Although we often think of Sudama and Krishna’s story as an entertaining tale of friendship, humility, and God’s grace, what if this beloved tale contains an important practical lesson for us in our current lives? The story is spiritually charming and a surprising financial message; it is addressing anyone who has ever worried over money, family security, and being future ready.
Sudama was not striving for affluence; Sudama was living simply, completely focused on what was important. But even Sudama had his threshold. Sudama’s family was impoverished, and he reached a limit when it became clear it was time for him to pursue his intentions and ultimately make a shift. He went to Krishna with nothing but a handful of beaten rice; no aim for begging, only to acknowledge their friendship. And after this act, humble but thoughtful, Sudama went about creating an entirely different life. Sometimes we are rightfully preoccupied with the big picture; but sometimes, it is about moving one step, even small, but authentic, to open the biggest doors.
In a world where we often associate imitating the financial journeys of successful people with large costs, significant risk, and wildly irresponsible decisions, Sudama’s anecdote subtly implies that like he discovered, modest financial planning —savings, timing, and authentic work – creates unexpected excess. You do not have to wait for a crisis, or a miracle, just do something small and right now, and surprise yourself!
#1 Start Small – Every Step Matters
The story of Sudama and Krishna is a simple one. Sudama did not offer anything grand – just a handful of beaten rice. But it was still an offering, and even something so small changed his life. The same is true of financial planning. You don’t have to wait until you have three or four lakh rupees before you can save or invest. With the introduction of mutual funds, and SIPs in recent years, it is easier than ever to get started today, even if it is just small amounts.
Many people will never get started because they think small amounts of savings are not worth it. But as long as we keep in mind that it does not matter how much you save, but that you are consistent, we can avoid this pitfall. And if you increase the amount saved, even a little, each year, the growth will be even better. It is the habit of saving – not the amount saved – that builds wealth.
So, what is the lesson? It does not matter how much you start with – it is simply about starting. Just like Sudama gave Krishna his handful of beaten rice, starting small can lead to good wealth.
#2 Plan Ahead of Time
Sudama came to visit Krishna before his family was seriously starving. It serves as a reminder that planning should take place ahead of a crisis. Too often, people think about savings, insurance, or investing when they are already in the middle of a financial crisis, not beforehand.
Looking back, if you had established an emergency fund of 6 to 12 months’ worth of expenses, it could keep you out of high-interest debt situations in times of financial stress. The earlier you start planning offers you more options. If it is irresponsible to make any financial decisions, then it is also irresponsible to postpone planning until you are faced with a financial crisis.
The important point is to not wait until you are in an emergency – things can be planned better when you are in a position of strength.
#3 Be Prepared to Contribute Before You Anticipate a Benefit
When Sudama came to Krishna, he did not go to Krishna with a list of demands. He came with what little he had – a handful of beaten rice – given in a spirit of love and sincerity. This provides us with a very real financial/life lesson: before expecting to receive something (rewards, riches, success, etc.) you must first be prepared to give something. It might be the time you give, the commitment you make, the knowledge you share, or the kindness you show. True giving often serves as the bedrock for future return.
In the financial world, this could mean taking the time to learn how to save, upgrading your skills or training to increase your chance of earning, or helping others without asking for anything in return. These seeds of goodwill often return many times over, sometimes in terms of opportunities, strong networks of people, or even unexpected financial assistance later in life.
The same notion can be applied for investments – you need to give a part of your income to savings/investments on a regular basis before ever expecting to get back your investment on that money.
#4 Your Connections Creation Commodity
Sudama did not change his life from looking for monetary assistance. He altered his life from the relationship he had with Krishna. This learning is significant since it shows we should not undervalue the real financial value of our networks where at times we are not soliciting anything. In life, the right connections can lead to unexpected opportunities, sometimes at the exact moment when you need them the most.
As a practical example we all have experienced this before. A former colleague tells you about a job that is perfectly aligned with your skill set and recommends you. Without the previous connection you may have never even known the opening existed. A neighbour suggests you speak to a trusted real estate agent to help negotiate the highest selling price on your home. A casual tip from a friend also leads into a small, but thoughtful investment. While they feel like often random encounters, they usually happen by way of creating effortless connections due to your investment in building genuine, respectful relationships over time.
For many it is not just social connectivity. Connections could directly impact a person’s financial health. This is why it is so important to keep touch to maximise the leverage of your network by helping someone without expecting anything back in return while constructing others in roles which inspire the best in their capacity and capability.
#5 Contentment and Gratitude
Sudama did not approach Krishna with complaints or demands. He approached him with humility and a sense of true gratitude. There is a profound lesson for us here. We live in a society that encourages us, through consumerism, to perpetually want more. By intentionally bringing gratitude into the belief and behaviour equation, we can insulate ourselves from poor financial decisions motivated by greed, social pressure or immediacy of results.
When you are at peace with what you have, you will naturally avoid overspending, purchasing things that require ongoing expenses or, the omnipresent debts that are incurred every time you chase after something that you truly did not need. There is far more peace and security when you spend mindfully, save for things that truly matter and, cherish progress in small, meaningful financial movements than chasing the next ‘big’ thing.
The lessons are clear. Clarity and peace of mind achieved through a grateful and content outlook on life will not only lead to emotional wellness but will also lead to healthier, better financial decisions.
The story of Sudama is about much more than friendship and grace. It subtly reminds us that small actions, genuine intentions, real relationships, and a thankful heart can create real financial security. Humble financial planning is not about chasing wealth, it is about building stability, happiness, and real lasting value in our lives.