Rs 1,000 might not be a big amount for adults given the growth index and inflation rate, but it means the world to the majority of the schoolchildren in the state capital. It's like a dream figure for the kids, which they thrive to acquire it but fall short by hundreds or by a few tens at the end of a long period of savings and cost-cuttings.

Those who manage to save a thousand rupees, earn not just a “lump sum” but also the respect of friends and classmates. There are also those who scoff at the “calculating genius” of the ones with 1000 bucks and remain content with their little money left for the month. “Who cares if it is Rs 1000 or 500 or even less? It's my money!” says a schoolboy who was left with Rs 30 till the next pocket money would come his way 15 days later.

How would he manage the rest of the month with such a meagre sum? “Borrow from friends,” pat comes the reply.

Amit Kumar, a Class XI student of St Dominic Savio's High School, gets Rs 1,000 as pocket money every month. But he has to spend 70 per cent of the amount on petrol. “Damn the oil prices! I am left with only about Rs 300 to cover all other expenditure,” he says. “Earlier, I used to spend the entire amount in few days. Then, when I needed money in the latter half of the month, I did not have any cash left,” he recalls.

So how does he manage now?

“The problems I faced earlier helped me learn the art of saving money. Today, I am careful with the cash I am left with after spending on petrol,” he says.

But does he not find it difficult to manage with Rs 300? “No. I try and avoid restaurants and expensive places.”

The ways in which children save money are sometimes unique and innovative. While some skip a couple of meals, some walk a couple of kilometres instead of taking an auto. And then there are those who sweetly manage on others’ money, after all reaching the magical figure of Rs 1,000 is not an easy job!

Srishti Vinamra, a Class XI student of Carmel High School, can give a few lessons to others on the art of saving. She has accumulated Rs 1,000 in the past few months. Srishti deserves credit for her savings because she gets Rs 100 every month as pocket money. But she is not complaining. “The amount goes up whenever required. My parents are like my friends. Therefore, in case I need something, I always tell them,” she says.

“Pocket money should be spent wisely and at times miserly,” she sounds reasonable.

Sometimes, Rs 1,000 is also not enough to cover things on the kids' wish list. Amara Subul, a Class VIII student of St Joseph's Convent High School, wants to buy a hair dryer and also throw a small birthday party for her friends. The dryer alone would cost her Rs 600 to 800 and the remaining amount would not be enough for a small party on campus. Her plan now: “I would drop one of the two ideas from my list.” Sad, life presents difficult choices at all stages.

Amara, who also gets Rs 100 a month like Srishti, craves to have fast food on school campus with her friends when the lunch brought from home doesn't look that appealing. But not always she can spend on fast food because of her “limited means” and this hurts her at times. A little hurt feeling won't hurt as much as junk food. Instances like Amara's make us realise our parents think our best all the time.

Shubham Adhikari, a Class XI student of St Michael’s High School, considers himself “fortunate”.

Reason: he gets Rs 400 every month, much more than many of his friends. “I spend about Rs 100 on mobile recharge and a little more on snacks. I ensure that I save at least Rs 200 every month. I want to buy a branded watch and a jacket,” he says.

There are some for whom brands don't matter much. Rahul Keshari, a Class X student of St Karen's Secondary School, gets Rs 600 every month. He wants to invest his savings in gully cricket. “At times, I hit the balls so hard that they either get damaged or disappear in the field somewhere. I have to shell out quite a lot for the balls and other cricketing gears.”

Going out in groups is another activity that Rahul enjoys. “Most of my friends love boating, therefore, almost every month, we go to the Eco Park. A lot of money is spent on such trips. Since I do not have any fascination for expensive products, I save money for such occasions.”

Hats off to you kids! May you earn well, save better and show us the way too.

Last week’s question:

Identify this famous structure that became the centre of terrorist attacks on Mumbai in
November 2008.

The correct answer for last week’s question is:

Taj Mahal Palace

The reader who gave the correct answer is:

Nishit
Class IX Creane Memorial School, Gaya

This week’s question:
Identify this famous actor. (in picture right)

Clue: His first film was Hum Ek Hain (1946)

Readers can send their answers to ttbihar@abp.in

Remember to mention your name, address, class, school and email id with the
answers.

Please send only one answer for the question.