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.

Romit Raj may be playing an immature young boy in both the serials Betiyaan and Maayka but in real life, he is a mature guy who is prudent about matters of life as well as money.

How important is money for you?
It is very important. It is true that money can buy a bed and not the sleep but who doesn’t want a big bed? Life is moving so fast that money has become a necessity. A sad face in a Mercedes won’t look as bad as a sad face on a bicycle. I mean happiness is important but money is not less important in life. Many things in life are possible if you have money.

Are you an impulsive buyer?
Yes, I am an impulsive buyer. I might reconsider buying a thing once but not twice. I do not regret this habit of mine as I don’t spend money unnecessarily.

What are the investments you have made?
I have invested in life insurance, health insurance and mutual funds. I feel it is good to make some or the other investments so that one does not have extra money to spend on extra necessities.

What is your most expensive purchase?
My most expensive purchase is yet to come. I want to buy an aircraft. The most expensive purchase of my life ideally has to be an aircraft but so far the most expensive purchase of my life is the Nokia cell phone that I bought for Rs. 25,000.

Do you feel financially secure?
No, I don’t feel financially secure. The day I buy a villa, I would feel that I am financially secure.

Who handles your expenses?
I have a chartered accountant who handles my expenses. As far as regular expenses are concerned, I handle them myself.

What was your first salary? What you did with it?
It was Rs. 500 a day for acting in a Bengali film in 2001. I saved it and spent it on a new portfolio.

How much money do you carry every day?
I carry Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000 in a day. I believe in using credit cards, so I don’t carry much money. Many a times, I just carry Rs. 200 with me.

Do you invest in the stock market?
Yes, I do invest in the stock market. I have made small and wise investments. I don’t understand its modus operandi but I don’t have to bother as my financial consultant and chartered accountant look into it. I have lost some and gained some in the investments I have made so far.

Any advice for investors?

I would say that save your money for a rainy day like the ants do and don’t be careless like a grasshopper. Avoid spending money unnecessarily.