On Tuesday, 21st July, Ms. Shikha Gautam, Academic Coordinator of the School of Business Management (SoBM) at Thames International College, facilitated an insightful guest speaker session on Personal Finance Series: “Saving and Financial Discipline” at the American Center, U.S. Embassy, Kathmandu. The session brought together students from different backgrounds for an engaging discussion on the importance of developing sound financial habits and making informed financial decisions from an early stage in life.
During the session, Ms. Gautam emphasized that financial discipline is a practical life skill cultivated through consistent habits and real-life experiences rather than theoretical knowledge alone. She encouraged students to adopt a proactive approach toward managing their finances by understanding the value of responsible spending, mindful saving, and long-term financial planning.
A key focus of the session was helping students distinguish between their needs and wants. Ms. Gautam explained that spending decisions should be guided by an individual’s income, lifestyle, stage of life, and personal priorities. By evaluating these factors carefully, students can develop healthier financial behaviors that contribute to greater financial stability and independence in the future.
The discussion also explored the importance of saving within the context of Nepal’s economic realities. Highlighting the relationship between minimum wages, the rising cost of living, and everyday expenses, Ms. Gautam illustrated how intentional financial management is essential for building savings, regardless of income level. She encouraged students to recognize that even small, consistent saving habits can make a meaningful difference over time.
Introducing the concept of financial fitness, Ms. Gautam described financial well-being as a continuous journey that begins with earning and progresses through saving, investing, planning, growing wealth, and ultimately achieving long-term financial goals. She emphasized that financial success is not determined solely by how much one earns, but by how effectively one manages and allocates available resources.
One of the central messages of the session was the principle of “Save First, Spend Later.” Students were encouraged to prioritize saving before discretionary spending, reinforcing the idea that financial security is built through discipline, consistency, and thoughtful decision-making rather than higher income alone. The session inspired participants to view saving not as a restriction, but as an investment in their future and a foundation for achieving personal and professional aspirations.
Through this engaging guest session, students gained valuable insights into developing responsible financial habits and strengthening their financial literacy. Such initiatives reflect Thames International College’s commitment to providing learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, equipping students with practical life skills that support both personal growth and professional success.
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