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India Today
11 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
How the subscription lifestyle is fuelling a new wave of debt
Once upon a time, shopping was straightforward; you paid, and that was that. No auto-renewals, no hidden terms. Fast-forward to today, and we're living in a 'subscribe now, forget later' streaming services to daily coffee subscriptions, groceries to grooming kits—almost everything can be delivered on tap. In fact, subscriptions have quietly woven themselves into our everyday spending. Add Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes to the mix, and it all feels like a budget-friendly dream, until the bills start piling feels like financial flexibility is, for many, turning into an invisible burden. Especially for millennials and Gen Z, this subscription-led convenience is beginning to reveal a darker side: creeping, compounding SMALL PAYMENTS BECOME A BIG PROBLEMSubscriptions are usually sold as budget-friendly. 'Only Rs 499 a month' or 'less than the cost of one meal," this is how many services market themselves. It sounds manageable, until you're juggling half a dozen of them: music, OTT platforms, cloud storage, fitness apps, and more. Multiply that by twelve months, and it's easy to see where the salary goes. Recent estimates suggest that the average urban Indian holds 4 to 6 active subscriptions at any given time. Since payments are usually auto-debited, the slow leak goes unnoticed, until you start tracking it.A GENERATION OF DIGITAL SPENDERSMillennials and Gen Z, more than any generation before, are fluent in the language of digital convenience. They tap, swipe, and scan through life, using fintech apps, EMI offers, and instant credit. But that same ease is proving risky.'Gen Z is reshaping India's credit landscape with its rapid adoption of digital-first solutions like Buy Now, Pay Later and small-ticket EMIs,' says Anand Agrawal, CPTO and Co-Founder of Credgenics.'Limited financial literacy and impulsive spending habits make young people highly vulnerable to debt traps. Reports suggest nearly 40% of young borrowers carry unsustainable debt, often driven by lifestyle expenses rather than essential needs,' adds marks a shift from previous generations, who largely saved first and spent later. Today, it's more common to spend now and figure out repayments later. A few small payments might feel manageable in isolation, but combine them with BNPL instalments and credit card dues, and suddenly, there's not much salary left at month's A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORDThe popularity of BNPL apps has exploded. After all, who wouldn't prefer to split a Rs 10,000 payment into four easy parts? But this model can be deceptive.'BNPL creates a false sense of affordability,' explains Sameer Mathur, Managing Director, ROINET Solution. "Why pay Rs 10,000 now when you can pay Rs 2,500 later? But when there are multiple Rs 2,500s across platforms, debt creeps in quietly."He describes Gen Z's spending pattern as one of micro-spending without macro-awareness. 'A Rs 499 monthly subscription doesn't feel like a big decision. But when you have several, plus EMI offers and BNPL schemes, it becomes hard to keep up.'THE SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTadvertisementIn today's world, our feeds shape our desires. Whether it's the latest gadget, trending restaurant, or must-have sneaker, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become powerful drivers of aspirational spending.'Social media amplifies this challenge,' says Agrawal. 'It fuels impulsive purchases driven by FOMO and a desire to keep up, often at the cost of long-term planning.''There's a thin line between inspiration and pressure, and it blurs very easily,' Mathur says. "One scroll through your feed can plant the seed of a dozen new wants, each one just a click away from becoming a subscription or split payment."Every scroll can turn into a spend. Influencers showcasing luxurious lifestyles can create a desire to keep up, even if that means stretching the to that sneaky free trials and introductory discounts, many forget to cancel once the full charges kick in. Bank statements rarely spell it out clearly, so the money leak continues FINTECH PLATFORMS HELPING OR HURTING?Fintech apps have undoubtedly made financial services more accessible, but they sometimes make it too easy to spend.'Fintech platforms present a paradox,' says Agrawal. 'They empower users with budgeting tools and flexible payments, but their frictionless design can also promote impulsive behaviour.'Mathur adds that responsibility lies with both the platforms and users: 'Technology must serve the user—not the other way around. Fintechs have a responsibility to promote financial awareness, not just easy access to credit.'advertisementBREAKING THE SUBSCRIPTION CYCLESo, how can young adults avoid falling into this 'convenience trap'?Agrawal advises, "Focus on financial literacy. Review the subscriptions you've signed up for. Limit BNPL usage to genuine needs, and build a savings habit early."Mathur adds a practical approach, "Track your subscriptions and EMIs. You'll be surprised how many silent deductions are chipping away at your income. Even small spends, like a Rs 200 coffee, add up over time. Use credit responsibly and remember: credit today is a commitment tomorrow."He urges, "Talk about money. There's no shame in being financially conscious.'RETHINKING THE SUBSCRIPTION MINDSETLiving smart doesn't always mean signing up for more. Sometimes, less really is more—less stress, fewer deductions, and more clarity about where your money's going. The subscription lifestyle promises convenience, but it's essential to ask: Is it worth the cost?As the subscription economy grows, it's important to pause and ask: Are these services improving your life, or just draining your wallet quietly? It's time to rethink before you true financial success isn't about what you own today, it's about what you can afford tomorrow.- Ends
The Hill
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
