A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has sparked a debate online after sharing her views on the connection between financial security and mental well-being. Simridhi Makhija, founder of The Speak Fest, argued that having a steady income and substantial savings can significantly reduce financial anxiety and provide a sense of security during uncertain times.
Others argued that money can ease financial stress but cannot replace emotional support, therapy, or other factors that contribute to mental well-being.
She said her views were shaped by her observations of entrepreneurs in Bengaluru. Founders dealing with persistent cash-flow problems often experience stress that extends beyond their businesses and affects other parts of their lives, according to Makhija.
Her argument was not centered on spending money on luxuries, restaurants, or shopping. Instead, she pointed to the safety net that savings can provide when life takes an unexpected turn. She suggested that financial uncertainty itself can be a major source of stress, particularly for people without adequate savings. Makhija acknowledged that therapy, reading, hobbies, and other activities can help people manage stress. However, she argued that these measures may not address the underlying problem when financial insecurity is the primary cause of anxiety.
“Oh, you can go to your favourite restaurant every weekend, you can shop wherever you want, and you can go to your favorite pubs… but because if you have 20 to 30 lakhs saved in your bank account, you do not have to worry about what comes next,” she added. Knowing that there is enough money set aside to handle an emergency can reduce the fear of what might happen next, according to her.
