But I’ll be able tolead a decent life till the day that I diebecause of my investments-PRIYANKA CHOPRA

Q. How good or bad are you with money?
I’m awful at money management. Mymother (Dr Madhu Chopra) is our financial manager. Obviously, she runs everything by dad and me. She gives all of us - dad, my brother Siddharth and me pocket money. ButI’m not a big spender; I only spend on gadgets and shoes. Shoes are the only girly things I indulge in. Also, myhome was one extravagant passion I splurged on. Even when I go on holiday, I try to stick to a budget. I keep a piece of paper in my wallet and note down everything I spend on. By the end of the trip I realise how badly I’ve managed money.
Q. What pocket money did you get as a child? Did you have to save to buy something you wanted?
I still hesitate while spending. I was always a miser and this would baffle my friends. When I was in school in the US (lived with my aunt and cousins) we used to get a ridiculous amount as pocket money - 10 dollars a week. But when you’re in high school you want to look nice. You gotto be with the trends. Coming from aconservative background, I was only allowed to wear big t-shirts and baggy jeans. So I’d tie up the t-shirt and wear the ripped jeans I had bought from the Salvation Army. My school locker was full of clothes instead of books. Sometimes I’d skip lunch to save money and at the end of the month buy myself something expensive or binge on junk food.
Q. What’s the major change thatcomes with the coming in of money? Are people nicer to you?
My bankers are nice to me. (Laughs) Even people at stores where I shop. I was a miser before and still am. I don’t like spending money. I think three times before I have to buy a few DVDs. But the one thing that’s changed is that I’ve been able to givemy family a fantastic life. Like if my brother wished to pursue his studies anywhere in the world I wouldn’t think twice about it. My mother invests my earnings to secure my future. My parents are earning well and never take money from me. They’re self dependent and run their own clinics. But the fact that I could buy them a house that they’re proud of or taking them for a holiday makes me feel good. I’m also close tomy extended family and love buying them things. I love gifting. Earlier I couldn’t.
Q. Do you think money or the lack of it is the root cause of all evil?
Yes, lack of money is the root cause of all evil. You need money to sustainyourself and enjoy a certain lifestyle. I can afford a more extravagant lifestyle. But I don’t see the need for it. Considering the background I came from, I never expected to have what I have today. We lived in a modest army home yet we had a great life. And whenever I got an A-grade I got a Barbie doll as a reward. You can’t afford that on an army doctor’s salary but my parents always gave me one. Cut to the present, we never thought that we’d have five cars as we do now - one foreveryone in the family. I could have had seven but that’s not required. I’m not overindulgent but I do believe you need a certain amount ofmoney to enable yourself and your family live with dignity. It’s not necessary to be ridiculously rich. Thathas never been the criteria for me. Remember, I was content to become an engineer and get a monthly salary.
Q. What’s the plus and minus of being financially independent?
The good is that you don’t depend onanyone and stand on your own feet. For women it’s all the more important to be financially independent. Even if you get marriedinto an affluent family where you canbuy diamonds, you never know what’s in store. It’s always good to be able to look after yourself. But being financially independent comes with a little bit of arrogance. You need to curtail that. There is a fine line in being independent and arrogant.
Q. Do you feel insecure despite earning so well?
That I will not be earning as much as I do now does make me insecure a bit. I should be able to maintain the lifestyle I’m used to. But I’ll be able tolead a decent life till the day that I diebecause of my investments. Propertyis a great investment as it always gives returns. I’ll hopefully be working for many years. Basically, I’m a simple girl. The only extravagance is my home. Everything from the cushion covers to everything else has been got by my family. I’m proud of that and I’ve worked hard for it