'I borrowed 30,000 from my mum' – Bengaluru woman reveals shocking month of expenses while unemployed, from rent to self-care, left social media divided

In an era where financial transparency has become a social trend, a 30-year-old woman from Bengaluru has sparked an online conversation by detailing her monthly expenses while unemployed. Nikita, who goes by @social_coded on Instagram, shared a candid breakdown of her January spending, prompting both advice and debate from followers.



In the video, Nikita begins with a frank admission: “I have been unemployed for seven months. Here is how I managed my finances in January.” She revealed that she borrowed ₹30,000 from her mother during the month to cover her needs, supplementing this with withdrawals from an emergency fund and earnings from LinkedIn consulting.

Her transparency extends to the finer details of her expenditure. Rent accounted for ₹13,000, while essential utilities such as electricity, Wi-Fi, phone, water, and gas added up to a substantial sum. Food costs, including groceries and dining out, reached ₹8,402, and transport and miscellaneous expenses totalled ₹4,284. Nikita also disclosed spending nearly ₹5,000 on self-care treatments such as facials, waxing, and massages. Additional discretionary costs included ₹1,398 on shopping and ₹1,331 on social outings.



Despite the tight budget, she maintained a small investment of ₹2,000 in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), though she admitted to some regret over spending ₹800 on an astrology app, describing the month as “expensive” by her own assessment.



The video quickly resonated with social media users, many of whom offered advice or shared similar experiences. Some suggested exploring online teaching opportunities, highlighting platforms catering to students in the US, Canada, and Australia, as a potential income source. Others simply empathised with her situation, acknowledging the challenges of navigating unemployment and financial independence.

Several viewers were intrigued by her LinkedIn consulting work. One commented, “I would love to hear more about your approach to LinkedIn consulting. Could it help grow engagement and reach effectively?” Such interactions demonstrate how sharing personal financial struggles online can spark meaningful exchanges and resource-sharing among communities.



Nikita’s video is more than a simple expense report; it serves as a reminder of the financial pressures faced by many young adults during periods of unemployment. It highlights the delicate balance between managing essential expenses, investing in personal growth, and maintaining social and self-care activities. By documenting her month so openly, she has not only prompted practical discussions about managing finances but also normalised candid conversations about the challenges of adulthood.



Her story resonates widely, offering valuable insights for those navigating similar financial and personal challenges. It underscores that even during periods of uncertainty, thoughtful planning, honesty, and active community engagement can make a significant and lasting difference.