Why Sania Mirza’s Sister Stopped Using Google Pay: The Story Behind Her Surprising Money-Saving Move

In an age dominated by the tap-and-pay convenience of digital transactions, it’s remarkably easy to lose sight of our spending. This issue was recently highlighted by Anam Mirza, an entrepreneur and sister of tennis star Sania Mirza, who shared her surprising decision to step away from UPI apps like Google Pay. Her story isn’t just about saving money; it’s a compelling look at how the very technology designed to simplify our lives can sometimes complicate our financial well-being.

An Experiment in Mindful Spending

As part of her “Little Changes, Big Impact” series on Instagram, Anam revealed that she had deleted all UPI payment apps from her phone. She explained that the seamless, almost invisible nature of scanning QR codes and making instant payments had led her to spend more than she intended. Without the physical act of handling cash or seeing a wallet empty, her expenses were becoming abstract and difficult to track.

By removing these digital shortcuts, Anam forced a deliberate pause into her spending habits. The results were immediate and powerful. She became acutely aware of every purchase, which naturally led to better saving habits.

The change wasn’t without its challenges. Anam candidly shared the initial awkwardness of having to ask friends for coffee money or forgoing small purchases because she couldn’t pay digitally. However, over time, this friction proved beneficial. The minor inconvenience fostered major financial discipline. Her journey struck a chord with her online audience, many of whom praised her transparency and considered adopting a similar approach. While some debated the practicality of ditching UPI entirely, Anam’s core message resonated: sometimes, a little less convenience can lead to a lot more control.

The Hidden Cost of Frictionless Payments

UPI platforms such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm have revolutionized how we handle money, offering unparalleled speed and ease. Yet, this very efficiency can have a psychological downside. When transactions are frictionless, the brain doesn’t register the “pain” of payment in the same way it does when handing over physical cash. This can encourage impulse buys and make it challenging to adhere to a budget.

Switching back to cash or using a digital wallet with a pre-loaded, finite amount reintroduces a healthy friction to spending. The tangible act of seeing your cash dwindle or a wallet balance drop forces you to be more intentional. This simple awareness is often the first and most crucial step toward curbing unnecessary expenses and boosting savings.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Financial Control

Anam Mirza’s story reminds us that small, deliberate shifts in our habits can yield significant results. You don’t necessarily have to delete all your apps, but you can become more mindful of their role in your financial life. Here are a few practical tips inspired by her experiment:

• Designate UPI for Essentials: Reserve instant payment apps for necessary transactions like bills and utilities, not discretionary spending.
• Use Cash for Wants: For non-essential purchases like dining out, entertainment, or shopping, try using a set amount of cash. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
• Track Manually: Dedicate a few minutes each day or week to log your expenses in a notebook or a simple spreadsheet. This act of manual tracking reinforces where your money is going.
• Set Clear Spending Goals: Establish a monthly budget and review your progress regularly to stay accountable and motivated.

Ultimately, Anam Mirza’s experience is a powerful reminder that technology should be a tool that serves our goals, not one that silently undermines them. The objective isn’t to reject modern convenience but to use it wisely, ensuring that every rupee you spend is a conscious decision. Start with one small change, and you might be surprised by the big impact it makes.