Little treats and the little treat economy
This podcast episode explores the 'little treat' economy, examining why consumers frequently purchase small, non-essential items like blind boxes and bubble tea. The hosts discuss the psychological drivers behind these purchases and how they relate to broader financial habits and the 'doom spending' phenomenon.
Why it matters
Understanding consumer behavior regarding small luxuries provides insight into modern economic trends and the impact of inflation on personal finance habits.
Labubus, blind boxes, bubble tea. Why do we keep buying things we don’t need?
Listen In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss why people buy trendy but “useless” things as a way to treat themselves.
Is there a limit to how much a person can spend before it becomes indulgent? Find out about the “little treat” economy, and why people sometimes shift their spending towards small luxuries when bigger purchases start feeling out of reach.
0:00 Introduction to treating yourself and small joys
4:37 “Little treats” vs major life milestones
9:30 Doom spending, instant gratification, and the “little treat” economy
15:10 Balancing present enjoyment with long-term financial security
19:12 Underconsumption core vs collecting and hoarding
Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ
Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X
Read Sue-Ann Tan’s articles: https://str.sg/mvSa
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