Small shift, big impact: Modernizing financial basics for today's reality
Her story led me to discover the remarkable work of FIWIN — a not-for-profit initiative founded by 17-year-old Anaya Jethandani in Bengaluru.
Through simple weekend workshops,
#FIWIN has already empowered over 750 domestic workers and women from low-income homes with basic financial literacy, helping them open their first bank accounts, track expenses, and understand the importance of saving.
These are the silent pillars who keep our households running every single day. Giving them knowledge and confidence to handle their own money is truly transformative.
After reading the wonderful article on TheBetterIndia in their workshops, FIWIN teaches the classic 50-30-20 budgeting rule (50% Needs, 30% Wants, 20% Savings). While it’s a great start, I respectfully suggest that in today's inflationary world, this rule no longer fits.
I propose a small but powerful 5% shift: 45-35-20
Here is the new framework that actually works:
👉 NEEDS → 45% (Reduced from 50%)
We cannot compromise on essentials like food, rent, or medicine. But by tightening just 5%, we create breathing room.
👉 SAVINGS & INVESTING → 35% (Increased from 20%)
This is non-negotiable. Money is not only a tool to spend—it is the only tool that can break the walls of poverty and life's uncertainty. You cannot secure your future without prioritizing savings first.
👉 WANTS → 20% (Reduced from 30%)
Why? Because we can reduce our wants every month. When we truly know our actual wants versus impulsive wants, we gain control over our spending habits. Wants should flex; your future should not.
The logic is simple: We cannot compromise on essential needs, but we can review and fix our wants monthly. Once we clearly know our actual wants, we gain better control over spending habits.
Money should not be seen only as a tool to spend. When we treat it as a tool to build security, we start breaking the walls of life’s poverty and uncertainty — one rupee at a time.
I’m truly impressed by FIWIN’s vision and the dedication of Anaya and her team. You are doing incredible work by making financial independence accessible to those who need it the most.
I’m happy to support your mission — and would love to serve as a spokesperson or volunteer in any way that helps amplify your impact.
Big thanks to The Better India for shining light on this important initiative.
Read the full story here:
lnkd.in/gPSthS4V
What budgeting rule or small money habit has helped you or someone you know build better financial stability?
@thebetterindia
#FinancialLiteracy #WomenEmpowerment #FIWIN #MoneyHabits #Budgeting #FinancialIndependence #DomesticWorkers #CompoundingPower