How to buy 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets
(NEXSTAR) – The beautiful game is coming to the U.S., Mexico and Canada in 2026 and millions of fans from around the world will be looking to get their hands on tickets to watch the best players in the world. But with 6.5 million fans expected to attend and millions more registered online, securing your spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be as simple as logging in to your preferred ticket retailer. According to FIFA, the best way to stay up to date with ticket release dates is by registering your interest on their website. There, you will be prompted to create a FIFA ID, which is needed to apply for and purchase tickets when the time comes. Lottery Tickets for the tournament will be released in several phases, with the first batch of tickets going on sale on Sept. 10. When phase one begins, a selection of registered fans will be able to apply for a random time slot to purchase tickets. Much like leading up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the first phase of ticket sales will happen before the end of World Cup qualification, meaning you won't know who will be playing in the games you buy tickets to in this phase. A later phase will take place after the official draw has taken place and each qualified team has been placed into a group, giving ticket buyers in that phase a chance to see who will be playing where. Right To Buy If you don't want to test your luck with the lottery process, FIFA has provided a way to guarantee your chance at buying tickets with Right To Buy (RTB) digital assets on FIFA Collect. There are multiple ways to earn RTBs: Purchase Glory Packs – includes one RTB for a match in a specific host city Complete challenges – using digital collectibles, complete designated challenges to win RTBs as a reward Purchase Surprise Packs – packs of digital collectibles that have a chance at having an RTB inside Purchase via the Marketplace – other collectors who have earned RTB can resell them Glory packs are limited and if they sell out, they could be found on the FIFA Collect marketplace for a markup. Completing challenges and purchasing surprise packs requires an additional investment. This route also requires some knowledge of digital assets and currencies. Hospitality/Travel Packages In 2025, FIFA released hospitality packages for those looking for a premium experience, including VIP lounges, food and drink. Those packages start at $1,350 per person for single matches but, depending on the team, venue and stage of the competition, could cost several tens of thousands of dollars. Certain verified retailers and travel agencies also offer packages that include anything from flights, lodging, transportation, etc., in addition to entry to the game. Third-Party Ticket Retailers FIFA is keen on keeping its tickets on its own platform, even when it comes to reselling. If someone who purchased tickets is unable to attend a match, they can resell them on the FIFA ticket website. Using third-party resellers could be risky, as it requires the seller to send you the ticket outside of their platform, opening the possibility of fraud. The same goes for purchasing tickets outside of the stadium on match day.
Leader Live
18-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Iceland Food Club Card offers £75 interest free food loan
In total, £553 million extra will be spent per week across British households through the summer holidays, as families need more food at home, as well as extra extra snacks and drinks to keep the kids going. This comes as UK inflation rose to a near 18-month high this month, with food prices shooting up across the country for the third month running. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index inflation rose to 3.6% in June, up from 3.4% in May and the highest since January 2024. The rise in food prices has been described as a 'hammer blow' for shoppers. HOLD UP! Greggs Sausage Bean & Cheese Melts are now HALF PRICE! 😍 NOW £1.75, was £3.50! Offer ends 21.07.25. More than a quarter of parents (26%) say they've used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services just to get by with their grocery shopping in summer. One in ten parents (10%) have also relied on loans to manage their food bill, with 21% selling personal items to cover the cost. Iceland is once again offering a more flexible and interest-free alternative through the Iceland Food Club. Delivered in partnership with not-for-profit lender Fair for You, the Food Club provides an initial interest-free loan of up to £75 to eligible applicants, loaded onto a pre-paid card for use in-store or online at Iceland or The Food Warehouse. The loan is repaid at £10 per week, helping families spread the cost of essentials without falling into a cycle of debt. Returning customers can load up to £100 onto their Food Club card during school holiday top-up windows, once they have paid back their previous loan. The details of how to apply are here. Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, says: 'The summer holidays should be a time for families to relax and make memories, not worry about how they're going to afford their next food shop. But the reality for millions is very different. When we hear that nearly a quarter of parents are skipping meals so their children can eat, we know we have to step in. Recommended reading: 'Our Food Club will be available this summer, offering real, practical support that helps people stock up their fridges and freezers without falling into debt traps.' Simon Dukes, CEO of Fair for You, adds: 'The summer break is always one of the most financially stressful times of the year for families and with the rising cost of living, we're expecting this six-week break to be our busiest period to date. 'Our Food Club with Iceland offers a safe, flexible alternative to high-cost credit, allowing parents to put food on the table now and repay in a way that works for them, especially when many will be preparing for the next set of back-to-school costs."
Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Time Business News
Mobile Repair Shop Near Me: How to Choose the Right One
In today's world, your mobile phone is your lifeline. From communication and banking to photos and work it's all packed into that little device. So when it breaks down, the panic is real. The search begins with 'Mobile Repair Shop near me,' and Google floods you with options. But how do you know which one to trust? This guide will walk you through how to choose the right mobile repair shop in the Philippines without wasting time, money, or risking further damage. Many small shops operate without proper credentials. A certified technician ensures your phone is handled by someone trained and knowledgeable. Is the repair shop authorized by brands like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, or Xiaomi? Do they display certifications or technician IDs? Are they listed on directories like Google Business or Real customer experiences can tell you more than any ad or promo. Search on Google: 'Mobile Repair Shop [Your City] reviews' Check Facebook Pages and community groups (e.g., Buy & Sell Philippines, TechPH) Ask friends or neighbors where they've had good experiences Pro Tip: A good shop will have more than just star ratings. Look for detailed reviews about the repair time, honesty, and after-service. Before you hand over your phone, ask: Do you offer a free diagnosis? Will I get a quote before you start? How long will it take to assess? A trustworthy mobile repair shop will inspect the device first, explain the issue in simple terms, and then provide options. Some repairs last only days because of low-quality parts or poor workmanship. At least 30 to 90 days warranty for screen or battery replacements for screen or battery replacements Clear return/rework policy if the same issue happens again Documentation or receipt mentioning warranty terms Everyone wants a good deal, but extremely low prices can be a red flag. Get quotes from 2–3 different mobile repair shops Ask what parts they'll use (OEM, original, or generic) Watch out for '₱99 repair' gimmicks with hidden charges later Example: If one shop quotes ₱800 for a screen replacement and another says ₱300, ask why. The cheaper one may use substandard screens that crack easily. You shouldn't have to give up your phone for a week just to replace a battery. Battery or screen replacement: 1–2 hours Board-level repairs: 1–2 days Rare parts or water damage: Up to 5 days A good mobile repair shop will set realistic expectations and notify you if delays occur. Always ask: Are you using original (OEM) or high-grade parts? Do you test the parts before installation? Shops that care about quality will be transparent about parts and may even show them to you before installing. Not all repair shops can handle advanced issues like: Motherboard repair Data recovery Water damage treatment Face ID/Touch ID restoration If you need more than a cracked screen fix, make sure the shop has tools and expertise for complex jobs. Some mobile repair shops also offer: Tempered glass installation Phone casing and screen protectors Charging cables and earphones While not mandatory, it's a bonus to get everything done in one place. They respond quickly to queries (phone or chat) They update you during the repair They explain issues without jargon Look for a mobile repair shop that's: Near your home or office Easy to access by public transport or ride-hailing apps Offers pickup/delivery (some even fix at your doorstep!) Popular repair hubs in PH cities: Metro Manila: Greenhills, Makati, SM Malls Greenhills, Makati, SM Malls Cebu: Ayala Center, Colon Street Ayala Center, Colon Street Davao: Gaisano Mall, Victoria Plaza Whether you have an iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung A54, or a Realme C55, the shop should: Have experience with your brand/model Have tools specific to your phone type Know the software ecosystem (Android vs iOS) Some modern mobile repair shops responsibly dispose of damaged parts and even recycle. If you care about sustainability, ask about how they handle e-waste. Here are a few examples based on customer reviews and popularity: Location: Nationwide (Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao) Nationwide (Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao) Known for: Affordable, brand-certified repairs Affordable, brand-certified repairs Bonus: Also offers laptop and PC repairs Specialty: MacBook, iPhone, iPad MacBook, iPhone, iPad Location: Quezon City, BGC, Online booking Quezon City, BGC, Online booking Bonus: Offers pickup and delivery Location: Multiple branches across NCR Multiple branches across NCR Known for: Gaming laptop and mobile device repair Gaming laptop and mobile device repair Bonus: Offers accessories and spare parts Location: Greenhills Shopping Center Greenhills Shopping Center Known for: Fast walk-in repairs, phone unlocking Fast walk-in repairs, phone unlocking Caution: Double-check parts used and warranty before proceeding Location: Quezon City (with online booking across Metro Manila) Quezon City (with online booking across Metro