Aditi Mathur | Educator & Researcher

Author: Prof. Aditi Mathur

  • From Heart to Cart: The Hidden Psychology Behind Why We Buy

    From Heart to Cart: The Hidden Psychology Behind Why We Buy

    It started with a mug.
    Not just any mug—this one had a cute cat stretching across it, with “Stay Pawsitive” written in golden cursive. I didn’t need it; my kitchen shelf was already a museum of mugs. But something about it made me smile. Within minutes, it was mine—swiped, ordered, confirmed.
    Fast forward two days later, it arrived. I admired it, snapped a picture, posted it on Instagram—and then quietly placed it beside the others. That brief thrill faded faster than the delivery notification.

    And that’s when it hit me: I didn’t buy the mug. I bought a feeling.
    Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Most of us, at some point, have fallen into the gentle trap of emotional spending—that quick dopamine rush of buying something we don’t really need, just because it feels good in the moment.

    Why We Spend Emotionally


    Our spending habits often say more about our emotions than our wallets.

    1. Instant Gratification – Our brains are wired for rewards. That “Buy Now” button lights up the same pleasure centers that sugar or compliments do. Shopping gives us a quick emotional fix.
    2. Stress and Boredom – “Retail therapy” isn’t just a meme. When we’re stressed, lonely, or bored, buying something feels like taking control—an instant way to lift our mood.
    3. Social Pressure & FOMO – A flash sale on Instagram, your friend’s shiny new phone, or that influencer’s “must-have” skincare set—suddenly, not buying feels like missing out.
    4. Marketing Triggers – Ever noticed phrases like “Only 2 left!” or “Limited-time offer!”? They’re designed to hijack logic and create urgency—so you buy now and think later.

    The Science Behind the Swipe


    Every emotional purchase has a neurochemical story. When we shop, our brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. It’s why clicking through an online store at midnight feels oddly comforting.
    Even the environment conspires with our emotions:
    • Bright store lights and upbeat music set the “happy to buy” tone.
    • One-click checkouts make spending feel effortless.
    • And credit cards? They numb the sting of parting with real cash, encouraging us to spend more than we intend.

    Real-Life Glimpses


    • Tossing “just one more item” into your cart at 11:45 p.m.
    • Buying clothes after a tough meeting.
    • Picking up those random snacks or keychains near the checkout counter.
    We’ve all been there. These tiny decisions add up—not just in money, but in missed mindfulness.

    The Hidden Cost of Emotional Purchases


    The thrill of buying fades, but the consequences linger:
    • Regret when the excitement wears off.
    • Debt or budget strain if the habit repeats.
    • Lost opportunities—money that could’ve built savings, funded travel, or supported something truly meaningful.
    That cute mug may have been harmless, but over time, emotional spending can quietly chip away at financial peace.

    How to Take Back Control


    The goal isn’t to stop spending—it’s to spend smarter.
    Here’s how you can outsmart that emotional impulse:


    • Pause Before Purchase: Give yourself 30 seconds—or even 24 hours—before hitting Buy Now.
    • List Needs vs. Wants: Writing it down helps clarify what really matters.
    • Spend in Cash: The physical act of paying makes the transaction more “real.”
    • Track Your Expenses: Budgeting apps reveal your spending patterns and triggers.
    • Find Alternatives: When stressed, try a walk, a chat with a friend, or journaling instead of shopping.

    Final Thought


    Emotional spending isn’t a flaw—it’s part of being human. The trick isn’t guilt, but awareness. Each moment you pause before buying, you’re strengthening not just your finances, but your self-control.
    So next time you feel that urge to splurge, take a deep breath and ask yourself:
    Am I buying this for lasting joy—or just for the moment?
    That one question might save more than just your wallet—it could save your peace of mind.

  • Fintech Goes Green: The Digital Drive for Eco-Conscious Money

    Fintech Goes Green: The Digital Drive for Eco-Conscious Money

    By 2030, Deloitte predicts that consumer purchases of carbon offsets—often woven directly into fintech banking and payment apps—will balloon into a nearly $100billion market in developed economies alone. This surge is supercharged by digital financial platforms embedding sustainability at the heart of everyday transactions, proving that fintech innovation is fast becoming a key driver of climate action at global scale.

    Traditional banking and finance models carry a heavy carbon footprint—from paper-based processes and physical branches to investments in polluting industries. Fintech, by contrast, is inherently digital, efficient, and scalable. But beyond simply reducing paper waste or eliminating the need to visit branches, many fintech firms are actively developing eco-conscious financial solutions. What was once regarded only as a disruptor in banking and finance has now positioned fintech at the crossroads of digital innovation and environmental responsibility. As climate-conscious consumers increasingly demand ethical choices, fintech companies are responding by reshaping how we save, spend, invest, and think about money—with the planet always in mind.

