๐ข Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a certified financial advisor before making any major financial decisions.
๐จโ๐ป Debug Code, Debug Your Finances
As software engineers, we focus so much on building great products that we forget to build one of the most important systems of all โ our financial future.
Letโs break down simple, effective financial habits tailored specifically for tech professionals.
๐ 1. Automate Your Savings Like CI/CD Pipelines
Set auto-debits for:
- ๐ก Emergency Fund (6+ months of expenses)
- ๐ SIPs into index or mutual funds
- ๐ฆ Long-term schemes like PPF or NPS
Let your money grow while you sleepโjust like automated tests.
๐ 2. Track Your Net Worth Like App Metrics
Use tools like:
- INDMoney
- TurtleMint
- Or even Excel
Monitor assets, liabilities, and cash flow like you track logs and errors.
๐ธ 3. Donโt Let ESOPs Confuse You
If youโre working in a startup or tech firm:
- Understand your vesting schedule
- Plan for taxes when selling
- Diversifyโdonโt put all your money in your employerโs stock
๐ฑ 4. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
Just got a raise? Great. But avoid upgrading every part of your lifestyle.
Instead:
- Increase SIPs
- Buy a new book/course
- Invest in health and upskilling
๐ก 5. Buy vs Rent? Run the Numbers
Buying a house can be tempting. But:
- Consider flexibility and opportunity cost
- EMI โ ownership advantage if youโre constantly relocating
Run the math, not the emotion.
๐ 6. Learn Finance Like You Learned React
Books that helped me:
- The Psychology of Money โ Morgan Housel
- Letโs Talk Money โ Monika Halan (India-specific)
- Rich Dad Poor Dad โ Robert Kiyosaki
๐ผ 7. Think Beyond Salary
Explore alternate income:
- Start a micro-SaaS
- Write blogs/tutorials
- Monetize open source
- Build a YouTube or newsletter audience
๐ Build Code. Build Wealth. Build Freedom.
Youโve mastered systems and logic. Now bring that same mastery to your money.
๐ Read the full, extended version with visuals on Medium:
https://er-raj-aryan.medium.com/financial-wisdom-for-software-engineers-build-code-build-wealth-0837e0319c2e
๐ข Final Disclaimer: This article shares personal insights and should not be taken as financial advice. Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research) or consult a professional.
Top comments (2)
Been cool seeing steady progress - it adds up. what do you think actually keeps things growing over time? habits? luck? just showing up?
Thanks