Our elders saved with discipline, but today, many of us live paycheque to paycheque. Small, everyday savings—like enjoying chai in sips or samosas in bites—feel light yet grow into something surprisingly rewarding.
Snacks and Money: A Simple Connection
Chai and samosas are more than food in India, they’re the conversation starters. From matchmaking to money management, this duo fuels every big decision in India. But chai and samosas aren’t just tasty—they’re tiny money leaks too.
On average, we spend ₹10 each on one samosa and a cup of chai. That’s ₹20 a day, ₹600 a month, and over ₹7,000 a year spent just on snacks. Imagine if you could save or invest this amount; it would become something much bigger over time! Experts abroad call this the “latte factor”—saving by skipping buying coffee daily.
It is especially important today. Back in the day, our elders were pros at saving money every month. They would keep aside a portion of their income—no matter how small—and slowly build wealth. Today, with rising expenses and changing lifestyles, most of us live paycheque to paycheque, with barely anything to call savings.
That’s why bite-sized savings are more important than ever. Tiny savings may not feel big today, but over time, they add up to something meaningful, in turn building a money habit.
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Easy Money Tips Inspired by Snacks
1. Start Small, Save Daily
Set just ₹20—the cost of a samosa and a cup of chai each day—aside daily. It becomes ₹600 monthly. Use this amount for a life insurance policy for you and your family. Control your craving today and secure your future.
2. Round-Up Your Spending & Save Spare Change
Today, we have access to innovative ways of saving. For instance, some apps allow you to invest spare change in a pot whenever you make a UPI transaction. For instance, when you pay ₹93 to buy something, the app automatically rounds it up to ₹100 and saves the extra ₹7. This way, you save without noticing.
3. Try Safe Small Investments
Instead of keeping all your money in a bank account and gold jewellery at home, try investing small amounts in AAA-certified bonds or digital gold. These often give better returns than fixed deposits.
4. Automate Your Savings
Just like you never forget your morning chai, never forget making a small deposit toward your future. Set up standing instructions at your bank for daily automatic transfers to a recurring deposit or SIP for a mutual fund. Daily, weekly or monthly, automation ensures consistency, just like brewing your morning chai.
5. Track Your Expenses Easily
Use simple expense tracking apps to see how much you spend on unplanned snacking and other things. With clear expense reports, you’ll know what drains your hard-earned money and help you set realistic saving goals, minus the stress.
6. Cashback for Your Chai
Today, UPI is everywhere. Use UPI-backed Credit Cards to pay for your snacks and tea/coffee runs and earn cashback. Redeem those cashbacks directly into savings—so every bite comes with a little dividend.
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7. Diversify Like Samosa Fillings
Don’t rely solely on savings accounts. Diversify your investment into FDs, mutual funds, smallcases,, and stocks. Invest micro-amounts in digital gold and bonds. Select your investment portfolio based on your risk appetite, investment horizon and goal.
8. DIY Snacks, DIY Money
Instead of buying from outside, make chai or your favourite samosas and pakoras at home. Not only are they healthier, but activities like these are also pocket-friendly, fun to do with family, and a simple way to boost savings.
9. Celebrate Small Wins
Save a little each week and reward yourself when you reach your target. Encourage your family or friends to join in and track each other’s progress. Use apps with social saving features for such fun money-saving competitions.
Smart Savings with Credit Cards
Credit Cards are not just for spending—they can also help you save if used wisely.
- Special cards for discounts: Many banks offer cards that give extra savings on groceries, fuel, travel, or dining out.
- Brand-sponsored cards: Some cards give instant discounts or cashback when used with partner brands, including food delivery apps and supermarkets.
- Reward points: Every time you swipe, you earn points. These Credit Card points can be redeemed for vouchers, products, or even converted into cashback.
- Festive offers: During festivals or sales, many Credit Cards often unlock exclusive deals that cut costs further.
The trick is to use these benefits smartly and pay your bill in full each month. That way, you enjoy the discounts without paying any additional interest.
Additional Reading: Unlocking Credit: How to Boost Your Approval Chances for Credit Cards
A Fun Challenge for You
Try a “Samosa Savings Challenge” or “Chai SIP Month.” Each time you skip a snack or make it at home, move that money into a piggy bank or app wallet. Invite your friends to join—make it fun and track progress together. Even children can learn to save themselves this way.
Experts often explain investments with food:
- 70% should be safe and steady (like dal-chawal)
- 20% can be spicy (like samosas)
- 10% can be adventurous (like sushi)
This way, your money plate has balance—comfort, variety, and growth.
Final Bite: Savour Your Wealth Journey
Snacks bring joy in small bites—and so does saving. When you build money habits slowly and steadily, the results can be surprisingly big. Whether you’re munching a samosa, sipping chai, or cooking at home, remember that wealth grows from simple, small steps taken every day. By following these bite-sized money-saving tips, you can turn small habits into big savings and steadily build a secure future. Take your first step with BankBazaar!