Section outline

  • Know Your Income – Not Just Salary 💸

    Most people think “income” means just the salary they receive every month. But that’s only one part of the story. In reality, your income is everything that comes into your hands — regularly or irregularly — whether you work in an office, run a small business, or manage the home.

    To build a strong budget, you must first see the full picture of what’s coming in. And yes, that includes gifts, cashback, rental earnings, or even your husband’s monthly contribution to the house. Let’s dig in.

    • 🔹 All Sources Count

      Your income can come from:

      • Monthly salary or pension
      • Freelance work or side business income (like tuitions, baking, tailoring)
      • Interest from fixed deposits or savings accounts
      • Government benefits or schemes
      • Family contributions (e.g., husband, children sending money)
      • Occasional cashbacks, gifts during festivals, etc.

      Even if it feels small, write it down. When you see all of it together, it will surprise you. ✨

    • 🔹 What If I Don’t Earn Myself?

      If you're a homemaker, you might think, “I don’t have an income.” But think of it this way: you are still part of the economic cycle. The household runs because of your planning, your effort, and your decisions.

      Start by tracking how much money comes into the household every month. Even if your partner earns it, you manage it — and that gives you a right to understand it, plan it, and grow it.

      💡 Tip: Create a simple notebook or note in your phone. Write every amount that comes in — even if it’s ₹100. You’re building awareness, and that’s your first power move.