My Conversations with Money:

When it comes to money, everyone has their own unique philosophy—some grounded in wisdom, others in life experiences, and a few just plain funny. My journey with money can be summed up in nine distinct conversations and quotes that have shaped the way I think about wealth, spending, and giving. Each one tells a story and reflects a lesson that has stuck with me, for better or worse.

1. "Money must be treated like the dirt on your hand." — My Grandfather

Ah, the wisdom of grandfathers! My grandfather had a simple yet profound way of looking at money. For him, it was nothing more than dirt—necessary, but not something you should cling to. It’s a reminder that money is a tool, not the goal. A tool for achieving freedom, not something that defines who you are.

He lived by this mantra & gave to random people who did not really matter or could give anything back in return.

So, I guess, if I ever lose all my money, I can just wash my hands and say, "Well, that’s clean now!"

2. "If you have to choose between Money & Time, choose Time." — My Friend

This advice has always resonated with me. Money can come and go, but time is the one currency you can never get back. Prioritizing time—whether with loved ones, on personal growth, or just enjoying life—is priceless. After all, there’s no ATM that lets you withdraw an extra hour of your day.
During early days of my career, I would be traveling back home during weekends & take a bus which would take 60 to 90mins in travel time. My friend would suggest me to take an Auto, spending Rs 100 extra but spending extra 90 min time with my mom.

Studies show that people who value time over money report higher levels of happiness. Time, it seems, really is the ultimate currency.

3. "Money, when it's not there, makes life helpless." — Life Experience

There’s no escaping the truth that when money is tight, life can feel overwhelming. No matter how zen you are about money, the harsh reality is that bills don’t pay themselves, and financial stress can weigh you down. This lesson is one that comes from personal experience, as anyone who's ever had an empty wallet knows.

One horrible market working day, Myself & Victor, my colleague went to market working together with a Coca-Cola route truck to Sriranga Patna. I assumed that we would have money & he assumed that I would have. During lunch break, driver & loading team wanted us to join them for lunch, but we both realised, we had only Rs 20/- between us. We had to tell them to carry on & find a place where we could get a Set Dosa for that Rs 20/- and we choose Set Dosa coz it contains 3 thick dosas & we both could share it. A lesson well learnt & that incident opened a new chapter for both of us.

It’s like trying to play Monopoly without any of the money.

4. "If you drink 2 coffees of Rs 10/- each, save it for a week & have it in a 3-star hotel. The people you meet there will change your life." — My Friend

This advice is a gem. It’s not about the coffee; it’s about changing your environment and surrounding yourself with people who have a different mindset. Sometimes, spending a little more to be in the right place can open doors and offer opportunities you never knew existed.

I could not practice this regularly, but did once a while. Did not really enjoy the company of strangers & hence had to give up.

Networking at high-end places increases the likelihood of meeting influencers and decision-makers by up to 80%. Your 3-star coffee might just be your next big break.

5. "When you give something to anyone, do not expect it back." — My Mother

This is classic advice from my mother, and it's deeply ingrained in how I approach giving. When you give with no expectations, you free yourself from resentment and disappointment. Whether it’s money, time, or effort, true giving is always a one-way street.

My mother practiced this countless times & she still does. While I do practice it, my identity & my money conversations do not allow me to be at peace, if I lose money. With age & time, am getting better.

If you lend someone ₹100 and never see them again, it was probably worth it!

6. "Never keep an account of what you spend on your family." — My Friend

This advice is golden. When it comes to family, love and support should be unconditional. The value of time spent, experiences shared, and memories made are far more important than keeping tabs on every rupee spent.
This remained my value to decide on several huge money decisions very early in my life. I did end up making a lot of interesting choices & I do not regret it one bit.

“The best thing to spend on your children is your time.” — Unknown. I'm not sure if the children really need your time. Lol.

7. "It is okay to spend money on what you like once in a while; you don't have to be guilty." — My Friend

This is a reminder to indulge yourself every now and then. Life is too short to constantly pinch pennies. Sometimes, it’s okay to splurge on that thing that makes you happy—whether it’s a fancy meal, a new gadget, or just a day at the spa. The key is balance.

Middle-class values & scarcity mindset would often restrict me from spending money on myself. One travel or Experience or a book would often be the victim. Currently working on spending on myself without guilt. Work in Progress.

So, when I splurge on that new Travel, I just tell myself, “Hey, this is for my Soul, right?”

8. "Money that does not come with hard work is not mine." — My Conversation

This one is personal. I’ve always believed that anything gained without effort doesn’t truly belong to me. Whether it’s winning the lottery or an easy work assignment, I feel more comfortable knowing that my earnings are a result of my hard work.

This is a huge mindset issue & accepting money with ease & grace has been a huge challenge. Would love to improve this aspect more & be at ease with Money.

Research shows that people who earn money through hard work are more likely to manage it responsibly compared to those who come into sudden wealth.

9. "Is it enough?" — My Conversation

This is the existential question we all grapple with. How much is enough? When do you stop chasing more and start enjoying what you have? It’s a question with no simple answer, but one worth pondering.

Post-retirement, sometimes I get stuck with this question. Sometimes, I try to work logically to find what is the gap. But am happier, when I say to myself, let me handle it when it comes.

Let me live this moment.

“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” — Socrates

Money, in all its forms—whether as dirt on your hands or the thing that buys you a coffee in a 3-star hotel—comes with its own set of challenges and lessons. My journey through these conversations and beliefs has shaped the way I view wealth, generosity, and spending. While some lessons were learned through experience, others were passed down by the people I love and respect. But in the end, money is just a tool—a means to live a life that’s rich in more ways than one.

So, here’s to treating money wisely, spending it guilt-free when necessary, and most importantly, valuing the things that matter most—family, time, and experiences.

P.S. If I meet you at that 3-star coffee place, you know the reason now..