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Journalism of Courage
Financial insecurity isn’t always about a lack of wealth — it can stem from uncertainty, unpredictable income, or a deep-rooted fear of losing stability.
R Madhavan’s recent interview highlights how even successful individuals can struggle with financial confidence despite their achievements. While speaking with Rannvijay Singha for Mashable’s Dubai Journey, the actor, speaking in the context of his film Hisaab Barabar, which revolves around financial fraud, mentioned, “I’m really insecure about my bank account. I really don’t know how much I have, and how much I can afford to scrutinise it, because I don’t know what will come of it. I have a broad understanding of (how much I have).”
According to reports, Madhavan moved to Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic to support his son Vedaant’s swimming career. During the interview, Madhavan shared his experiences of city life and the recreational activities he enjoys. Despite leading a modest lifestyle, he discussed owning a boat and getting his captain’s license. “I have a simple, small boat, which is enough for the family. But I always wanted to get a captain’s license. I want to make every year significant by learning a new skill. During Covid, the new skill I learned was getting my captain’s license and learning to navigate a boat. It’s not that difficult. You sit and study for 10-15 days, you give exams and practicals, and they give you a license.”
For many, financial planning is about more than just numbers — it’s about emotional security. Even those with substantial assets may feel uneasy about the future, especially in careers with fluctuating income.
Gurleen Baruah, existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, tells indianexpress.com, “Financial insecurity often has little to do with actual numbers and more with deep-seated psychological patterns. Childhood experiences with money play a big role — growing up in financial instability can create a scarcity mindset, where the fear of running out lingers even when there’s enough. This can lead to over-saving, fear of spending, or constant anxiety about the future. Loss aversion also plays a part — our brains are wired to fear losing money more than they enjoy gaining it, making some people overly cautious or hesitant to take financial risks, even when it’s safe to do so.”
Additionally, she says that “deep-rooted beliefs” about money shape financial behaviours. If someone was raised to see money as hard to earn or something that defines self-worth, they may struggle to feel secure no matter their wealth.
Baruah states, “Financial confidence and security come from how you manage money, not just how much you earn. The key is to spend less than you make, not as a sacrifice but as a way to create breathing room. This ensures that financial stability isn’t tied to constant income growth but to how well you control what you have. Morgan Housel, in The Psychology of Money, emphasises that real wealth isn’t about visible luxuries but the freedom to make choices without financial stress.”
Another crucial factor is knowing when you have ‘enough’ — many people feel insecure because they keep moving the goalpost, always chasing more. “Confidence comes from defining what financial security means for you rather than comparing it to others. Shifting focus from just income levels to financial flexibility also makes a difference — having control over your money, handling unexpected expenses, and not living paycheck to paycheck are more important than a high salary,” concludes the expert.
