Noida CA says he will not let his kid use UPI or a debit card until she turns 16. He offers a science-backed reason

Parents are constantly looking for the best ways to teach their kids about money, but CA Deepak Bhati of Noida has taken a unique approach with his 2-year-old daughter, Siya. He has decided she won’t be allowed to use a debit card or UPI until she turns 16. Deepak believes that cash teaches children the real value of money, something digital payments fail to do. His method emphasises hands-on learning, negotiation, and understanding trade-offs from an early age.

Deepak explains that digital payments often create emotional detachment, where swiping a card or tapping a phone doesn’t feel like spending. This disconnect can increase impulse spending, reduce financial awareness, and obscure the link between action and consequence. Cash, on the other hand, provides a tangible experience.



Every shopping trip becomes a lesson in responsibility. Siya receives physical notes to pay for toys, counting the money, seeing the change, and negotiating if needed. This process helps her understand budgeting, trade-offs, and the real cost of her choices.

Deepak clarifies that this isn’t an anti-digital stance. Siya will eventually use digital payments, but for now, learning the value of a hundred rupees prepares her to respect larger sums in the future. The focus is on developing financial awareness and emotional connection to money from a young age.

What does science say?

Research published in the National Library of Medicine highlights how digital payment systems can make spending feel less tangible, often leading to unintentional overspending. The study introduces the concept of “Spendception,” and explains how the absence of physical money diminishes the natural psychological barriers that curb spending. Without seeing cash leave their hands, consumers underestimate the real cost of purchases, increasing impulse buying and overall spending. This evidence reinforces the value of teaching children with cash, allowing them to physically experience transactions and develop a stronger understanding of money management from an early age.