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.

If you want to receive gifts then befriend Jayati Bhatia. After all, she loves gifting. That doesn’t mean she’s a Harishchandra, one who will distribute all her wealth to the needy. The seasoned actress puts most of her money in fixed deposits as the balance never reduces.

Read on to know how Jayati Bhatia goes about spending her money.

How important is money for you?

Money is important … definitely not more than love or affection but money makes your life a lot easier and happy.

Are you an impulsive shopper?

If something catches my fancy, then I might pick it up. But the important thing here is that I rarely shop for myself. I’m more into gifting to family and friends. In fact, I shop 80 % for my friends and just 20 % for me.

What is your most expensive purchase?

It will have to be my flat in Shastri Nagar, Andheri (W). I bought it five years back and it cost me about Rs.20 lakhs. I want to move into a bigger house but that will cost me no less than a crore now. So, I need to work even harder.

How much money do you carry every day?

I usually carry about 1,000 bucks. It’s never more than that as it’s risky to carry more cash to the sets.

What was your first salary? What did you do with it?

This was some 18 years back, when I was tutoring a girl. I got paid Rs.400 for it. I spend the entire amount on giving gifts to my family and treating my friends

What are the investments you have made?

My husband and CA looks after the investments. When it comes to me, I’ve always been a fixed deposit queen. All these years, I’ve been advocating all to put your money into fixed deposits. Those who didn’t are feeling the pinch during this recession period. I did invest in shares when the market was growing but once the slide started I was left with below 40 percent returns.

Any advice for investors?

Be patient as the market will grow up again in time. Don’t gamble with most of your money.