CodeWithKriti

Financial independence is a dream many of us have, but it often feels far away, especially when we are students with limited income. Recently, I attended the Kona Kona Shiksha workshop by Kotak Securities and NISM, and I’m excited to share how it helped me take the first important steps towards managing my money smarter and building a secure future.


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What I Learned from the Workshop

One of the most valuable things I learned during the workshop was about mutual funds and SIP (Systematic Investment Plan). Earlier, I didn’t understand them much, but the session explained how even starting with as little as ₹100 per month in a SIP can grow your wealth over time. It was an eye-opener because I always thought investing was something only professionals or people with big salaries did. Now, I realize that as a student, I can start small and let my money grow on its own.

I also reflected on budgeting. I knew what budgeting meant but hadn’t practiced it regularly. The workshop motivated me to start tracking my expenses and plan my monthly budget. It feels empowering to take control of my financial habits rather than leaving it to chance.


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What Financial Independence Means to Me

To me, financial independence means having a steady passive income that grows over time and securing my future without always worrying about earning every single rupee. I understand now that in the beginning, I’ll have to work a little harder — by saving, budgeting, and making wise investments — but eventually, my money will start working for me.


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My Next Steps

After the workshop, I made a simple action plan for myself:

Start a SIP with ₹100 per month — Because every small step matters, and starting early gives the power of compounding.

Create and stick to a monthly budget — To keep track of where my money goes and control unnecessary expenses.

Continue learning financial planning — I am taking a course that teaches practical ways to plan for the future, manage debt, and make informed investment decisions.

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Financial independence doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s about taking small, consistent steps in the right direction. The Kona Kona Shiksha workshop gave me the clarity and motivation I needed to start my journey, and I hope my story inspires others to start now, no matter how small the first step is.

👉 What’s your first step toward financial independence? Share in the comments or reach out to me on Instagram @codewithkriti. Let’s grow smarter together.