments work. It’s not just about convenience—it’s a way to teach them how to be responsible in a digital world.”

She’s also introducing them to cryptocurrencies, likening it to “digital gold”—something valuable, but with its own risks. “Crypto is a great way to teach them about opportunity, but more importantly, it helps them understand that money comes with responsibility. We’ve had discussions about the risks involved, so they know not everything that’s digital is secure.”

Aarti Dhawan from Ambala says, “I am always happy to see how my son Arjun takes the lead when we go out for shopping. He plans the budget and uses the money tactfully. This comes from us teaching him the importance of managing money time and again since he was just 10 or 11.”

“Teaching kids about money doesn’t need to be a lecture—it can be a life lesson shared with love,” says Sathvik Vishwanath, Co-Founder and CEO of Unocoin. “As a mom, every grocery trip, online payment, or piggy bank moment is a chance to build financial wisdom. Start simple: when giving pocket money, guide them to divide it into spend, save, and share jars. It builds the foundation of budgeting.”

He continues, “Introduce SIPs as their ‘monthly magic,’ where a small amount grows over time, like planting a tree and watching it bear fruit. Use storytelling—like how mommy invests for their future birthday gifts or school needs—to explain concepts they can relate to emotionally.”

He adds, “Cryptocurrency can be introduced as ‘digital gold,’ with both opportunity and risk, teaching them not just about money, but also responsibility. UPI becomes a chance to talk about safety, PIN protection, and the importance of digital hygiene.”

Manish Kumar Goyal, Chairman of Finkeda, believes digital literacy is crucial for today’s children. “The digital world is the future, and teaching children how to navigate it safely is essential. Whether it’s using UPI or understanding digital currencies, these tools are shaping the way the next generation will manage their finances.”

Lifelong habits

The ultimate goal of teaching kids about money isn’t just to help them manage pocket money, it’s to instil values that last a lifetime. By introducing concepts like saving, budgeting, and investing early on, moms are preparing their children for a future where financial wisdom is just as important as academic success.

“As a mother, I want my children to understand that money is a tool,” says Ahuja. “It’s about teaching them that money isn’t just for immediate wants—it’s about helping them build a foundation for their future goals. My kids know that every penny they save today could be an investment for tomorrow.”

This philosophy is echoed by Dr. Tripathi, who integrates financial education into her daily life. “I don’t just talk about saving for rainy days—I talk about why saving for your dreams is equally important. If I’m investing for a family trip or buying something for the future, I explain how that planning and discipline will benefit us in the long run. I want my kids to grow up knowing that money management isn’t a one-time lesson, but a lifelong skill.”

Financial role model

Today’s moms aren’t waiting for schools to teach their children about finance—they’re stepping in and making it a part of the household culture. Every pocket money conversation, every online payment, every budgeting discussion is an opportunity to set their kids on a path toward financial independence.

“We are the first financial teachers for our kids,” says Neena Mehra. “When my kids see me budgeting or using digital tools, they understand that it’s not just about having money—it’s about managing it wisely. I want them to grow up with a mindset that allows them to make smart financial decisions no matter the situation.”

This is why, as moms like Jyoti Ohri and Gayatri Ahuja show, financial education doesn’t need to be a formal, serious lesson. It can be integrated into daily life, teaching kids valuable lessons in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Ridhima Kansal, Director of Rosemoore, explains, “Today’s mothers do not limit financial education to just money management. They start teaching their children invaluable life skills at a very young age. Explaining concepts like SIP as ‘growing your money little by little,’ or scanning a QR code to pay for ice cream, results in lessons that become part of their daily routine.”

At the same time, Manish Kumar Goyal aptly puts it: “When we teach our children how to manage money, we’re giving them more than just financial knowledge—we’re giving them the power to shape their future. The goal isn’t to make them just earn money, but to help them learn how to make it work for them.”

Empowering Gen Next

Today’s Indian mothers are reshaping how we think about financial education. They are not just teaching their children how to spend wisely—they are teaching them how to respect money, manage it with intention, and make it work to build a future. With these early lessons, they are empowering a generation to become financially literate and independent, all while using everyday moments to turn the concept of financial literacy into a life skill that will last a lifetime.

“Financial education isn’t a one-off lesson,” says Dr. Tripathi. “It’s a continual process. We’re raising kids who don’t just understand money—they understand how to make it work for them in every area of their life.”

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