On a recent episode of the Aleena Dissects podcast, Kalki Koechlin offered a refreshing take on lifestyle choices and what truly defines wealth. She shared how some people project luxury - arriving in an Audi with a driver, but live in cramped one-bedroom homes. “That’s a choice,” she said, pointing out how societal perceptions of success are often based on appearances. Kalki revealed her own priorities lie elsewhere. Rather than flashy vehicles, she invests in a beautiful home in Goa and frequently travels to enjoy quality time with her daughter. “My kharcha goes into that,” she said. For her, the real luxury is freedom, beach weekends, a fulfilling home life, and moments that matter over material showmanship. Despite coming from wealth and privilege, Koechlin's choice to stay grounded and humble is a mark of maturity. These experiences build resilience, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. According to Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, they also foster empathy, reduce entitlement, and prepare children to face real-life challenges with confidence. Regardless of gender, wealth, or background, everyone should learn life skills, as they teach humility, encourage equality, and shape a grounded, emotionally intelligent adult who respects all forms of work and walks of life. Coming to why she chose a grounded lifestyle compared to a flashy one, she said that it might feel tempting to give in to that impulse purchase, especially if your current social circle belongs to a lifestyle you struggle to keep up with. That’s where financial discipline and education step in, preventing you from making money mistakes that can cost you and your wallet in the long run. Financial discipline is the ability to make sound financial decisions and stay within budgets, avoiding impulsive spending, so that one is steadily moving toward set goals. “Practicing financial discipline is not coming up with ways to save money but creating certain habits that consolidate one’s position in terms of finance, increase it, or keep that person secure,” he said. Rayan Malhotra, CEO, Neofinity, suggested these five simple hacks to get your financial priorities in order: 1. Only buy it if you can buy it twice: If you can afford it once, you’re surviving it. If you can afford it twice, you’re choosing it. This isn’t about being frugal—it’s about creating margin. A gap between impulse and intention. A space where real choice lives. 2. Define your ‘Enough Number’: Revisit it every quarter. How much is truly enough to live well today? Not for your imaginary future self on a yacht. For you—now. Growth without grounding becomes greed. This number isn’t a goal. It’s an anchor. 3. The 24-Hour Desire Rule: Want something? Sleep on it. Still want it tomorrow? Go ahead. Forgot about it? It was just noise in your feed. This rule protects your focus as much as your wallet. 4. Monthly Emotional Budgeting: Not “Where did my money go?” Ask: “How did it make me feel?” Track transactions not just by amount, but by emotional cost. Regret is expensive. Alignment is rich. 5. Time is the real currency: Spend accordingly. Every swipe, tap, or order converts it into hours of your life. How long did you work for this? Is it worth that? You don’t spend rupees. You spend time.
