Marta Marcilla, international business expert: “Americans don’t have the word ‘savings’ in mind”
A U.S.-based Spanish businesswoman has discussed the two countries’ differences in mindset when it comes to finances.
Marta Marcilla, the Spanish founder and CEO of the Miami firm Tsalach Real Estate, has reflected on the cultural differences between Spain and the United States when it comes to financial education and attitudes toward opportunity.
In an interview posted on the TikTok account @venture.queens, the U.S-based entrepreneur noted that the concept of saving is far more ingrained in the Spanish mindset than in the American one.
Marcilla said that in the U.S., children are not raised with the idea of economic scarcity, but rather with a worldview that emphasizes the belief that there are no limits. As an example, she explained that in her son’s school environment, building self-esteem and encouraging independent thinking are top priorities - an approach that, in her view, can sometimes feel extreme.
The businesswoman used this comparison to highlight the importance of education in shaping both personal and professional mindsets. The educational approach directly influences how people interpret their future possibilities and whether they develop a mentality rooted in scarcity or abundance.
Influence of education
Marcilla also pointed to the financial challenges many teachers in Spain face, which makes it harder for them to convey a message of abundance. That reality inevitably shapes the environment in which students grow and learn.
She concluded by saying that the mindset many young Americans leave the education system with is one of feeling ready to “take on the world” and tackle any challenge. In her view, that mentality helps explain why so many Americans consistently appear at the top of the Forbes list.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.