Children’s Education Tops Indian Fathers’ Financial Goals, Survey Finds

For most Indian fathers, planning for their children’s future continues to be a financial priority, with education sitting firmly at the top of their list. According to a new survey by PNB MetLife, more than half of the fathers polled, 51 per cent, ranked children’s education as their number one goal, ahead of retirement or even family vacations.

The nationwide study, conducted between June and August this year across over 6,000 fathers in urban and semi-urban India, gives a picture of the financial mindset of today’s dads. It found that nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) identified themselves as “Hero Dads”, including those who see themselves as protectors of their family’s financial security.

Twenty-nine per cent called themselves ‘Thoughtful Dads’ and said they take a measured approach to money decisions, while 9 per cent grouped themselves as ‘Disciplined Dads’, a category defined by those who opt for routine and firm control in financial planning.

What are the shifting priorities of Indian fathers?

The survey also points to a noticeable shift in priorities. While children’s education continues to dominate, 14 per cent of fathers are now thinking seriously about planning for retirement, and another 14 per cent said they would like to fund a major family vacation.

The inclusion of their lifestyle goals in addition to keeping traditional responsibilities in place shows how expectations of fatherhood are broadening now.

Another striking finding is that more dads are willing to commit to long-term financial planning. More than half the respondents (53 per cent) said they were prepared to stay invested for 10 to 15 years.

14 per cent stretched the horizon to 15 to 20 years, about 13 per cent were ready to keep money parked for as long as 20–30 years. In fact, one in five fathers expressed a readiness to invest with a time frame of more than three decades, a marked departure from the short-term approach that has long shaped India’s savings culture.

This finding also tells us how fathers choose financial products. A third of the surveyed dad prefer fixed deposits to secure their money, while 22 per cent lean towards life insurance policies as a financial safety net.

Mutual funds (at 17 per cent) continue to be a preferred choice for those who want growth and are okay with some level of risk.

The results show how fatherhood in India is evolving, from meeting immediate needs to planning for decades ahead, with education still the heart of every financial decision.