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For many of us, saving money feels like something that can always begin later, when the salary increases. The logic sounds simple: once the salary grows, savings will naturally follow. But according to chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik, this belief quietly traps people in a cycle where income rises, but financial stress remains unchanged. In a recent post on X, he explained why waiting for a higher salary before building saving habits may be one of the biggest financial mistakes middle-class Indians continue to make.
CA Nitin Kaushik pointed out that people often believe they will become financially disciplined once they start earning more. However, he argued that habits usually grow faster than intentions. According to him, someone unable to save a small amount from a modest salary is unlikely to suddenly become disciplined after earning significantly more.
He explained that higher salaries often come with upgraded lifestyles instead of stronger financial foundations. Bigger homes lead to bigger EMIs. Additional subscriptions quietly pile up. Dining habits change, travel becomes more expensive, and lifestyle inflation slowly consumes the extra income. As a result, people continue feeling financially stretched despite earning much more than before.
The CA stressed that financial freedom is rarely built through one large jump in income. Instead, it is shaped through small and uncomfortable habits repeated consistently over the years. The amount may begin modestly, but the discipline behind it matters far more in the long run.
He also highlighted the role of time in wealth creation. Waiting for the “perfect salary” delays investing and saving during the years when compounding could have made the biggest difference. Even small investments started early can eventually grow into meaningful wealth because of consistency and time. He gave an example of how if you can't start saving Rs 5,000 while earning Rs 50,000, then even when income increases, you won't be able to save, as expenses will also increase.
According to Kaushik, the challenge is not always low income but delayed action. Many people assume that better earnings will automatically solve financial problems, while ignoring the fact that spending patterns often expand alongside salary hikes.
CA Nitin Kaushik pointed out that people often believe they will become financially disciplined once they start earning more. However, he argued that habits usually grow faster than intentions. According to him, someone unable to save a small amount from a modest salary is unlikely to suddenly become disciplined after earning significantly more.
He explained that higher salaries often come with upgraded lifestyles instead of stronger financial foundations. Bigger homes lead to bigger EMIs. Additional subscriptions quietly pile up. Dining habits change, travel becomes more expensive, and lifestyle inflation slowly consumes the extra income. As a result, people continue feeling financially stretched despite earning much more than before.
The CA stressed that financial freedom is rarely built through one large jump in income. Instead, it is shaped through small and uncomfortable habits repeated consistently over the years. The amount may begin modestly, but the discipline behind it matters far more in the long run.
He also highlighted the role of time in wealth creation. Waiting for the “perfect salary” delays investing and saving during the years when compounding could have made the biggest difference. Even small investments started early can eventually grow into meaningful wealth because of consistency and time. He gave an example of how if you can't start saving Rs 5,000 while earning Rs 50,000, then even when income increases, you won't be able to save, as expenses will also increase.
According to Kaushik, the challenge is not always low income but delayed action. Many people assume that better earnings will automatically solve financial problems, while ignoring the fact that spending patterns often expand alongside salary hikes.
