New Delhi, Jan. 30 -- That first salary often feels bigger on paper than in the bank. Rather than letting lifestyle upgrades run the show, many young earners are choosing simplicity. They track spending, prioritise essentials, and stick to flexible budgets that don't kill the fun. With basic health insurance in place and small, steady investments underway, the goal is quiet financial confidence-where money stays in control, surprises don't derail plans, and guilt-free weekends are still very much on the table.

Prajakta Garg, 25, a Darjeeling-based risk analyst, six months into her first job, follows a mindful, no-frills money habit rooted in early discipline. A simple, flexible budget guides her spending, with clear priorities for essent...