Beams & Dreams — Personal Finance for Students

Smart Money Habits Every Student in Nepal Should Learn Before 20

Small actions today build big futures. A gentle guide blending Nepali traditions, real student experience, and practical steps you can follow.

Since childhood, many of us start learning the value of money in small ways even with 1, 2, 5, or 10 rupees saved in a piggy bank. These tiny savings, added by parents after a salary day, teach a simple truth: every rupee has value. Over time we learn patience, love, and responsibility toward money.

1. Learn the Difference Between Saving and Investing

Saving means keeping money safe for future use. Investing means putting money into something that can grow in value. In Nepal, many parents keep a child's savings safe, sometimes in gold, a child savings account, or long-term shares. Small amounts managed patiently teach discipline whether the sum is big or small.

2. Create a Simple Budget

Budgeting doesn't have to be strict. Here's a simple rule many students can follow:

Needs - 50%

Essentials: food, transport, school materials.

Wants - 30%

Small treats, outings, hobby costs.

Savings/Investment - 20%

Start small: even Rs. 500 monthly helps.

3. Open a Bank Account Early

Parents often open child saving accounts and sometimes invest that money in shares or gold for the long run. Learning deposits, withdrawals, and digital wallets (Khalti, eSewa) builds confidence. If possible, open a student account to practice real banking.

4. Understand NEPSE and Mutual Funds

Even without investing immediately, understanding Nepali markets helps. When you turn 18, consider opening a DEMAT account. Start with mutual funds if you prefer lower risk, many funds allow investments from Rs. 500–1,000.

5. Avoid Common Money Traps

From personal experience, students often can tell good purchases from bad ones. Protect that sense. Avoid impulse buying, unnecessary borrowing, and schemes promising quick riches.

6. Invest in Yourself

Books, online courses, and new skills are investments too. Many Nepali youths today invest in foreign education, improve digital skills, or start businesses, these choices often yield returns larger than short-term savings.

7. Traditions & The Bigger Picture

In Nepali culture, children's money is usually kept safe and purposeful. Festivals like Dashain and Tihar often include giving money or gold to youngsters ,a cultural way to teach value and responsibility. These customs can be adapted as early lessons in longterm thinking.

8. Long-Term Vision

Ask yourself: where do you want to be financially at 25? Goals like studying abroad, launching a startup, or supporting family needs can guide how you save and invest now. Small consistent steps: saving Rs. 100 regularly, learning finance basics, and avoiding reckless choices compound into meaningful results.

💭 A Fun Dreaming Moment: Imagine you suddenly receive Rs. 10 lakhs today. How would you spend or invest it?

(Just for fun! Share your thoughts in the comments below.)

Conclusion

Money is a set of choices. By learning smart habits before 20, you gain freedom, confidence, and independence. Every small rupee saved, wisely spent, or carefully invested teaches patience, responsibility, and foresight. Start today. Save smart. Invest in yourself.

Made with ❤ for Beams & Dreams — inspiring Nepali students to dream and grow.