Finance World

Episode 18: The Lies We Tell to Survive Financially

Series: Broken by Burden: Financial Survival Strategies for the Troubled Mind

Date: 04 July 2025

🎭 “No one knows I’m struggling. They think I’m doing fine. Maybe that’s how it should stay.”

For years, Pritam, a mid-level manager in Raipur, was the one people admired. Neat clothes, regular dinners out, polite conversations — and always, always a smile.

But behind that well-maintained image, the truth was messier.

His daughter’s school fees were overdue. His home loan EMI had bounced twice. He had quietly started using credit cards for groceries and taking personal loans to pay off other loans.

Still, every morning, he shaved, dressed up, and posted inspirational quotes online — because the world could never know he was falling apart.

And when a friend once asked, “You okay, bhai?” he laughed and said, “Perfectly fine. Just busy as hell.”

That was the day his electricity got disconnected.

🧠 Why We Hide the Truth About Financial Struggles

We lie — not because we’re dishonest, but because we’re:

  • Ashamed
  • Afraid of judgment
  • Trying to protect our dignity
  • Conditioned to associate wealth with worth

And so, we tell lies like:

  • “I just needed a short-term loan.”
  • “I have some investments I’m waiting to liquidate.”
  • “We’ve downsized by choice — it’s more minimalist.”
  • “I’m between jobs by design, taking a career break.”

These lies don’t just hide pain — they prolong it.
Because when we lie, we delay help. We isolate ourselves.
And slowly, we begin to believe the lie more than the truth.

🔍 The Emotional Cost of Living in Pretense

  • Constant fear of being found out
  • Emotional exhaustion from role-playing
  • Loss of intimacy in relationships
  • Missed opportunities for real support
  • A growing gap between who we are and what we show

The longer the lie lives, the deeper the loneliness grows.

💡 How to Step into Radical Financial Honesty

1. Start with yourself.

“My finances are not okay right now — but that doesn’t mean I’ve failed.” Writing down your real numbers, even if scary, is the first act of bravery.

2. Find one person to be honest with.

Not the world. Not social media. Just one person who’ll listen without judgment.

Say: “I’m struggling. I’ve made mistakes. I want to talk.”

3. Set the tone for real conversations.

Instead of “I’m doing great,” try:

  • “I’m working through something right now.”
  • “This phase is teaching me a lot.”
  • “It’s tough, but I’m not giving up.”

These are not complaints — they’re truths in progress.

4. Choose authenticity over appearances.

When we live honestly:

  • We spend less to impress
  • We stop competing
  • We allow ourselves to ask for help
  • We make decisions aligned with reality — not image

🌱 Pritam’s Turning Point

One night, when everything felt like it was falling apart, Pritam sat with his wife and simply said:
“I’ve been lying to everyone — and to myself. I need your help.”

There were tears. But also relief.
They sat down with paper and pen, mapped out a debt-repayment plan, listed their essential expenses, and called two trusted friends for job leads.

He’s still repaying. But he’s no longer pretending.
And for the first time in months — he feels free.

💬 If This Episode Speaks to You

You don’t have to impress.
You don’t have to perform.
You just have to tell the truth — to yourself, and then to someone you trust.

It will feel uncomfortable. But it will also feel like oxygen.

The first step to financial recovery is not earning more — it’s being honest about where you are.

🔜 Next Episode Teaser:

Episode 19: Control and Collapse — When Budgeting Becomes Obsession
We’ll explore how extreme financial discipline can become toxic, leading to anxiety, rigidity, and emotional burnout — and how to find balance between planning and peace.

Disclaimer:
This blog series is intended for informational, motivational, and emotional support purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing overwhelming financial stress, mental health issues, or suicidal thoughts, please seek help from a certified financial advisor, counsellor, or licensed therapist. If you are in immediate danger or crisis, contact a mental health helpline or emergency service in your area.

The stories presented here are inspired by real experiences but may be anonymized or adapted for narrative clarity. Readers are encouraged to make decisions based on their unique circumstances and to consult appropriate professionals. The author and publisher disclaim any responsibility for actions taken based on this content.

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