Guest Blogger Rahul Senthil
In this special guest blog, Sammy Rabbit is proud to showcase the journey and insights of Rahul Senthil!
Rahul is a sophomore at Great Valley High School in Malvern, PA.
Rahul shares, "I have a strong interest in business and finance. As a member of my school's Finance Club, I enjoy learning about investing and money management. Beyond academics, I am an avid chess player, tennis enthusiast, and dedicated lifter. I’m always looking for ways to grow both mentally and physically, striving for excellence in everything I do."
My Journey
My financial journey started back in middle school. I thought I had budgeting down like a pro—saving for long-term enjoyment instead of instant gratification.
Okay, confession time. My whole “budgeting thing” was a total disaster.
My parents would give me some money to grab food with friends at our local Wawa, and whatever I didn’t spend, I got to keep. Sounds simple, right? Well, at first, it was complete chaos. I’d save a little from one or two trips, only to blow it immediately on something pointless—video games, trendy fidget toys, or whatever seemed exciting in the moment. The money came in, and just as fast, it was gone. Poof. Vanished.
Then came the turning point. I had my eye on a new card game—something way more expensive than anything I’d ever bought before. It wasn’t just another quick thrill; it was something I actually wanted to keep and enjoy for a long time. There was just one problem: I was completely broke.
That’s when it hit me. If I ever wanted to get something more meaningful than an LED fidget spinner, I had to figure out this whole money thing.
This desire was my wake-up call. It made me realize I needed to figure out this whole money management thing—and fast.
Since then, I’ve been on a mission to learn about budgeting, saving, and all that so-called “grown-up” stuff. I joined my school’s finance club (turns out, it's actually kinda cool) and started following some financial gurus online (don’t judge!).
What I’ve learned is that budgeting isn’t about being cheap. It’s about knowing where your money goes and making smart choices so you can actually afford the things you want—without ending up broke like I did.
I also believe that managing both money and time are two of the most important life skills anyone can have. Time management, in particular, is crucial because—unlike money—you can’t earn more of it once it’s gone. As a high school sophomore, time management has been both an asset and a struggle for me. When I stay on top of my schedule, I feel unstoppable—balancing extracurriculars, schoolwork, and even downtime. But when I slip up, the consequences hit hard.
Procrastination is one of the biggest pitfalls. A heavy workload can push students to take “short breaks” that spiral into last-minute cramming, creating more stress and anxiety than necessary. On the flip side, some people become so obsessed with efficiency that they neglect their social lives, hobbies, or even their mental well-being.
Just like budgeting helps you control your money, time management keeps your life in balance. Mastering both? That’s the real game-changer.
What I Have Found Helpful: Two Tips!
Tip #1: If you really want something and don’t think it’s just instant gratification, wait at least two weeks before buying it. If you still want it just as much as you did at the start, then go for it. This helps separate impulse buys from things you truly value.
Tip #2: Try splitting your money—spend half on what you want (like that card game in my case) and save the other half. Getting into the habit of saving early helps prevent the urge to spend everything at once. Plus, having savings can be a lifesaver for unexpected situations—just think about how the pandemic caught so many people off guard financially.
Conclusion
Budgeting might not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s a game-changer. It’s the key to taking control of your money and turning your dreams into reality. Start small, keep it simple, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day—good money habits take time. You got this!
Discover more about our Featured Guest Blogger
To learn more about , connect with him on LinkedIn: Rahul Senthil
Attention Young Leaders
We welcome and invite you to participate in Sammy's 'Be the Change' financial literacy initiative for college and high school students.
(1) Join peers advancing awareness on the importance of early age, youth, and family financial education by having your journey into financial literacy featured as a Sammy Rabbit Guest Blogger.
Index of Student Blogs (Click and scroll down)
(2) Then volunteer as a Sammy Rabbit Ambassador or Intern championing financial literacy in your community and around the globe! Learn more in these blogs or by CONTACTING Team Sammy today! We welcome your questions and suggestions on Sammy Rabbit and his mission to get kids, families & communities financially literate.
