Ambition and Greed: The Line Everyone Should Recognize

VTV.vn - Have you ever asked yourself: Am I ambitious or greedy?

The line between these two things is thinner than you think - and this is also the deciding factor in whether you are moving forward or just... standing still. To distinguish between these two seemingly philosophical but common everyday concepts, journalist Duong Ngoc Trinh has brought an extremely simple secret, but perhaps few people have ever asked.

The MoneyGym content series is produced in collaboration with VPBank , bringing stories, experiences and financial tips to help you not only manage cash flow effectively but also enjoy the journey towards prosperity to the fullest.

1. There is a view that "To upgrade your finances, you have to accept trading off your current security?" In your opinion, in the journey of upgrading your finances, where is the line between 'trading off' and 'taking risks'?

I believe that nothing is absolutely safe. Every opportunity has a price to pay. But upgrading your financial level is absolutely worth it.

However, besides improving the ability to recognize opportunities and using appropriate supporting tools; it is more important to understand yourself: thereby determining the suitability of each type of asset increase such as accumulation and investment to suit your circumstances, needs and personality.

For example, if you are adventurous, expect high profits in the short term, have basic knowledge and dare to take risks, stocks may be your choice.

If you want a sustainable and safe solution; profitable and cumulative products such as savings, fund certificates, etc. will be more suitable. Some banks have also developed solutions to support customers in optimizing the yield from idle cash flow. For example, VPBank's Profitability Toolkit includes two options: Super Profitability, which allows money in the account to have daily yield while ensuring flexible withdrawal and spending ability; and Super Prosperity, suitable for generating profit for amounts of 100 million or more but still ensuring liquidity when needed. Instead of letting money "lie still", such tools will help the source of money increase in value, while not requiring too much time or complicated operations; helping you feel secure about your finances and take care of your personal life.

Understanding yourself and making the right choices will help you avoid "trading" your savings just because of pressure or being influenced by other people's success.

2. If you could go back in time and give your 20-year-old self three pieces of money advice, what would you say?

Small money optimization

Learn to use financial tools early

Minimize emotional spending!

But I think, it's just that I hear it, but I probably won't do it! (laughs)

3. People often say "Greed is bottomless". In your opinion, how can we balance the ambition to develop and the feeling of fulfillment?

The ambitious person counts the loss, the greedy person only sees the profit.

Many people only see the attractive profit figures: 20%, 50%, even double or triple. They imagine what they will do with that money, then rush into it like moths to a flame, forgetting the most important question: "If I don't have those profits, what will I have left?" Will I lose sleep? Will my family's daily life be disrupted? Will any of my important plans be missed?

If the answer is still within your acceptable risk threshold - that's reasonable ambition. You're growing in control.

If the answer is “No,” but you do it anyway because it’s so tempting—that’s when ambition crosses the line into greed. Every decision should come from a place of sanity, not from fear of being left behind.

4. People often talk about "money" and "currency". Do you think this is a reason to treat money rationally and "coldly"? Is there any room for emotions if you still want to achieve wealth and prosperity?

I think money is not cold, it just requires alertness.

Emotions are necessary. But when emotions are coupled with critical thinking, they help us distinguish between emotions that help us make wise decisions and emotions that drain our finances. A little reflection before each spending decision will help us see clearly the nature of our desires.

Many people get stuck in a loop: Earn and spend it all. Go to work, get paid, spend thoughtlessly, recklessly, then rush back to work. This loop not only drains your wallet but also exhausts your spirit and health. But if you create a cyclical system: Earn - Spend - Save - Invest - Preserve, everything will be different. Each coin then has its own "place": money for entertainment needs, money for short-term goals, money to develop assets, and money for emergencies. When organized in such a systematic way, you will achieve a state of financial freedom - not because of extreme wealth, but the peace of mind that you are in control, instead of being swept away by the flow.

5. There is a saying "Wealth and honor are given by heaven". In your opinion, is there any formula to help achieve this result?

I believe this saying! But for me it is half true.

Heaven gives it to you, but whether you can keep it or not is still up to you.

To me, money is not just a number that can be measured, but also a source of energy. I have met many people who work hard to earn but still cannot find any, and also met many people who look everywhere for opportunities to improve their cash flow. I have observed and contemplated that most of the "lucky" people receive many opportunities, recognize opportunities - their motives are mostly to bring benefits to the majority rather than themselves. Before they have vision, they really have heart. And they always cherish every second, every minute, every small coin, and are careful in every expense.

I believe that each person has their own formula, but certainly if you are willing to search and always appreciate every smallest opportunity to optimize your assets (opportunities here include time, money, health, knowledge, relationships,...) then there is no reason why wealth will not visit you often!

VPBank introduces Profitability Toolkit – Automatic solution for "tireless" cash flow

Not stopping at inspirational sharing, the program also introduced VPBank's Profitability Toolkit - a set of optimal cash flow solutions including Super Profitability Premier and Super Prosperity.

This toolkit helps users:

- Proactively set financial goals according to personal needs

- Choose profitable packages that fit your spending plan

- Transparent, flexible, easy-to-understand results tracking

Make a profit now: https://go.vpbank.com.vn/super-sinh-loi

Learn more at: https://supersinhloi.vpbank.com.vn/

Source: https://vtv.vn/tham-vong-va-tham-lam-ranh-gioi-ma-ai-cung-nen-nhan-dien-100251017143119368.htm