Getting your hands on your first ₹10,000 feels like a rite of passage. Whether it comes from a freelance gig, part-time job, or a lucky bonus, that money brings a heady mix of pride and possibility. But for most Indian Gen Zs, it also vanishes faster than they can say “UPI successful.” No budgeting, no long-term plan just vibes, aesthetics, and a bunch of things they probably didn’t need.
The wild part? They don’t even regret it. In fact, they’ll laugh about it, post it on Instagram, or call it “self-care.” But if you look closely, you’ll find a predictable pattern of impulsive, overhyped, and sometimes hilariously pointless purchases that burn through that first big cash.
Let’s break down the 13 dumbest (but weirdly satisfying) ways Indian Gen Z wastes their first ₹10,000 and why they keep doing it anyway.
1. Overpaying for Useless Tech Accessories
That RGB mouse pad, those overpriced “aesthetic” Bluetooth speakers, or a ring light for reels they’ll never post ₹2,000 gone before lunch.
2. Buying “Premium” Coffee to Feel Like an Influencer
Ordering ₹400 frappes from Starbucks or Third Wave for the aesthetic, then sipping while pretending to work on a “side hustle.” Net gain: 0. Net loss: ₹3,200/month.
3. Subscribing to Every Streaming Service Then Watching None
Netflix, Prime, Disney+, Spotify Premium, YouTube Premium, even Crunchyroll… all subscribed. What do they actually watch? Old Friends clips on Instagram.
4. Impulse Ordering from Shark Tank Brands
₹999 for a vegan protein cookie. ₹1,299 for eco-friendly bamboo earbuds. Turns out most of them suck or break in 3 days.
5. Burning It on Skincare Hauls Because ‘Glass Skin’
10-step Korean skincare routines from Nykaa? Check. Skin glow? Not really. Most products gather dust in their bathroom shelf by week two.
6. Falling for Instagram Dropshipping Ads
“₹2,499 Limited Edition Minimalist Techwear Hoodie” from a random page. It arrives looking like a bedsheet stitched by a distracted tailor.
7. Going Broke on Zomato Gold and Swiggy Instamart
Buying 5 plates of sushi for ₹900 on a weekday. Later, ordering Oreo milkshake and Maggi from Instamart at 1 AM like it’s essential survival.
8. Booking Staycations They Can’t Afford for the Gram
₹5,000/night airbnb in Goa with no Wi-Fi, no AC, and no clue why they booked it. But hey those boho-filtered photos were.
9. Blowing It on NFTs or Crypto Because “This Will 10x”
Some still think that spending ₹10K on a cat meme JPEG is “investing.” Today, it’s worth ₹48 and a broken dream.
10. Buying Gym Memberships They Never Use
They pay ₹7,500 upfront, go for two weeks, and then ghost the gym like it’s an ex. Bonus: monthly guilt.
11. Joining Expensive Online Courses They Don’t Finish
They enroll in “UX Design Masterclass,” “Crypto Trading Bootcamp,” and “AI Prompt Engineering,” then watch 1 video and forget the login.
12. Ordering Trendy Tech That’s Already Outdated
They buy budget smartwatches, mechanical keyboards, or wireless earbuds that break or lag within weeks just because some tech YouTuber hyped it.
13. Buying Aesthetic Stationery to Romanticize Their Life
Gel pens, bullet journals, pastel highlighters, wax seals bought with full Pinterest vibes. Used once. Then back to taking notes on Notes app.
Summary: Where Gen Z’s First Salary Disappears (and What It Really Means)
| What They Think They’re Doing | What’s Actually Happening |
|---|---|
| “Investing in myself” | Spending on skincare, tech, or courses they never finish |
| “Treating myself” | Blowing cash on coffee, food delivery, and staycations |
| “Being future-ready” | Subscribing to 5 services they don’t even use |
| “Exploring trends” | Falling for ads, hype, and overpriced influencer drops |
| “Starting a fitness journey” | Joining a gym they ghost in 2 weeks |
| “Planning productivity” | Hoarding planners, stationery, and apps they forget |
| “Leveling up” | Wasting money on budget gadgets that underdeliver |
| “Supporting D2C Indian brands” | Overpaying for underwhelming ‘aesthetic’ products |
| “Catching up with friends” | Splurging on food and hangouts that kill savings fast |
| “Making smart money moves” | Gambling in crypto or NFTs they don’t understand |
Spending your first earning is less about logic and more about the thrill of finally having “your own money.” For Indian Gen Z, it’s rarely about savings or smart investments it’s about experimenting, flexing a little, and learning through regret (or denial). And honestly? That’s part of the journey.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to waste it to enjoy it. You can still spend guilt-free and have fun just with a little more intention. Even saving ₹1,000, buying something useful you’ll still use six months later, or resisting one impulse splurge can make a difference.
Because your money doesn’t just show who you are it shapes who you’re becoming. Might as well make that version a little wiser.
