Pusaram

Pathways

Pick what applies to you. No pathway assumes a particular family, job or access to banking. Skip, revisit or switch at any time.

Students

Spending basics, education costs, safe borrowing, a first income and scams.

A first small step

Map what comes in (allowance, part-time pay, support) and what goes out in a typical month.

Suggested lessons

Keep in mind: Read every term before signing a loan or an agreement. Ask what happens if you miss a payment.

First job and early career

Cash flow, benefits, a small buffer, debt, tax basics and longer-term goals.

A first small step

List your pay after deductions and your first three fixed costs.

Suggested lessons

Keep in mind: Check your payslip. Know what is deducted and why.

Homemakers and unpaid caregivers

Household cash flow, shared decisions, access to money, safety and planning for interruptions.

A first small step

Write down household income and spending, including who decides what, in a way that feels safe to keep.

Suggested lessons

Keep in mind: Everyone in a household should be able to see key accounts and documents. If money is used to control or frighten you, local support services can help (see Resources).

Irregular-income workers and professionals

Variable cash flow, reserves, tax records, and separating business and personal money.

A first small step

List your income for the last six months and mark the lowest month.

Suggested lessons

Keep in mind: Set tax money aside when you are paid, not when the bill arrives.

Business owners

Bookkeeping, working capital, cash flow, profit, financial statements and tax readiness.

A first small step

Open separate business and personal accounts, then list your fixed and variable costs.

Suggested lessons

Keep in mind: Profit is not cash. Watch what customers owe you and when it is due.

People managing debt

Essentials and immediate risks, a debt list, repayment options, talking to creditors and finding qualified help.

A first small step

Write a full debt list, including what you are unsure about. You do not need to fix anything today.

Suggested lessons

Keep in mind: If housing, food, utilities or safety are at risk, or you have legal notices, contact qualified local help first (see Resources). Be wary of anyone who asks for money upfront to 'fix' your debt.

Senior workers and retirees

Transition planning, sources of income, changing spending and protection from fraud.

A first small step

List every income source with its start date and whether it can change.

Suggested lessons

Keep in mind: Be careful with offers that need quick decisions, and talk to someone you trust before moving large sums.