'Modern slavery' packaged as lifestyle 'upgrades'? How to break the consumer trap that makes you overspend, CA explains

Time of India

24-07-2025

In an age where new gadgets, apps, and trends constantly flood the market, the pressure to keep up is stronger than ever. Whether it's the latest smartphone, a new car, or premium subscriptions, people are often made to believe that frequent upgrades reflect progress. But this relentless cycle of spending may be more harmful than helpful. Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik recently shared insights on social media, questioning whether these so-called 'lifestyle upgrades' are actually a form of modern financial slavery.
A Cycle of Spending Disguised as Progress
Kaushik, a practicing CA, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting how people unknowingly fall into a consumer loop that gradually drains their income. He argued that while these purchases are framed as improvements, they often serve to trap individuals in an endless cycle of financial commitment. From buying a new phone every two years to replacing a car within a decade, most expenses are not driven by need — but by habit.
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He pointed out that even large assets like homes aren't spared. Residential redevelopment typically occurs every 20–25 years, with the financial burden often falling on the homeowner. Instead of providing security, such purchases become recurring expenses.
— Finance_Bareek (@Finance_Bareek)
Built to Expire, Designed to Replace
Kaushik further explained that many products are intentionally built with short life cycles. Laptops are seen as outdated within three years, especially for users of premium brands. Mobile phones push out frequent updates and camera improvements, making older models seem obsolete — even if they still function well.
The issue extends to software and digital services. Subscription-based apps often lure users in, only for interest to fade within weeks, even as recurring payments continue. On top of that, loan cycles reinforce the same pattern: once one loan is cleared, another is often taken, keeping people financially tied down.
The Illusion of Upgrades, The Cost of Peace
Kaushik described this phenomenon as a treadmill — people keep running but never actually move forward. He warned that this isn't truly about improving life; it's about replacing things that could still serve their purpose. 'Nothing grows old gracefully anymore,' he noted, stressing that the system is built to encourage replacement over repair.
His key message: instead of chasing superficial upgrades, individuals should prioritize peace of mind.
Financial freedom
comes not from buying more, but from resisting the pressure to spend unnecessarily.
According to Kaushik, in a world that constantly pushes consumption, stepping off the treadmill might be the most valuable upgrade of all.