Spending, Strategised

People are stretching their finances to cover essential costs – see Consumers & Inflation: Rethinking Budgets and Key Stats – but, for those with reasonable means, discretionary spending hasn’t disappeared. Some are microdosing their splurges (think charity shop hauls or fancy chocolates), though buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) schemes also appeal as individuals’ desires outpace budgets.

Maximising Money Management

With 47% of Germans, 48% of Italians and 52% of French citizens struggling to cover essential expenses (YouGov, 2022), consumers are adjusting their money management strategies. FinTok’s – financial TikTok – get-rich-quick messaging (see Money Meets Media) is receding in favour of products and services that promise a slow and steady approach to everyday financial health.

Supporting Financial Milestones

Consumers want to advance their homeownership, education and family dreams – but these ambitions don’t fit the formulas established by current financial products. Emerging brands and services enable the modernised priorities we unpack across our New Ways of Living Macro Trend by breaking hefty goals into bite-sized steps.

Socialised Budgeting

Money-talk taboos are crumbling as youngsters openly discuss their salaries, spending struggles and financial goals. Smart services embed this desire for interpersonal connection into their fabric, helping people stay accountable with features that weave socialising into the money management process.