Being Rich vs Feeling Rich: The Truth That Changes Everything
Why peace of mind matters more than the numbers in your bank account.
Bunny was sitting at the tea stall with me, looking tired. Not physically tired - but mentally tired.
“Uncle, tell me honestly,” he started, “Why do I still feel broke? My salary is double what it was five years ago… but I’m still waiting for my next paycheck.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Hmm… where’s the money going?”
“Well,” Bunny began counting on his fingers, “There’s the home loan EMI, car loan EMI, school fees, internet, OTT subscriptions, electricity bill, and last month… the washing machine broke. And don’t even ask about petrol prices. The money comes in, smiles at me, and then waves goodbye before I can even say hello.”
I sipped my tea. “Bunny, that’s your problem. You’re only focused on being rich -earning more - without learning how to feel rich. And trust me, these are two very different games.”
Our Characters:
Hero (Bunny) - Middle-class, hardworking, constantly chasing the next income jump but never feeling secure.
Guide (Investing Uncle) - Calm, witty, warm, with financial wisdom and a patient smile.
The Problem
Bunny thought that once he earned a “big salary,” all his worries would disappear. But no matter how much his income increased, the expenses seemed to grow faster.
“Uncle, I thought earning ₹20 lakhs a year would make me feel secure. Now I’m thinking maybe ₹40 lakhs will do it.”
I chuckled. “Bunny, you’re on a treadmill - you’re running fast, but you’re still in the same spot.”
I leaned closer. “There are two types of rich - Being Rich and Feeling Rich.
One fills your bank account. The other gives peace of mind.”
The difference explained
Being Rich (Objective):
High income, big savings, luxury possessions.
More opportunities for investments, travel, and creating wealth for future generations.
You can pass money to your children and grandchildren.
But humans adapt quickly. A ₹50 lakhs salary feels normal after a year, and soon you want ₹80 lakhs.
Sometimes extreme wealth even brings anxiety, trust issues, and less empathy.
Feeling Rich (Subjective):
Enough money to cover expenses, emergencies, and retirement without stress.
Freedom to choose how you spend your time.
Less comparison with others; more focus on your own priorities.
You define your own “enough” instead of endlessly chasing more.
Financial security brings lower stress and better mental health.
Bunny starts connecting the dots
“So feeling rich is more important?” Bunny asked.
“Yes,” I nodded. “Research shows that beyond a certain income for your basic needs, more money barely improves happiness. But if you’re secure, free, and in control, life feels far richer.”
I reminded him of my earlier blog "Why Most People Fail at Money Management (and How to Escape the Trap)".
“Remember… The real game is making your own rules, not following society’s race.”
Bunny’s aha moment
Bunny took a deep breath. “So I should figure out my own ‘enough’ instead of chasing other people’s goals?”
“Exactly,” I said. “Define it. Commit to it. Respect it.”
Practical Steps – The Feeling Rich Game Plan:
1. Cover the Basics – Ensure rent/EMI, groceries, and bills are handled without stress.
2. Emergency Fund – Keep 6–12 months of expenses ready. It’s a stress shield.
3. Retirement Plan – Keep investing. Let compounding quietly work for you.
4. Debt-Free Goal – Clear loans; peace of mind will follow.
5. Time Freedom – Work because you want to, not because your EMI orders you to.
6. Stop Comparing – Your neighbour’s BMW doesn’t improve your own mileage.
7. Gratitude Practice – Write down 3 things you already have that money can’t buy.
Bunny smiled for the first time that day. “Uncle, I think I already have most of these. Maybe… I’ve been rich for a while, just didn’t notice.”
I raised my cup of tea. “Welcome to the real rich club.”
Being rich fills your account.
Feeling rich fills your heart.
When you focus on feeling rich - security, freedom, and control - you stop running the endless race. You start living.
“A full wallet with an empty heart is still poverty.”
So tell me - are you chasing being rich or living feeling rich?
Drop your thoughts below.
See you every Sunday at 09:15 AM.
Hope this blog adds real value to your long-term investing journey.
If YES, Maybe you treat Uncle with a cup of Tea?
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Any person referred to in this post is purely coincidental. The characters, names, and situations mentioned are for illustrative and educational purposes only and are not intended to represent any real individual.
‘Investing Uncle’ is NISM Series V-A Certified (Mutual Fund Distributor’s Certification Examination) conducted by National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).
Investing Uncle is not SEBI/AMFI Registered.