In the middle of flashy influencer ads and endless discount alerts, Gen Z has come up with something surprisingly simple to fight financial FOMO. It’s called the ₹100 Rule, and it is taking over Indian finance communities on MoneyTok and Reddit. At first glance, it feels like just another spending hack. But behind it lies a sharp shift in mindset that could actually change how a generation handles money.

Here’s how it works. Every time you want to spend on something non-essential — that extra coffee, a quick online order, or a last-minute plan — you ask yourself one question: would I still buy this if it cost ₹100 more? If the answer is no, you probably do not need it. If the answer is yes, go ahead.

The brilliance of this rule lies in its simplicity. It creates a mental pause. It adds friction. In a world built to make you spend quickly, the ₹100 Rule forces you to think. And more importantly, it helps you realize how little you actually need to be happy.

What makes it even more interesting is that it works across income levels. Whether you’re earning ₹20,000 a month or ₹2 lakh, this small question can help reset your brain and reduce impulse purchases. And it is not about guilt. It is about awareness.

Social media has trained us to believe that we need more, now, always. The ₹100 Rule quietly pushes back against that. It is not a budgeting tool. It is a clarity tool. And for Gen Z Indians juggling side gigs, uncertain careers, and rising living costs, that clarity is everything.

It also encourages a better relationship with money. Spending becomes a conscious choice, not a default reaction. Over time, this leads to more savings, more confidence, and more control — without the need for extreme frugality or complicated spreadsheets.

The next time you’re tempted by a limited-time offer or a trending product, try the ₹100 test. It just might help you save not just your money, but your peace of mind.

 

For more Gen Z money hacks, financial wellness tips, and smarter spending ideas, follow You Finance on Instagram and Facebook.