When it comes to managing money, one lesson stands out, and it’s coming straight from one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs—Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and a prominent judge on Shark Tank India. In a recent conversation with 1% Club, Mittal shared a powerful and unexpected insight into how money works, and why even the wealthiest people need to be cautious about managing their finances.
His message? No matter how much you earn, the universe will always find a way to take it away—unless you are smart, vigilant, and strategic about keeping it.
Anupam Mittal’s Surprising Lesson on Money
In a candid conversation, Mittal shared a truth that might sound surprising to many: the more money you make, the more opportunities there are for it to slip away.
“It doesn’t matter how much money you make, the universe has ways to take it all,” he remarked. While this statement might seem dramatic, it’s grounded in a key financial lesson—money is easy to earn but harder to keep.
According to Mittal, if you’re not careful with your financial planning, you might find that all your hard-earned money can quickly vanish. This could happen through poor investments, unnecessary spending, or simply the pressures of life. He suggests that it’s easy to be distracted or swept up by the world around us, but the secret to building long-term wealth is understanding how to hold on to it once you have it.
Why “Keeping” Money Is Tougher Than Earning It
One of the most profound statements Mittal shared was on LinkedIn, where he wrote, “You know what’s tougher than making money? Keeping it.”
This might sound counterintuitive. After all, isn’t making money the real challenge? Mittal, however, argues that once you start earning money, you’re constantly faced with temptations, distractions, and financial risks that can take it away from you.
From unexpected expenses to lifestyle inflation (where your spending increases as your income rises), there are countless ways money can be lost. And in today’s world, with increasing consumerism and complex financial systems, it’s easy for someone to end up spending more than they earn.
How to Avoid the Financial Pitfalls: Plan Smart
Mittal emphasized the importance of careful financial planning and warned that, “Unless and until you are extremely careful and plan your money well, rest assured the world will find a way to take it away from you.”
Here are a few of the key takeaways from his advice:
1. Be Strategic with Your Money
Rather than spending impulsively or relying on your salary to carry you through, it’s important to build a financial strategy. Plan for the long term, set clear goals, and invest wisely. With smart investments, you can grow your wealth and make your money work for you.
2. Invest in Yourself
Mittal believes that the key to building lasting wealth is to “invest in yourself.” He explained that by developing specialized skills and capabilities that few people possess, you set yourself up for financial success. Wealth isn’t just about earning money; it’s about becoming a wealth creator. If you position yourself in such a way that your skills are rare and valuable, opportunities will come your way, and money will chase you.
3. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
As your income grows, it’s easy to start increasing your spending as well. Mittal suggests that one of the best ways to avoid losing money is to resist the temptation to upgrade your lifestyle with every salary bump. Keep your expenses in check and focus on saving and investing, rather than simply living bigger.
The Power of Financial Education and Discipline
The core of Mittal’s message is not just about earning more money—it’s about educating yourself on how to manage it. Money management isn’t taught enough in schools, and many people don’t learn how to save or invest wisely until they’re much older. But as Mittal points out, it’s never too early to start building a foundation for financial success.
Being disciplined with your finances is key to ensuring that your hard-earned money doesn’t just disappear. Whether that means setting up an emergency fund, investing in stocks, or purchasing assets that appreciate in value over time, you have to think long term.
Mittal’s advice aligns with what many successful investors, entrepreneurs, and financial experts say: it’s not just about earning money, it’s about learning how to make it grow, protect it, and plan for the future.
Anupam Mittal’s Philosophy: Invest in Yourself and the Future
As someone who has built one of the largest online matrimonial platforms in India, Mittal’s career has been a testament to the power of investing in yourself. He has always focused on building new skills, taking calculated risks, and developing businesses that add value to the world.
Mittal’s core philosophy about wealth creation is clear: develop your skills, think ahead, and never stop learning.
His approach to money is not just about accumulating wealth for the sake of it, but about creating a life of financial freedom and independence. In his words, “Develop capabilities that very few people have and money will chase you.” This is the key to true wealth: creating value that others find indispensable.
The Bigger Picture: Money Isn’t Everything
While Anupam Mittal’s focus on financial planning and personal growth is essential, he also reminds us that money alone isn’t the end goal. Building wealth is important, but it should always be tied to something greater, whether that’s creating a legacy, helping others, or contributing to society in meaningful ways.
By investing in yourself, building lasting wealth, and making smart financial choices, you set yourself up for long-term success—but don’t forget to remain humble and grounded in your financial journey.
Conclusion: A Simple But Powerful Takeaway
The lesson Anupam Mittal shares is simple but incredibly powerful: Earning money is just one part of the equation—keeping it and making it work for you is what truly matters. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to improve your money habits, the message is clear: plan carefully, invest in yourself, and avoid the common traps that cause money to slip away.
“Money will chase you if you develop rare capabilities,” Mittal says. With this mindset, you can make sure that not only do you earn more, but you also keep more, building a strong financial future for yourself and your loved ones.