This blog is a heartfelt tribute to all the beloved grandparents who have deeply influenced our lives in countless ways. My grandma’s lessons on patience, frugality and the importance of balance are more relevant than ever in today’s fast-paced world. So, as you navigate your own financial journey, take a moment to ask yourself, “What would Grandma do?”.  

Growing up in Bengaluru, my childhood was seasoned with more than just the spicy curries and crispy bajjis my grandmother lovingly prepared in her kitchen. The true secret ingredient in her kitchen wasn’t hidden in any masala dabba or tucked behind jars of ghee and coconut—no, it was her wisdom, generously sprinkled over every conversation and dish. 

Walking into Grandma’s kitchen was like entering a world of sensory delight. You were greeted by a symphony of sizzling sounds and if you were lucky, you’d catch her singing along to the occasional clatter of utensils. But the real music was in her advice, which often arrived with the same warmth and comfort as the fresh, fragrant chai she’d brew each morning. 

Cooking Up Life Lessons 

A kitchen might seem like just a place for cooking, but Grandma’s was a masterclass in life skills. She showed me how to make the perfect dosa. “It’s like life, dear,” she’d say, flipping the golden-brown dosa with the grace of a magician. “You need patience. Too hot and it burns, too cool and it’s a mess.” Her metaphors extended to everything from relationships to handling life’s tantrums.  

Additional Reading: Doing More With The Bare Necessities Of Life! 

Lesson 1: Careful Planning 

My grandmother was a woman of many talents. She could cook up a storm, mend clothes with expert precision and even navigate the complexities of modern technology (albeit with a bit of grumbling). But perhaps her most impressive skill was her ability to manage her finances with a combination of wisdom, humour and a healthy dose of scepticism.  

I often observed my grandmother managing the household finances with a deft hand. She seemed to know exactly how much to spend, when to save and how to invest for the future. She’d share stories of how she and my grandpa managed their finances with care and foresight. She often reminded us that, much like cooking where a pinch of this or a dash of that make all the difference, the same applies to handling money. Her tales were peppered with anecdotes of stretching the rupee and the importance of living within one’s means. She’d lived through times of scarcity and abundance, and her experiences had shaped her into a frugal yet generous woman. Her approach was simple yet profound, rooted in traditional values and wisdom that have stood the test of time. 

Additional Reading: End-of-the-Year Financial Planning 

Lesson 2.1: Savings, First 

In a time when consumerism is rampant, Grandma’s frugal habits were a stark contrast. One of her most valuable lessons was the importance of planning and budgeting. She would often say, “If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s likely going somewhere you don’t want it to”. She would make a list of her monthly expenses and income and then carefully allocate funds for each category. 

She often drew a parallel between saving and the traditional thali, the metal plate used for meals in most households. “Just like you put a little bit of everything on your plate, make sure to set aside a portion of your income for the future,” she’d say. This simple analogy taught me the importance of diversifying my savings and investing. “You never know when life will test you,” she’d say. 

Additional Reading: Unravelling the Psychology of Money: Understanding Our Spending, Saving, and Investing Behaviours 

Lesson 2.2: The Value Of Thrifting  

Budgeting was just one aspect of Grandma’s frugality. She had a deep-rooted belief in the value of reusing and repurposing items rather than discarding them. For her, wastefulness was not just an economic issue but a moral one. She would often find innovative ways to give old items a new life—whether it was turning an old saree into cushion covers or using leftover vegetables for the next meal. These small acts were her way of respecting the resources she had, ensuring that nothing went to waste. 

Her teachings were rooted in a deep understanding of the value of money and her lessons on thrift and saving have stayed with me throughout my life. In a world that often encourages us to spend more and save less, her wisdom is a reminder that true financial security comes from careful planning, disciplined budgeting and a commitment to living within our means. 

Lesson 3: Achieving Balance 

One of her favourite sayings was, “Money is like a guest in your house. Treat it with respect, but don’t let it become your master.” This simple analogy taught me the importance of balance. Money is a tool, a means to an end, not an end in itself. It should serve our needs and desires, but it should never dictate our lives. 

It can be difficult to maintain these traditional values. The constant pressure to spend, upgrade and keep up with others can easily lead to a sense of imbalance and financial strain. But her wisdom serves as a reminder that true financial well-being comes from understanding the value of balance. 

Lesson 4: The Power Of Giving 

One of Grandma’s most enduring lessons was the significance of giving back. She believed that generosity was not just a virtue but one’s responsibility. She often donated to local charities and would always offer a helping hand to those in need.  

Grandma used to say, ‘Giving goes beyond money—it’s about making a difference in the world”. 

She believed that sharing our wealth with others was not only a moral obligation but also a way to attract more abundance into our lives. “The more you give, the more you receive,” she’d often say. This advice has stayed with me, and I’ve made it a point to give back to my community in whatever way I can. 

Lesson 5: Patience And Delayed Gratification 

Grandma often reminded me that “Good things come to those who wait.” This belief extended beyond material possessions, emphasising that patience and perseverance are essential for long-term success. 

Her frugality was matched by her knack for saving—whether buying groceries in bulk, repairing clothes instead of replacing them or finding low-cost alternatives. She taught me the value of mindful spending and steering clear of unnecessary expenses. 

In a world that often prioritises instant results and immediate rewards, her wisdom serves as a reminder that the best things in life are worth waiting for. 

Lesson 6: Negotiation And Savvy Consumerism 

My grandmother was also a master negotiator. She would haggle with vendors at the market, bargain for better deals on appliances, and the list goes on. She taught me the importance of advocating for myself and not being afraid to ask for what I deserve. 

One of her most memorable financial lessons involved a trip to the grocery store. As we were walking down the aisles, she stopped in front of a display of imported chocolates. “Look at these fancy treats,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “They’re just sugar and cocoa.” She then proceeded to compare the price of the imported chocolates to a local store brand. “For the same price, we could buy a whole box of the other kind,” she concluded. 

Her point was that it’s often possible to find high-quality alternatives at a lower price. She taught me the importance of being a savvy consumer and not getting swayed by flashy marketing. 

Additional Reading: The Eerie-sistible Allure of Online Shopping 

So, there you have it, Grandma’s secret recipe for financial success! It’s not just about the masala, but also about a pinch of wisdom, a dash of patience and a generous helping of frugality. The next time you’re faced with a financial dilemma, remember Grandma’s words and ask yourself, “What would Grandma do?”.   

And if all else fails, just sprinkle a little love – and check your Credit Score! 

Psst…it can provide insights into your financial health and help you make informed decisions!