Written by Riya Malhotra | Last updated: June 8, 2025
Saving money when your paycheck barely lasts a month? Yup, been there. I still remember this one time I had ₹87 left in my account, and I somehow made it last five days (shoutout to instant noodles and generous roommates).
Let’s be honest—managing finances when you’re low on cash isn’t about fancy budgets or complicated spreadsheets. It’s about survival, smart choices, and a few tricks that actually work in real life.
So, here’s what I’ve learned from living on a tight budget and still saving a little (without going totally mad).
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| How I Learned to Save Money While Broke |
1. Know Where Your Money's Disappearing
Okay, real talk: I used to think I didn’t spend that much… until I tracked every single rupee for a month. Turns out, all those little snacks, chai breaks, and “just one Uber” rides were draining my account faster than I could say "salary credited".
I started using a super basic notebook app to note down everything—₹20 biscuit pack? Logged. ₹180 for chai + samosa treat? Logged.
Not-so-fun fact: That month, I spent ₹2,400 on “small things”. After that, I knew where to cut back.
2. Eat at Home Like It’s a Lifestyle
Look, I love a good biryani or pizza binge. But food delivery is a budget killer.
So I made peace with cooking. I don’t mean five-star dishes—just basic stuff: rice, dal, anda bhurji. I even batch-cooked and froze stuff on Sundays. Lifesaver.
Not only did I save over ₹2,000/month, but I also discovered I make a mean aloo gobi. Who knew?
3. Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Use (And the Bills That Come With Them)
I used to pay for Spotify Premium, two OTT platforms, and a gym membership I hadn’t visited since Diwali.
I cancelled everything that didn’t spark joy or save money.
Switched to a family plan for Netflix (thanks, cousin bro), walked instead of cabbing short distances, and used YouTube workouts instead of the gym.
Trust me—cutting the clutter feels so good.
4. Create a Barebones Budget (And Break the Rules If Needed)
All the finance blogs will tell you about the 50-30-20 rule. Cool idea, but let’s be real: when rent, groceries, and bills take up 80% of your income, there’s not much left.
So I made my own rule:
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60% needs
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10% tiny joys (ice cream, movie night, whatever)
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10% savings
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20% flex zone (some months, it’s rent top-up; others, it's an emergency)
It wasn’t perfect. But it worked.
5. Automate Savings (Even If It’s Just ₹100)
Here’s something that helped a lot: I set up a recurring transfer—₹300 every Friday—from my main bank account to a separate one I don’t touch.
Even when I was broke, I barely noticed it. After a year, I had ₹15,000 saved without thinking about it. That money later paid for a phone repair and part of a short trip to Lonavala.
6. Learn to Say “No” Without Feeling Weird
FOMO is real, especially when your friends are planning weekend getaways or rooftop dinners.
But I started suggesting chill hangouts instead—chai at my place, Netflix nights, potluck dinners. Saved tons and still had a social life.
Pro tip: If they guilt-trip you for not spending, they’re not your people.
7. Find a Side Gig You Don’t Hate
My day job paid the bills. Barely. So I started writing small articles for a friend’s blog on weekends. I wasn’t a pro, but I learned. That extra ₹3,000–₹5,000/month? Total game-changer.
Other ideas that worked for people I know:
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Online tutoring
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Selling handmade stuff on Instagram
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Doing food delivery a couple nights a week
Whatever fits your vibe, try it.
8. Don’t Skip the Emergency Fund (No Matter How Broke You Feel)
This one sounds boring, but it’s probably the most important.
I saved up one month’s rent + basic expenses over time. Took a year, but now, if life throws a curveball (looking at you, dentist visit), I don’t panic.
Keep it in a separate account. Pretend it doesn’t exist. It’s for future-you.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Being Perfect. It’s About Trying.
You don’t need to go full monk mode. You don’t need to deny every craving or say no to everything fun.
But when you make mindful choices—tiny ones—they compound. That’s how broke-me ended up with a savings account, less anxiety, and the ability to buy a birthday gift without panicking.
If I can do it, you can too. Start small. Stay consistent. Forgive yourself when you mess up. Just keep going.
About the Author
Riya Malhotra is a 27-year-old content writer based in Mumbai. She writes about real-life money struggles, freelancing tips, and smart living. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her at a thrift store or rewatching old Bollywood comedies with a giant cup of chai.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a licensed financial advisor for personal advice.
