From keeping a bahi-khata to protecting capital: CA shares 6 Marwari money habits to learn to build wealth

Building wealth does not happen overnight. It takes time and patience. It is not just about salary or investing, but more than it. Everyday decisions like expenditure, savings, and managing money also play a huge role in wealth-building. According to CA Nitin Kaushik, some Marwari business families continue to follow traditional practices that can offer useful lessons in managing wealth. Taking to X, he share how simple habits can shape your financial discipline and help families build wealth across generations.

Track where money goes

It is imperative to maintain a record of where you are spending your money everyday. From a cup of cutting chai to dining out, every expense should be recorded. CA highlighted the traditional bahi-khata or account book, to keep a record. This will not just help you to track your expense, but also income, EMIs and actual wealth accumulated.

A bank statement can also serve the purpose, but make sure you review it.

Save before increasing your spending

Rather than saving whatever remains after expenses, Kaushik suggests putting money aside first. When income rises, the focus should be on increasing investments instead of immediately upgrading one's lifestyle. Over two decades, this simple shift can make a significant difference.

Understand the difference between income and wealth

High salary does not mean financial security, if you are not able to save any money. A business with Rs 10 crore turnover may still face money crunch. Similarly, earning Rs 2 lakh per month does not gurantee wealth building. It has to be stragetised. As Kaushik puts it, “Income is not wealth. What you keep and build is.”

Protect what you have built

CA emphasises on protecting capital. If an investment of Rs 10 lakh falls to Rs 5 lakh, it needs a 100% gain to return to its original value, not 50%. So, depending only on investment will not be a smart move. This is why experienced business families often consider potential losses before chasing higher returns. Consider your losses, always.

Treat your reputation as an asset

Paying EMIs on time, keeping promises and standing by people when they need help, can build trust. A strong reputation can lead to more credit, customers or even partnerships.

Avoid following the crowd

Do not blindly do what everyone is doing. CA advises against making financial decisions based on what everyone else is doing. Preserving capital and being patient with can create room to act, "because cash + patience + courage gives you options when others have none."