Broke but make it to that Aesthetic Trap...

Come, let's decode why this isn't just a "title" but a lifestyle mantra for the GenZ !

Let’s get one thing straight, I’m a Gen Z too, so this isn’t coming from a place of judgment. If anything, consider this a gentle roast… of myself and everyone else who’s ever bought a ₹600 scented candle just because it 'matched their vibe '.

We all have our spending quirks- Ask mine? Food. I don't know if that's a Gen Z trait or just a personal weakness, but if it’s edible and trending, I probably bought it. And let’s be honest we’re all guilty of buying things that look good on a moodboard but collect dust in real life.

It’s like we’re living in a beautifully filtered illusion - a pretty lie where we prioritize how things look over whether they actually serve us or not. Social media feeds our need to keep up, glamorize self-care, and romanticize our struggles… while silently draining our wallets.

So why are we this obsessed with the aesthetic trap, even when our bank accounts are begging for mercy? Let’s decode the emotional spending spiral we’ve all fallen into and how we can retain the vibe without going broke.

So… Why Are We Really Spending?

Is Gen Z sitting on a billion-dollar inheritance we don’t know about? (If yes, please let me know)

But unfortunately, it’s not about having money (we don’t). It’s about the weird little serotonin hit we get when we spend it.

Let’s be honest. We, I mean our entire generation, live online.
From dreamy room tours to 10-step skincare routines and “get ready with me” reels, we’re constantly scrolling through curated lives that somehow feel like the standard.

And slowly, without even realizing it, we stop seeing them as just inspiration. They become a blueprint for our lifestyle.

It’s not really about the product anymore.
It’s about the feeling it gives us the illusion of being put-together, of fitting in, of being seen. That new lamp, that aesthetic journal, that expensive lip balm… they whisper, “You belong here too.”

And honestly? Sometimes, adding things to the cart feels easier than sitting with real-life chaos. Pinterest boards become our safe zone. Amazon becomes our coping mechanism. We’re not just shopping there we’re self-soothing in style.

And.. What are we mostly spending on ?

I came across certain reports and stats aside from our drained bank accounts and realized we’re not just dropping money in one place, we’re everywhere. Maybe it’s because many of us are still young, living at home, and juggling fewer major bills.

With nearly one-third of 18–25-year-olds still under their parents’ roof and a growing preference for Buy Now, Pay Later over credit cards (because who wants interest rates?), our spending habits are skyrocketing.

Now, not all spending is bad. But let’s be honest a lot of it ends in regret, guilt or that awkward “payment failed” email we try not to open.

Fashion & Clothing
This one’s the obvious culprit.
Because we love a good fit-check moment, and many Gen Z women shop at least twice a month as per data.

I wouldn’t exactly call it a waste since everyone needs clothes, but it could become wasteful if you buy more than you need.

Electronics
Because what’s more Gen Z than shopping for a new phone on the phone you just bought last month?
About 10% of all Buy Now, Pay Later purchases are on gadgets mostly phones.

And honestly, our phones are everything: mirror, diary, shopping mall, and sometimes even our therapist.

Beauty Products
If TikTok says a serum gives “glass skin,” we’re already halfway to checkout.
36% of Gen Z has bought beauty products straight from TikTok.

Are we skincare experts? Nope. But do we have five unopened bottles that smell like hibiscus and financial guilt? Definitely.

Pets
We’re the generation that treats our pets like our firstborns.
Sure, food and vet visits are essential but do they really need an avocado squeaky toy and a tiny custom hoodie? Our hearts say yes, but our wallets say… maybe not.

Entertainment & Socializing
From Netflix to gaming subscriptions to spontaneous nights out, our monthly average is about $150.

That’s almost ₹12,500 a year… which sounds fine until you realize you’re still paying off that one overpriced concert you barely remember.

Okay, we’ve talked a lot about the "problem", but now let’s shift gears and focus on the "fix". Yes, I know I know saying we need to “control our spending” sounds like one of those things no one wants to hear. But wait, hear me out…

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself, especially when you're feeling low. We all need those little moments of joy. But the truth is, pampering yourself doesn’t always have to mean buying something.

Sometimes, the best comfort doesn’t come from a delivery package but from slowing down, reconnecting, or just giving yourself space to breathe.

Let’s explore how to do that without killing the vibe.

Ways to Take Control

• Let’s Spend Consciously - Honestly, if we don’t take care of our present, our future won’t take care of us either. That cute tote bag or aesthetic lamp might give a dopamine hit today, but if it’s messing with our rent or peace of mind tomorrow, it’s time to pause.
  It’s not about cutting off joy, it’s about choosing joy with intention.

• Take advantage of this phase - This is our golden window while we’re young and expenses are still (kind of) low, it’s the best time to invest in our future, not just our aesthetics.

• Delay the Purchase - If something feels like a must-have, give it a few days. Chances are, you’ll forget about or realize you didn’t need that neon mini blender after all.

• Needs VS Wants - Before you tap 'Add to Cart', ask yourself is this a need or just another trending temptation? Prioritize the basics (food, rent, sanity) before chasing those 'wants', especially when financial resources are limited.

• Unfollow and Unsubscribe - If a page makes you feel like you need a new outfit every week or that your skincare routine is lacking 12 steps mute it. Curate your feed like you curate your cart: intentionally.

So the next time you find yourself hovering over that “Buy Now” button, pause for a second and ask yourself - “Do I really need this, or am I just trying to feel better?”

Your future self and your bank account might just thank you.