One of the most common traits of a common man is to try to save every penny, wherever possible. But can trying to save every rupee distract you from building real wealth? A simple incident at a toll plaza has sparked an interesting debate online about the difference between saving money and creating wealth. Hyderabad-based financial advisor Sandeep Kanderi recently shared an experience on X that, he says, perfectly illustrates how people sometimes focus on small financial gains while overlooking much bigger opportunities.

The FASTag incident that started the discussion

Kanderi recalled travelling with someone who, just before reaching a toll plaza, opened the FASTag app and added only the exact amount required for the toll. Curious about the habit, Kanderi asked why the person did not simply keep a few hundred rupees in the FASTag wallet. The response surprised him.

The person explained that money kept in the FASTag wallet does not earn interest, so there was no point leaving any extra balance there. Kanderi admitted that the reasoning was technically correct. However, he felt the bigger lesson lay elsewhere.

Why focusing on tiny savings may not build wealth

According to Kanderi, people often spend too much time and mental energy trying to optimise a few rupees while ignoring opportunities that could significantly increase their income. He stressed that saving money and maintaining financial discipline are important, but there is a difference between being cost-conscious and becoming overly focused on insignificant savings.



In his view, wealth is rarely created by squeezing every possible rupee out of everyday expenses. Instead, he argued that long-term wealth is built by increasing earning ability, developing valuable skills, investing consistently and owning appreciating assets. Kanderi added that his biggest concern is not missing a few rupees in interest but spending years chasing tiny savings while overlooking opportunities that could multiply income.

He encouraged people not only to protect their money but also to focus on improving their earnings by making the most of their skills.

Ex-banker offers a different perspective

The post also attracted a response from former banker Aravind Datta, who disagreed with Kanderi's interpretation. Datta argued that the concern over interest on a small FASTag balance was being overstated, noting that even Rs 500 parked in a bank account would earn only around Rs 10 to Rs 15 in interest over a year.

Instead, he suggested that people looking for meaningful savings should consider purchasing the Annual FASTag for Rs 3,075, which allows up to 200 toll crossings. According to Datta, that offers genuine savings compared to worrying about the minimal interest earned on a small balance.

Internet reacts

The post prompted a lively discussion online. One user suggested setting up an auto-recharge of Rs 500 instead of spending time trying to maximise Rs 10-15 in interest. Another said they prefer peace of mind and maintain a FASTag balance of at least Rs 2,000, topping it up whenever it falls below that amount. A third argued that paying more for a premium smartphone can save time and mental effort over several years by avoiding constant comparisons and upgrades. Another user pointed out that keeping only the exact FASTag balance could create unnecessary problems during unexpected situations on the road.