Are we spending way more than our parents did? Or is it just me?
Lately I’ve been feeling like our generation is spending a lot more compared to our parents at the same age. I’m not sure if this is actually true or just a perception thing — curious if others feel the same.
I think this feeling is coming from a few places: 1. Spending doesn’t feel as satisfying anymore. The level of money going out doesn’t seem to match the level of happiness or fulfillment I expected from it. 2. AI and job uncertainty. With all the AI hype, I can’t help but wonder whether some of us might face pay cuts or even job losses 4–5 years down the line. That makes current spending feel riskier. 3. Mid-30s reality check. As I move into my mid-30s, I’m starting to appreciate the importance of building a solid corpus for financial independence. That shift in mindset makes discretionary spending feel heavier.
Is anyone else going through this phase? Are we actually overspending as a generation, or are we just more aware (and anxious) about the future?
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Job security is a big concern now a days... People no longer get to work till 60 or 65.. The new contemporary working age is only till 45 or 50 at the max. This gives us lesser earning potential.
exactly. i feel lot of us will become obsolete after few years of experience. We have to upgrade or look for alternative income sources
The Average per capita income has been increasing compared to our previous generation we are more well off. Previous spent was on the items of need but now Middle class Indians are able to afford some Luxury items
I agree but I feel the spend to salary ratio is way higher with our generation even with very high salaries and hence the question. Also given there is no job security with AI advancements etc, don’t you think we should reduce our spends and think more about building a corpus?
Our per capita is still very low (if exclude ambani, adani wealth) Many middle class purchase via credit cards/personal loans, leading to over leveraging and rising defaults as per govt and OXFAM Reports
It's just FOMO created reelers, 'influencers' e.g. iPhone is the best example for case study.
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Cost of living and parents finanical situation and our needs at that time differnt than what we are providing , buying to ourself and kids now a days is differnt. Old days everythinng not linked to business and now everything linked to business , we forced to spend more for smallest things as well.
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There is lot of uncertinty but we no need to worry about future and loose the mental peace , happiness in the present. 3.corpus defintely needed, as the uncertinty grows and for the kids education expenses increasing YOY.
We are more spending and becoming more anxious that too after these AI tools especially since last year
Agree with 2 and 3 but I feel there is too much of unnecessary spends we are doing
During our grandparents time we were a poor nation, during our parents time we were an emerging nation, now we are a global economy.
We have more avenues to earn and spend.
Again I am talking about < 1% population because this question concerns them only.
there is no doubt this discussion is about top percentile population or the working class in IT sector. But just curious if everyone is feeling the same or not. I agree there are more avenues to earn and spend but my concern on spend mostly coming from satisfaction, job stability and corpus fund
You would definitely appreciate a meal if you couldn't eat whole day - gives you spiking satisfaction.
But when you can whole day -5 meals, food doesn't excites you.
Stability is boring but comfortable.
Because when we use digital currency, we don't see how much we spend
Yeah true. With digital currency and credit cards , we dont get a sense of how much we are spending most of the times
Many things which were not even in existence at our parents time are now a necessity.. Like Air purifier, broadband connection, OTT, weekly outings, therapy.... lawda lassan..
haha
Can you please help me with the investment corpus if you are married please combine and let me know, wanted to know how to come in terms with reality
To be honest, I'm thinking by 45, we should have a corpus that's generating enough returns to cover our expenses. I've been doing SIPs in mutual funds and invested some in gold to build that corpus, but I'm still far from hitting even 30% mark 😅.