"Niche trends fueled by social media can influence your shopping decisions. Participating often brings some happiness and a sense of community, but the problem comes when you do it so often that you're not using your money to achieve your financial goals, or worse, you get into debt, said Erika Rasure, chief financial wellness advisor for Beyond Finance, a financial services company."
"Whether it's coastal grandma or clean girl aesthetic, microtrends can take a significant toll on already-strained budgets as prices rise and Gen Z struggles to pay off debt.If you find yourself overspending to participate in microtrends, here are some expert recommendations: Pause before purchasing Before you click "buy" on TikTok Shop, it's best if you take some time to reflect, said Jennifer Seitz, head of education for Greenlight, a financial literacy app for families."
Social media-driven microtrends prompt many consumers to buy niche items for community or pleasure, sometimes without long-term use. Frequent participation in these trends can divert money away from financial goals and lead to debt, particularly amid rising prices and Gen Z's existing debt burdens. Experts recommend pausing before purchases—using a short delay such as 24 hours or several days for larger expenses—to determine whether an item is a fleeting craving. Personal challenges like a no-buy year can expose spending patterns and shift priorities toward experiences. Adopting a value-based spending approach helps align purchases with financial objectives and reduce impulse buying.
Read at Fast Company
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