Manila) Known for: iPhone and Android phone repairs, screen and battery replacement iPhone and Android phone repairs, screen and battery replacement Bonus: Convenient door-to-door pickup, professional technicians, and upfront pricing Finding a reliable mobile repair shop in the Philippines goes beyond just choosing the one closest to you. It's about making a smart decision based on trust, quality, and service. A shop with certified technicians, fair pricing (with warranty), quality parts, and solid customer reviews can save you from bigger headaches down the line. Speed of service matters too, but not at the cost of quality. Take an extra 10 minutes to compare your options, read real reviews, and ask the right questions. That small effort can save you days or even weeks of frustration later. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These Prime Day Deals on the Boring Stuff Can Save You $330
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Amazon Prime Day 2025 has arrived, delivering thousands of deals for the next few days. Amazon has extended the mega-sale this year, offering deals for four days from July 8 through 11. More from Rolling Stone The Best Prime Day Audio Deals: Save Up to 51% on Apple, Sony, and More (Day 2) New Box Set Compiles the Biggest Comic Book Influences Behind James Gunn's 'Superman' You Deserve a Lil' Treat, Like One of These 25+ Amazon Prime Day Deals for Under $50 As always, Prime Day is a great time to pull the trigger on any big-ticket items you've had on your wishlist, from fancy new tech to clothing. But here's a secret: The best way to save money during Prime Day is to stock up on the boring stuff you'll need to buy anyway. The best Prime Day essentials deals can help you save on things like toilet paper, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, and other household necessities. You can bulk-buy these items while they're on sale and end up saving hundreds, if not thousands over the next few months. It's not the most glamorous (or fun), but it's the best way to save during Prime Day. If you're looking to save on the essentials this Prime Day, read on. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best Prime Day essentials deals happening now. We focused on best-selling basics that we buy regularly, from Crest Whitestrips to Sharpies to underwear. Some of the discounts aren't huge (they range from 15-40%), but even small deals can make a difference when you're buying in bulk. If you use Prime Day wisely and stock up on all the deals below, you're looking at savings of about $330. You can save even more by buying multiples of each, of course. $10.08 $12.99 22% off Buy Now On Amazon $29.99 $44.95 33% off Buy Now On Amazon $16.42 $23.46 30% off Buy Now On Amazon $7.97 $9.99 20% off Buy Now On Amazon $22.78 $32.00 29% off Buy Now On Amazon $3.45 $4.77 28% off Buy Now On Amazon $22.92 $28.40 19% off Buy Now On Amazon $12.99 $15.49 16% off Buy Now On Amazon $13.48 $16.79 20% off Buy Now On Amazon $24 $46.00 48% off Buy Now On Amazon $14.00 $19.99 30% off Buy Now On Amazon $7.36 $8.66 15% off Buy Now On Amazon $17.95 $30.00 40% off Buy Now On Amazon $18.95 $30.00 37% off Buy Now On Amazon $12.31 $19.99 38% off Buy Now On Amazon $19.52 $35.99 46% off Buy Now On Amazon $9.47 $15.99 41% off Buy Now On Amazon $21.99 $25.00 12% off Buy Now On Amazon $21.24 $34.99 39% off Buy Now On Amazon $38.98 $49.99 22% off Buy Now On Amazon $3.84 $5.06 24% off Buy Now On Amazon $25.99 $30.99 16% off Buy Now On Amazon $15.98 $19.99 20% off Buy Now On Amazon $12.31 $17.95 31% off Buy Now On Amazon $13.59 $16.67 18% off Buy Now On Amazon $6.95 $8.59 19% off Buy Now On Amazon $15.96 $19.95 20% off Buy Now On Amazon $11.99 $14.99 20% off Buy Now On Amazon $17.99 $23.49 23% off Buy Now On Amazon $59.99 $99.99 40% off Buy Now On Amazon $17.73 $25.33 30% off Buy Now On Amazon $19.99 $29.94 33% off Buy Now On Amazon $14.62 $22.00 34% off Buy Now On Amazon $15.77 $21.96 28% off Buy Now On Amazon $24.77 $41.99 41% off Buy Now On Amazon $16.09 $22.94 30% off Buy Now On Amazon $23.09 $32.99 30% off Buy Now On Amazon $17.87 $21.05 15% off Buy Now On Amazon $11.61 $17.50 34% off Buy Now On Amazon $4.05 $11.54 65% off Buy Now On Amazon $5.68 $11.99 53% off Buy Now On Amazon Amazon Prime Day is a great opportunity to save money, but you'll need to shop smart. We recommend making a list of things that you actually need or might buy anyway, even if they weren't discounted. Then you can start shopping. Another good tip is to download a price tracking tool like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel. These tools will let you see if a Prime Day deal is actually substantial, or if the product is regularly discounted on Amazon. Some 'Prime Day discounts' are regular discounts you'd find frequently on Amazon, even if the sale event wasn't happening. Before making purchases, you'll also want to cross-check Amazon's prices against Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. Other big retailers are also running deals to compete with Prime Day, and might offer the same or better pricing. Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
