Track Your Money Like a Tiffin Dabba

The first week of the month feels great, doesn't it? The salary credit notification brings a smile to your face. But by the third week, after the EMIs, credit card bills, and school fees have had their share, that feeling often fades. You’re left wondering where the money went and why there’s so little left for that family vacation, your child’s future education, or your own retirement.

This is a story familiar to millions of Indians. We earn, we spend, and we hope to save what’s left. But what if we flipped the script? What if we use a method that’s deeply ingrained in our culture to bring order to our finances? A simple, visual way to regain control is to “dabba-fy” your income - just like a steel tiffin with compartments.

Why the Tiffin Dabba Method Works?

The steel tiffin carrier is an icon of Indian life. It represents discipline, nourishment, and the promise of a satisfying meal. Each compartment holds something different - roti, sabzi, dal, rice - and together, they form a complete, balanced whole. Mixing the dal with the rice is fine, but you wouldn't pour your sabzi into your kheer!

This same logic of compartmentalization is the key to sound financial management. By mentally (and physically) dividing your income into different 'dabbas' before you begin spending, you give every rupee a specific job. This proactive allocation, a core principle of investment planning.

The Four Essential 'Dabbas'

1. Basic Needs - The Roti & Rice (50-60%)

This is the largest and most important compartment. It holds your absolute essentials you need to live. Without this, nothing else functions.

• What goes in: Rent/home loan EMIs, children’s school fees, utility bills (electricity, water, internet), basic groceries, transport costs

• Crucial Addition: Your non-negotiable insurance premiums (Term Life and Health Insurance) also belong here. They are not investments/goals.

2. Goals - The Dal (20-30%)

This is the protein of your financial meal - the part that builds future strength. This compartment is all about "Paying Yourself First." Before you pay for lifestyle wants, you allocate money to your future self. This is where you actively plant now, to harvest later.

• What goes in: All your investments in various forms for short/medium/long term goals.

• Pro Tip: Automate these investments as far as possible. This removes temptation and ensures you consistently invest.

3. Wants - The Sabzi (10-20%)

This compartment adds flavour and enjoyment to your life. It covers all your discretionary spending - the things you like but can live without if needed.

• What goes in: Dining out, entertainment (movies, subscriptions), shopping for non-essentials, hobbies, and vacations.

• The Discipline: This is the most flexible dabba. If you have a high-expense month, this is the first area to cut back on, ensuring your ‘Needs’ and ‘Goals’ dabbas are never compromised.

4. Emergency Fund - The Pickle (A Separate Corpus)

Like a pickle, this isn’t part of the main meal but is essential to handle unexpected situations - like eating Roti with pickle when there is not enough Dal/Sabzi left! This is not a percentage of your monthly income; it is a separate, dedicated fund.

• Where to keep it: This money must be kept in a highly liquid, low-risk instrument. Options include a separate savings account, a Fixed Deposit, or a Liquid Mutual Fund.

Putting It Into Practice: Tiffin Plans for Different Incomes (illustration only)

The framework adapts differently to different income levels and needs. The percentages are a guide, not a rigid rule.

Category (Dabba)	Investor A (₹80,000/month)	Investor B - HNI (₹5,00,000/month)
Needs (Rent/EMI, Bills)	₹40,000 (50%)	₹1,50,000 (30%)
Goals (SIPs, Investments)	₹20,000 (25%)	₹2,50,000 (50%)
Wants (Lifestyle)	₹16,000 (20%)	₹75,000 (15%)
Emergency Buffer	₹4,000 (5%)	₹25,000 (5%)
Total	₹80,000 (100%)	₹5,00,000 (100%)

FAQs

1. Do I need multiple bank accounts?

   No. One account with automated payments and investments works. Separate accounts help some people stay disciplined - choose what you’ll actually follow.

   
   

2. My income is variable (I'm a freelancer/business owner). How does this apply to me?

   For variable incomes, calculate your average monthly earnings over the last six or twelve months. Use that average as your baseline for creating your 'dabba' percentages. In leaner months, you will have to cut back significantly on the ‘Wants’ dabba. This makes building a larger emergency fund (9-12 months of expenses) even more critical for you.

   
   

3. I have started SIPs. Does that mean my 'Goals Dabba' is sorted?

   Starting is an excellent first step! However, investment planning is not a one-time event. It's important to periodically review if your investment amounts are sufficient for your goals (considering inflation) and if the chosen funds align with your risk profile. A review once a year, perhaps at the start of the Indian financial year in April, is a good practice.

Conclusion

By adopting the simple, powerful Tiffin Dabba method, you bring consciousness and purpose to your finances. You transform from a passive spender to an active architect of your future. Every compartment you fill is a step towards achieving your family's dreams and securing your own financial independence.

At Y2J Moneytree, we make sure ensure your 'tiffin' is not just packed, but packed for success.

Happy Investing!