Have you ever hidden a shopping bill or felt guilty spending your own money? I have. And trust me, I know I’m not alone. For many Indian women, money still feels like a permission slip rather than a personal right. But the truth is, when it comes to women and finance today, financial independence isn’t a luxury. It’s survival.
I realised this when a friend had to delay a medical procedure because she didn’t have access to her own savings. Her husband was out of town, and she didn’t want to ask her in-laws. That was a wake-up call for both of us. Having your own money isn’t about rebellion. It’s about respect, freedom, and safety.
Women and Finance in the New Indian Household
1. How Modern Family Setups Demand Financial Awareness
We’re no longer in joint families where the ‘elders’ handle everything. Nuclear families mean more responsibility, but also more freedom. For Indian women navigating finance independently, this shift makes financial independence crucial.
2. The Role of Financial Preparedness in Uncertain Times
Layoffs, inflation, medical emergencies—they don’t wait for a male guardian. COVID-19 showed us how unpredictable life can be. Understanding women and finance today means building a cushion for such shocks.
3. Rising Living Costs and the Need for Dual Incomes
From rent to groceries, everything is costlier today. Depending on one income is not just stressful, it’s impractical. Even a small second income or smart financial habits can ease the burden.
4. Money as a Tool for Personal Freedom
When you have money, you have options. Want to leave a toxic job or relationship? Want to start a course, a business, or move cities? Financial independence gives Indian women the choices they deserve.
Common Roadblocks for Women and Finance (And How to Move Forward)
| Roadblock | Solution |
|---|---|
| “I don’t understand investing” | Start small with SIPs or PPF. Use apps like Zerodha or Groww. |
| “My family manages the money” | Ask to sit in on financial decisions. Slowly build your own budget. |
| “I don’t earn enough to save” | Even ₹500/month matters. Auto-debit into a recurring deposit. |
| “I’m scared of losing money” | Choose low-risk tools like FD, PPF, or index funds. |
My First Step Into Financial Freedom
I started with a simple recurring deposit of ₹1000/month. No fancy stocks or jargon. Just a quiet commitment to myself. Over a year, that fund gave me the confidence to try a mutual fund SIP. Now I have a diversified portfolio and peace of mind.
And I’m not special. If I can learn this stuff, so can you. There are so many resources today—from YouTube explainers to platforms like Zerodha or Groww that help Indian women understand personal finance at their own pace.
As more women and finance stories come to light, it’s clear we need more relatable examples, not just rules. That’s how we create confidence.
Simple Financial Habits You Can Start Today:
- Open a zero-balance savings account in your name
- Set up auto-debit for a monthly SIP
- Use Google Sheets to track expenses
- Read one finance article a week (like this one on mutual funds for beginners)
- Explore more financial blogs here
Final Thought
Money isn’t everything, but it touches everything. From the food we eat to the choices we make. Being a woman in India means we’re already navigating cultural roadblocks. Let’s not make money one of them.
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to begin.
If you’re still wondering why women and finance should go hand in hand—remember, it’s not about how much you have, but that you have something of your own.
Meet Pranjali Ghosh — a financial consultant based in Mumbai with an MBA in finance and a mission to help Indian women build clarity and confidence around money. From government schemes to mutual funds and everyday savings, she breaks down complex topics in simple, relatable ways. As a proud WTribe member, Pranjali shares what she’s learned — not from textbooks, but from real conversations with women who want to take charge of their financial lives.
