I don’t spend on stupid things - Rati Pandey

Money. That's what drives everyone in the final analysis, whether in the glamour world of acting or the hard grind of scripting and producing. Cashin' In sits down with TV celebs to know well they handle their financial matters, and tracks their spending patterns. After spending just a year in the television industry, Rati Pandey aka Prarthna of Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai fame feels financially secure. She’ll soon be seen in a campus based love story Miley Jab Hum Tum on Star One. Rati believes in saving and feels that she is a person who can never waste money. Let’s find out how well does Rati deal with her finances. How important is money for you? It is very important in my life. Money is the reason for which I work. Are you an impulsive buyer? Yes, but there are only a certain things that I buy on an impulse. I buy something only if I need it. I am a gizmo freak. Still I buy them carefully. Currently I am saving money for it. I don’t spend on stupid things. What are the investments you have made? I have invested in insurance claims, fixed deposits, my car and I plan to invest in a house soon. What is your most expensive purchase? My car SX4. I bought it last year. Do you feel financially secure? Yes, as I am not in a stage where I need to crib for money. I have saved money and I own some assets. I won’t have any financial problem even if I don’t work for a year. Who handles your expenses? I handle my expenses. But I also involve my parents in it. My parents are involved in every decision of mine. What was your first salary? What you did with it? My first salary was Rs. 300. I used to give tuitions to a kid when I was in my tenth grade and that is from where I earned my first salary. I had given it to my mom. She did not use it and has still kept it as a memoir. How much money do you carry every day? I use cards for my expenses. I avoid carrying too much of cash as it is not safe to do so when you are shooting. My phone and ipod have been stolen from the sets. So, I just carry Rs.500 to Rs. 600. Any advice for investors? Don’t fly high if you have good money in your hand. Save it for the future. Analyse the pros and cons before making an investment.