    Gen Z and millennials, digital natives by birth, are also climate advocates by conviction. They expect the brands they use to stand for more than just profit—including their banks and financial apps. This generation is fueling demand for transparency, traceability, and ethical finance. A 2015 Nielsen survey found that 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable offerings. Fintech is capitalizing on this by creating tools that turn personal finance into a force for environmental good.

    How Fintech is Powering Sustainability

    1. Carbon Tracking with Every Swipe

    Modern digital banks and payment platforms now offer real-time carbon footprint calculators linked directly to user spending. Apps like Tred, Doconomy, and Joro analyze transaction data to estimate the environmental impact of purchases, empowering users to make greener, more informed choices with every swipe.

    2. Green Investments, Made Easy

    With just a few taps, users can invest in portfolios that exclude fossil fuels, weapons, or tobacco. Leading robo-advisors and ESG-focused platforms such as Ethic, OpenInvest, and Swell help consumers align their investments with their values, channeling capital toward sustainable industries and ethical business practices.

    3. Digital-Only Banking = Lower Emissions

    Neobanks like Chime, N26, and Monzo operate entirely online, eliminating the need for physical branches and dramatically reducing operational emissions. Many of these banks also issue eco-friendly debit cards crafted from recycled plastic or biodegradable materials, making daily banking greener by design.

    4. Green Loans and Climate-Positive Credit

    Fintech lenders are innovating with climate-focused financing for solar panel installations, electric vehicles, and home energy efficiency upgrades. Some platforms incentivize sustainable purchases by offering borrowers better interest rates, encouraging environmentally conscious consumption.

    5. Blockchain Meets Carbon Offsets

    In the intersection of fintech and blockchain, startups like Toucan and KlimaDAO are creating transparent carbon credit markets and new decentralized climate finance models. By leveraging Web3 technology, these projects aim to scale voluntary carbon offsetting and bring greater accountability to the fight against climate change.

    Challenges on the Green Fintech Road

    Green fintech holds great promise but also faces several significant challenges that must be overcome to maximize its impact. One key concern is the risk of greenwashing, where some platforms may exaggerate their sustainability claims, potentially eroding consumer trust. To address this, clear standards, transparent reporting, and rigorous third-party audits are essential to distinguish genuine environmental efforts from mere marketing. Another challenge involves data privacy, as carbon tracking tools require access to sensitive transaction data. Ensuring ethical data handling and protecting user privacy are critical for maintaining user confidence in these technologies. Additionally, there is the question of scalability versus impact. Many small eco-focused fintech startups struggle to compete with the scale and resources of large traditional banks, making it difficult to grow while staying true to their environmental missions. Overcoming this will require industry collaboration and continued technological innovation. Successfully navigating these hurdles demands a strong regulatory framework, deep cooperation across the industry, and relentless innovation to create a trustworthy and effective green fintech ecosystem.

    What’s Next? The Future of Eco-Fintech

    As climate risks become financial risks, fintech will play an even greater role in driving capital towards sustainability. Expect to see:

    • Embedded sustainability in everyday finance—carbon scores, green recommendations, impact dashboards.
    • AI-driven insights for greener decision-making at both personal and corporate levels.
    • Global collaborations between fintechs, governments, and climate NGOs.

    Green fintech isn’t just a product category. It’s a paradigm shift—proving that finance can be fast, smart, inclusive, and planet-friendly.

    Final Thought

    Money makes the world go round—but now, it can help heal it too.

    Fintech is no longer just about convenience and speed; it’s becoming a key ally in the fight against climate change. Whether you’re tracking your carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy, or simply using a digital bank with sustainable values, your money has power.

    In the era of climate urgency, let’s make sure it also has a conscience.

    Are You Ready to Go Green with Your Money?

    Start by exploring:

    • Digital banks with sustainability pledges
    • Investment apps with ESG filters
    • Fintech tools that track your carbon footprint

    The planet—and your portfolio—will thank you.

  • Peace of Mind: The Missing Link to Work-Life Balance for Young Professionals

    Peace of Mind: The Missing Link to Work-Life Balance for Young Professionals

    In a world that praises hustle and celebrates over-achievement, peace of mind may seem elusive for young professionals. Achieving it can feel like a distant dream. But truth be told, it’s not just desirable — it’s essential. Whether you’re managing deadlines, chasing goals, or making major life decisions, the one thing that holds it all together is your mental calm.

    Peace of mind isn’t the absence of work — it’s the presence of balance.

    Without peace of mind, even small challenges feel overwhelming. Your thoughts race, you feel drained faster, and you lose your joy in the process. On the other hand, a calm, composed mind helps you:

    • Think clearly
    • Work efficiently
    • Maintain emotional health
    • Create space for personal life
    • Feel in control, not controlled

    In short: When your mind rests, your life works.

