Our Basic Attitudes about Money

Amar Pandit , CFA , CFP

Our attitudes about money are formed as a child based on our personal environment (including economic circumstances) and our experiences.  However, they continue to drive our behaviour as adults.

One of the reasons is that we are not formally taught about how to deal with money and how to best use it to help us live the life we imagine (not only in the present but in the future).

You might be surprised to know that many people who cannot save when they earn Rs.10000 per month are unable to save even when they earn Rs.10 Lakh per month. One key reason is an inability to delay gratification and it is the root cause of most personal finance disasters.

Ask yourself these 2 questions:

  1. What is your childhood memory about money?
  2. How do you think it has impacted you?

I would love to know your thoughts and whether you believe this to be true.