Everyone’s Rich – except you?
Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and suddenly felt like the whole world is making money, and you’re the only one getting left behind?
Someone just posted up a brand new car, courtesy of their crypto winnings, another has just bailed on their job to go and trade stocks full-time and your cousin in Dubai is over here buying up his very first investment flat
That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach – a mix of envy and nervousness that just wont shift – that’s what we call Money F.O.M.O (Fear of Missing Out)
And to be honest it’s spreading fast, especially among India’s salaried middle class – who seem to feel the pressure to “catch up” financially. This new form of financial anxiety
What Exactly Is Money FOMO?
Money FOMO is that creeping sense you get when you feel like the people around you are getting richer quicker than you and you can’t help but wonder why you’re getting left behind.
It usually shows up when you find yourself constantly comparing your financial situation to that of others – whether that’s friends at work, your online buddies, people plastered all over social media as influencers, or even some complete stranger you’ve stumbled upon online.
Sound familiar ? You might be guilty of thinking things like:
Should i be diving into options trading ? Everyone seems to be doing it these days
My mate invested in crypto and made a 40% return – meanwhile I am still sitting on my fixed deposit
I’m 35 years old and still renting – it seems like everyone else around me has somehow magically managed to buy a house already
Yep, that’s Money FOMO chatting away in your ear.
Why Money FOMO Is Growing So Fast in India
Lets break it Down
1. Social Media Pressure
Scroll through Instagram or YouTube and you can’t help but feel like you’re missing out on everyone’s seemingly effortless “passive income”, “financial freedom” and “early retirement”. But we never see the reality – the failures, the debts, and those sleepless nights that come with every social media post.
2. Rising Cost of Living
Living in a city like Mumbai or Delhi means the middle class is feeling the pinch – in one way or another the cost of living is always rising, whether it’s rent or school fees. And when your salary isn’t rising as fast as those costs, any ‘get rich quick’ story is starting to sound a lot more appealing.
3. Investment Buzz
Thanks to apps like Zerodha, Groww and CoinSwitch, investing has never been easier. But with that ease comes the problem of FOMO-driven investing – where people buy into whatever’s trending at the moment, rather than what’s actually a good fit for their finances.
4. Peer Comparison
Ravi, a 35-year old IT professional from pune, told me that at lunch with his colleagues, they’re always talking about the stock market – “I don’t even understand it half the time” he said, “but I still feel like I should get in on it, or risk looking like a fool for missing out”.
That’s exactly how FOMO can trick you into making some very impulsive financial decisions.
How Money FOMO Impacts Your Finances
Money FOMO can silently drain your wealth if you’re not careful.
1. Impulse Investing
Investing in something just because it’s trending, say, a hot stock tip or a crypto coin can lead to losses.
Remember the 2021 crypto boom? Many retail investors entered at the top and exited with heavy losses.
2. Lifestyle Inflation
You see friends upgrading phones, cars, or homes so you follow suit, often on EMI.
That ₹50,000 iPhone or ₹20 lakh SUV may give a temporary high but eats into your long-term savings.
3. Constant Financial Anxiety
Money FOMO isn’t just about money, it’s about mental health.
It can make you feel “behind in life,” even if you’re doing fine. That anxiety often leads to overworking or taking unnecessary financial risks.
How to Tame Money FOMO (Without Missing Out)
You can’t eliminate FOMO, but you can control it smartly. Here’s how:
1. Define Your “Enough”
Everyone’s financial journey is different. What works for your friend may not work for you.
Decide what “financial freedom” means for you — maybe it’s owning a small flat, or simply retiring debt-free.
2. Automate Investments
Set up SIPs in mutual funds or recurring deposits.
When you invest consistently, you stop reacting emotionally to market noise.
3. Learn Before You Leap
Before investing in new assets like crypto, REITs, or U.S. stocks — understand the risk.
Websites like SEBI Investor Education and MoneyControl are great starting points.
4. Unfollow the Hype
Limit social media content that fuels envy or unrealistic expectations.
Follow creators who talk about real finance, not just quick success stories.
5. Talk About Money Honestly
Discuss finances with your spouse or close friends without comparing.
Sometimes, realizing everyone’s figuring it out helps you relax
Actionable Insights for Readers
- Don’t chase every new investment trend — chase consistency.
- Build an emergency fund covering 6 months of expenses.
- Automate 20–30% of your income into SIPs or ELSS mutual funds.
- Limit comparison — both financial and social.
- Learn personal finance basics from credible Indian sources like ETMoney, RBI Financial Literacy Portal, and AMFI.
FAQs
Q1: What causes Money FOMO among Indians?
Constant exposure to others’ financial success online, rising living costs, and easier access to investing apps fuel the pressure to “get rich fast.”
Q2: Is it bad to feel Money FOMO?
No, it’s normal. But acting impulsively on it like risky trading or overspending can harm your finances.
Q3: How can I manage Money FOMO?
Focus on your goals, automate investments, and stop comparing your timeline with others’.
Q4: Should I invest in trending assets to keep up?
Only if you understand the risk. Never invest based on social media trends or peer pressure.
Q5: What’s a healthy way to track progress?
Review your net worth every 6 months not every week. Slow progress is still progress.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Conclusion
Money FOMO is real and it’s everywhere. But remember, true financial peace comes not from having more, but from needing less.
You don’t have to chase every opportunity to build wealth you just have to stay consistent with what works for you.
If this post hit home, share it with a friend who’s stressing about money. And stay tuned for our next post: “Why Slow Wealth Wins in the Long Run.”