“Wealth is not about having a lot of money; it’s about having a lot of options.” – Barron Watford
On 30th August, the CAS and Economics departments of CPS Global School came together to host an inspiring and insightful workshop titled “Romance with Finance”, conducted by Mr. Nikhil Singhi—renowned financial coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of NSFS Pvt. Ltd. This interdisciplinary session, held in the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), was tailored to empower teachers with practical financial knowledge, enabling them to make informed and confident financial decisions.
A Collaborative Initiative by IBDP Students
In a unique integration of IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) and Economics, the IBDP Year 1 students played a key role in conceptualizing and organizing the session. Their goal: to promote financial literacy among educators—those who shape the minds of tomorrow. The session was a testament to the IB philosophy of student initiative, real-world learning, and service-driven action.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
Mr. Singhi highlighted that the cornerstone of financial success is not high income, but discipline. Through simple yet powerful examples, he emphasized that even modest, consistent savings over time can result in significant wealth. The workshop covered essential pillars of personal finance, including:
- Budgeting and building a strong emergency fund
- Debt discipline and responsible use of credit
- The role of medical and term insurance as financial safety nets
- Diversification to reduce risk
- Goal-based investment strategies across various timelines:
- Short-term: travel, gadgets
- Medium-term: education planning
- Long-term: retirement, legacy building
A compelling insight shared was that time is a multiplier in wealth creation—the earlier one starts, the better the returns.
The KART Formula: A Guide to Financial Discipline
To simplify financial planning, the session introduced the KART principle, a memorable and actionable framework:
- K – Keep learning financial knowledge
- A – Automate SIPs and insurance premiums
- R – Review your portfolio annually
- T – Teachers teach students by example
This framework resonated with the audience, making financial planning feel approachable and sustainable.
A Session that Sparked Reflection and Action
The workshop was highly interactive, with teachers enthusiastically participating in discussions and self-reflections on their current financial habits. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive—they appreciated the relevance of the session and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn crucial life skills often left out of traditional curricula.
The workshop concluded with a simple but empowering message:
Start small. Stay consistent. Grow big.
Impact and Reflections
This workshop was more than just a session—it was a movement toward financial mindfulness within the school community. It demonstrated how interdisciplinary learning and student-led initiatives can create meaningful impact. Teachers left not only more financially aware but also inspired to model financial discipline for their students.
The success of “Romance with Finance” reaffirms our belief that education is not just about textbooks—it’s about preparing for life. And with empowered teachers leading the way, the ripple effects of this workshop will undoubtedly extend far beyond the classroom.
