“Pehle padh likh kar kuchh ban jao, phir paise ki baat karna.”
Almost every child in India has heard this sentence.
But think about it for a moment.
We tell children not to think about money, and then we expect adults to become financially responsible, money-wise, and disciplined suddenly.
Isn’t that a contradiction?
A sentence we say casually… but it silently shapes how children think about money.
At first glance, it sounds like sensible advice. Focus on studies. Success will follow.
But if we pause and think deeper, this statement often sends a confusing message to learners.
It tells them that money conversations are something to be postponed, something that only “successful people” are allowed to think about.
Imagine telling a young athlete:
“Pehle national level tak pahunch jao, phir proper kit kharidne ki baat karenge.”
"First learn to swim, then ask for a swimsuit & kit."
"First create some success, then ask for extra support or coaching."
It sounds unreasonable, doesn’t it?
Because tools and understanding are what help someone reach the level we expect.
The same logic applies to financial awareness.
When children are repeatedly told not to think about money, we unintentionally create mindlessness around financial decisions. Yet later in life, the same society expects adults to suddenly become financially responsible, mindful, and disciplined with money.
This contradiction is visible everywhere.
People are expected to know needs, wants, budgeting, saving,expenditure etc and manage salaries, savings, investments, loans, and digital payments, without ever being taught how money actually works.
That is why Financial Literacy for Kids in India is becoming an essential conversation.
Children do not need complex financial theories.
But they do need early exposure to simple ideas such as:
• understanding the value of money • distinguishing needs from wants • developing saving habits • making responsible spending decisions • building money mindfulness
When we introduce these concepts gradually through skill-based learning from the foundational years, children develop a healthy and responsible relationship with money.
This belief led to the creation of “My Paiso” India’s first structured Financial Literacy Curriculum for Grades 1–8, designed to build a money-mindful generation.
The My Paiso Financial Literacy Curriculum helps schools introduce financial literacy for kids through structured lessons, real-life activities, and Financial Literacy Clubs that encourage students to think, discuss, and practice responsible decision-making.
Because financial literacy is not just about money.
It is about mindfulness, responsibility, and choices that shape life.
Children also need strong social-emotional and life skills to navigate the future with confidence. This is where the “SKILL ME” series, focused on Social-Emotional Learning, Leadership, and 21st-Century Skills from Nursery to Grade 8, complements the journey.
If we truly want the next generation to be confident decision-makers, we cannot keep telling them:
“Pehle kuchh ban jao, phir paise ki baat karna.”
Instead, we must help them understand early that money is a life skill and life skills are learned over time.
And the earlier we start, the more mindful the future generation becomes.
🌟 My Paiso – Financial Literacy Curriculum for Schools (Grade 1–8) Helping schools build Financial Literacy Learning, money mindfulness, and responsible decision-making among students.
🌟 SKILL ME – Social Emotional Learning & Life Skills Curriculum (Nursery to Grade 8) Supporting holistic development through SEL, leadership, and 21st-century skills.
📩 Schools interested in implementing Financial Literacy Curriculum, Financial Literacy Clubs, or Skill-Based Learning programs may connect for samples and details.
Call/WhatsApp 8854017000 | ibigwonder@gmail.com | sapna@tecvivid.com
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Dr. Sapna Agrawal Author
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