    You don’t need expensive therapy sessions or wellness retreats to find peace. Sometimes, it’s the smallest habits that create the biggest shifts:

    1. Start Your Day Gently- Instead of checking your phone the moment you wake up, take 5 minutes to breathe, stretch, or sip your morning tea mindfully. Your morning sets the tone for your entire day.

    2. Set Mini Boundaries- Not everything needs your immediate response. Start by saying no to one unnecessary task or request each day. Let your time and energy be respected.

    3. Practice One-Minute Mindfulness- Every few hours, just pause. Close your eyes. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly. These micro-breaks can calm your nervous system instantly.

    4. Clean Up Your Space- A cluttered space often mirrors a cluttered mind. Keep your desk tidy, your room fresh, and your digital spaces organized. You’ll think and feel clearer.

    5. Write It Out- Journaling or simply writing down what’s bothering you helps release mental overload. No structure needed — just empty your mind onto the page.

    6. Move, Don’t Scroll- When stressed, try a quick walk, a few stretches, or even a dance break. Physical movement releases endorphins and clears mental fog.

    In moments when life feels too loud, family becomes your quiet strength. Whether it’s a quick call with a sibling, a hug from a parent, or even a silent presence beside you — family offers grounding like nothing else. Young professionals often hesitate to lean on family, thinking they must figure everything out alone. But real strength lies in knowing whom to turn to when you need comfort or clarity. Even a simple “How was your day?” from someone who truly cares can melt stress away. Family doesn’t always fix things, but their love reminds you: You are not alone.

    Peace of mind is not a destination — it’s a choice you make every day.

    Through small, consistent steps and with the warmth of supportive relationships, balance is not only possible but beautifully sustainable.

    So, to every young professional reading this:

    You’re doing great.
    It’s okay to pause.
    You deserve peace — not as a reward, but as a way of life.

  • Why I Teach: The Purpose Beyond the Profession

    Dedicated to Growth, Learning & Impact

    Aditi Mathur | Educator & Researcher

    They say teaching is not just a profession — it’s a calling.
    For me, it’s also a legacy.

    As a third-generation university educator, I carry on a deeply rooted tradition of learning, curiosity, and contribution. My grandfather, Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Mathur, served at Rajasthan University — a true academician and role model. My father, Dr. Amod Mathur, holds a Ph.D. and balanced the world of numbers as a finance controller in the corporate world. My mother, Mrs. Anita Mathur, touched countless lives as a lecturer, shaping young minds with the quiet power of education. I grew up in a household where dinner table conversations ranged from fiscal policies to classroom stories. I subconsciously absorbed the essence of education. It was not seen as an occupation but as a mission.

    🌿 Teaching: My Chosen Path
    Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of entering lecture rooms. These classrooms can be physical or virtual. I go in as an assistant professor. Each session is a chance to connect, engage, and uplift. My approach is rooted in the belief that creative teaching and active learning are the cornerstones of effective education.
    Whether I’m delivering a lecture on financial management or mentoring executive MBA students online, my goal remains constant — to bridge the gap between knowledge and its real-world relevance.

    🔍 Research, Relevance & Reflection
    My passion for finance and management doesn’t end in the classroom. I’m an explorer at heart — constantly seeking better ways to make sense of theories, numbers, and ideas. As a committed Ph.D. research scholar, I find joy in diving deep into the unknowns of my subject.
    With research papers published in Scopus and ABDC-indexed journals and active participation in national and international conferences, I consider research not just a requirement but a personal evolution — one that sharpens my understanding and keeps me grounded in curiosity.
    For me, research is how I remain a lifelong learner — because before I can truly teach, I must always be willing to learn.

    💬 Building a Classroom That Feels Like a Conversation
    The modern learner is curious, distracted, digital — and wonderfully dynamic. That’s why I’ve embraced modern approaches: real-time case studies, reflective activities, gamification, and open dialogue. I strive to create an environment where students don’t just listen but question, experiment, and evolve.
    For me, teaching is not about delivering content. It’s about sparking curiosity that stays long after the lecture ends.

    ❤️ Why I Teach
    I teach because I believe in transformation.
    I teach because I see potential where students see self-doubt.
    I teach because my heart still races when a student says, “Prof. , now I get it!”
    And I teach because I was taught — by brilliant minds, at my dining table and beyond — that knowledge is a gift best shared.
    This blog is just the beginning of my reflections — a space where I’ll continue sharing thoughts, experiences, and insights from the journey of being an educator, researcher, and lifelong learner.

    If this resonates with you, I invite you to join me. Whether you’re a student, a peer, or a fellow educator, walk this path of learning with me.