Money is one of those things we all use every day, yet most of us—especially teenagers—rarely learn how to handle it properly. Schools teach trigonometry and Shakespeare but not how to budget pocket money, save for a phone, or avoid blowing it all in a single Flipkart sale. That’s exactly the gap CA Jigar Gaglani addresses in his fresh and fun book, Cash Cool: A Teen’s Guide to Mastering Money in India.
What’s the Book About?
Written in a friendly, conversational tone through the voice of “Dheer” (inspired by the author’s son), the book turns boring financial jargon into relatable desi examples. Instead of textbook-style lectures, Gaglani gives us stories of teens like Aisha, Divya, and Rohan, who struggle with everyday money challenges—splurging on sales, struggling to save, or falling for digital scams.
The book covers:
- Budgeting basics with the 50-30-20 rule.
- Saving hacks like the ₹10-a-day challenge.
- Needs vs. Wants (how not to get played by FOMO).
- Digital money smarts—navigating UPI and avoiding scams.
- Teen hustles to earn your own cash.
- Investing 101—how ₹500 can start your money tree.
- Debt, taxes, and giving back, explained in simple terms.
- Money mindset—why thinking smart about cash builds long-term success.
Each chapter ends with “Bhai’s Pro Tips,” fun activities, and even parental guidance notes, making this book equally useful for teens and their parents.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Relatable Indian Context – From UPI scams to Diwali sales, the book is rooted in real Indian life.
- Teen-Friendly Language – Written like a cool cousin giving advice, not a teacher scolding you.
- Practical Tools – Exercises, hacks, and challenges that readers can start using immediately.
- Parental Angle – A unique touch, since money habits in India are often shaped by families.
Who Should Read It?
- Teens & young adults who want to handle pocket money smarter.
- Parents of teens, looking for ways to guide their kids in a digital-first world.
- Educators, who might want to introduce financial literacy in schools.
Final Thoughts
Cash Cool is not just a book—it’s a playbook for the next generation of Indians to grow into financially confident adults. With humor, storytelling, and practical advice, Jigar Gaglani has created something rare: a finance book that’s actually fun to read.
If you’re a teen dreaming big or a parent worried about your child’s spending habits, this book is your perfect starting point. As one teen reviewer quoted inside: “It makes you feel like a total money boss.”
