Most people are well aware of what they should be doing when it comes to managing their money. They know it’s wise to save more, spend less, and start investing early. Despite this, many continue to struggle with their personal finances. According to Chartered Accountant and financial advisor Abhishek Walia, the issue isn't a lack of knowledge. The root cause is behaviour.
When Emotions Override Financial Logic
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Walia pointed out that personal finance is less about numbers and more about emotions. He explained that people’s financial habits are often shaped by their personal histories and emotional responses, not by ignorance. For example, someone who grew up witnessing constant arguments about money might now avoid reviewing their own bank statements. Others might have internalised beliefs that discussing money is greedy, leading them to shy away from negotiating salaries.
These emotional patterns, often tied to shame, fear, or past experiences, silently drive financial decisions. Walia emphasized that while traditional advice may sound practical—such as “cut down on your coffee,” “track your spending,” or “invest in index funds”—it fails to address the emotional complexities many people face.
Limits of Standard Budgeting Tips
The standard approach to budgeting often assumes that people make financial decisions rationally. However, Walia compared such advice to telling someone with anxiety to “just breathe.” Without acknowledging the psychological and emotional blocks around money, even the best budgeting techniques can fall flat.
This disconnect is why many individuals continue to feel overwhelmed or stuck despite consuming financial advice online. It’s not about not knowing what to do—it’s about not being able to do it because of internal resistance.
What Actually Helps: Emotional Fluency Around Money
Instead of pushing more information, Walia advocates for creating space where people can openly express their concerns and fears about money. This could include admitting discomfort with investing, guilt over spending on oneself, or distrust toward financial institutions. The goal isn't to diagnose or pathologize these feelings, but to validate them.
He stressed that people don’t need advanced finance degrees to manage their money. What they truly need is to understand their personal relationship with money, and to feel safe enough to talk about it without judgment.
Walia believes the way forward lies not in more budgeting hacks, but in more empathetic financial conversations. Encouraging emotional honesty, offering support without shame, and building financial confidence could be far more effective than traditional methods.
In his view, creating environments where people feel seen and heard is the starting point for real change. Understanding money isn't just about literacy—it's about behaviour. And behaviour can’t change without first understanding the feelings behind it.
When Emotions Override Financial Logic
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Walia pointed out that personal finance is less about numbers and more about emotions. He explained that people’s financial habits are often shaped by their personal histories and emotional responses, not by ignorance. For example, someone who grew up witnessing constant arguments about money might now avoid reviewing their own bank statements. Others might have internalised beliefs that discussing money is greedy, leading them to shy away from negotiating salaries.
These emotional patterns, often tied to shame, fear, or past experiences, silently drive financial decisions. Walia emphasized that while traditional advice may sound practical—such as “cut down on your coffee,” “track your spending,” or “invest in index funds”—it fails to address the emotional complexities many people face.
Limits of Standard Budgeting Tips
The standard approach to budgeting often assumes that people make financial decisions rationally. However, Walia compared such advice to telling someone with anxiety to “just breathe.” Without acknowledging the psychological and emotional blocks around money, even the best budgeting techniques can fall flat.
This disconnect is why many individuals continue to feel overwhelmed or stuck despite consuming financial advice online. It’s not about not knowing what to do—it’s about not being able to do it because of internal resistance.
What Actually Helps: Emotional Fluency Around Money
Instead of pushing more information, Walia advocates for creating space where people can openly express their concerns and fears about money. This could include admitting discomfort with investing, guilt over spending on oneself, or distrust toward financial institutions. The goal isn't to diagnose or pathologize these feelings, but to validate them.
He stressed that people don’t need advanced finance degrees to manage their money. What they truly need is to understand their personal relationship with money, and to feel safe enough to talk about it without judgment.
Walia believes the way forward lies not in more budgeting hacks, but in more empathetic financial conversations. Encouraging emotional honesty, offering support without shame, and building financial confidence could be far more effective than traditional methods.
In his view, creating environments where people feel seen and heard is the starting point for real change. Understanding money isn't just about literacy—it's about behaviour. And behaviour can’t change without first understanding the feelings behind it.
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