Safa Amirbayat is a junior behavioural analyst at Canvas8. An economics graduate from University College London, he can be found boxing or reading a novel outside of work.

In the face of the inflated cost of living and increasing financial instability, people have to resort to roundabout ways to fund their lifestyles, like 

 services when other forms of credit are inaccessible. For young people who are so anxious about their financial futures that their 

perceptions of money are becoming distorted

 are increasingly popular, spurred on by platforms like 

 encouraging investments and trades with innovative tools. According to Canvas8 data from 2023, 49% of Americans and 35% of Britons agree that they feel like big life purchases would hold them back financially, which signals that people are being priced out of milestone purchases. To reflect these pressures, the perceptions of BNPL schemes are shifting as more education and guidance see people reframing them as potential 

People are looking for ways to combat financial instability without making drastic changes to their lifestyles. To start, they’re becoming more aware of their money habits, challenging rampant consumerism by 

 to mitigate impulse purchases, or participating in trends like 

‘No-Spend January’ to build budgeting skills

. With more knowledge of spending behaviours – shared through transparent 

 – people make more effective choices with their money. As young people in China grow pessimistic about their prospects and 

, they’re turning to alternatives that offer them more agency and stability in their investment choices, like 

. In Korea, similar choices are cropping up, leading to even 

. In the US, high-earners and young people are looking for increased flexibility in their careers to be 

, particularly as people prioritise work-life balance amid financial pressures.

Not everyone is on the hunt for financial shortcuts to survive and thrive in times of austerity – many are buckling down by simply slashing their spending. The first to go are 

, as Gen Zers and Yers look for more affordable entertainment options, some of which include 

 for cost-effective socialising. Another functional cut people are making is 

 as in-office work makes its return. Older shoppers are also choosing to save by 

, joining younger generations who are often driven by vintage trends and values of sustainability at a lower cost. While some are focused on saving, others are looking for new ways to earn. According to Canvas8 data from 2023, 64% of Americans agree that the internet has created new opportunities for them to make money. There has been a spike in Gen Zers, in particular, who are 

 to both supplement their incomes and build transferable skills to bolster their career prospects.

of Americans and 39% of Britons say they’ve got at least one side hustle 

New data from the Bank of England shows that UK consumer credit borrowing grew at the fastest rate for five years in November. Elsewhere, there is evidence that more Britons are turning to credit cards to pay for essentials such as food. What’s behind this uptick in borrowing?

Why are Britons maxing out on credit?

While BNPL options have become widely available, there's a gap in understanding how consumers view them and why they use them. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Philippa Ward, Dr. Anita Zhao, and Dr. Ruffin Relja to unveil the world of BNPL customers – their perceptions, usage, and brand recommendations.

I’m saving so much! The science of BNPL perception

A growing number of young Chinese people are investing in gold charms and jewellery in an effort to safely store their money amid economic volatility. As people grapple with uncertainty and a lack of trust, many are searching for decentralised approaches outside the mainstream to feel secure.

Chinese Gen Z turn to gold investments for security

According to Santander UK's research, just one in four (26%) young adults received financial education at school. This highlights a serious opportunity for brands to prepare young people for financial independence, with approximately 4 million of them lacking basic money management skills.

Poor financial curriculum hinders independence for Gen Z

While the home brand struggled with furniture profits in Australia, it saw a boom in dining profits as people flocked to its affordable meals. This finding highlights how people are willing to spend on immersive yet functional experiences as living costs continue to rise.

Rise in immersive home eating sparks IKEA dining growth

Teens are getting a head start on their careers as influencers by selling clothes and acquiring brand partners. As definitions of work fluctuate and young people seek lifestyles on their terms, they're finding autonomy by leveraging their backgrounds as digital natives.

Teens become creators with early brand sponsorships

With the great wealth transfer in full swing, Gen X and Y are taking the baton of inter-generational wealth. By focusing on innovation and value-centric investments, the impact-focused generations are set to change the face of family offices inherited from their Boomer predecessors.

Gen X and Y are changing the face of investments

Spend management platform Weel, formerly known as DiviPay, has become Australia’s best-kept management secret. It helps organisations of all sizes and people learn effortless money management, and its simplified features help ease worker anxieties during permacrisis.

How Weel takes work spending out of Aussies’ personal lives

UK Royal Marines recruits will undergo foundational financial literacy training as part of an initiative from the Financial Times' Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign. With many Gen Zers stressed about their finances, brands can help to develop their financial knowledge as they earn higher salaries.

FT partners with Marines for financial literacy course

In response to Brazilians’ growing personal debt, debt-collection firm JCS Junior has created an AI assistant to help customers with repayments. The move shows how brands can use AI to enhance human-centric communications and create emotional safety in sensitive situations.

AI tool helps Brazilians with debt settlements

The Federal Trade Commission has ruled that ticketing agencies must disclose all fees upfront, including junk fees. With people increasingly feeling priced out of their experiential desires, brands have the opportunity to introduce transparent and fair practices that make fans feel supported.

FTC signals need for new industry-wide ticketing standards

As fast food prices soar in the US, people are rediscovering casual dining in their search for better value. Chili's success shows how sit-down restaurants are winning over budget-conscious diners through simpler menus, competitive prices, and an effective social media strategy.

Why cash-strapped diners value the compact menu at Chili's

The latest TikTok travel trend, ‘flying naked,’ goes beyond ‘traveling light’ – with just carry-on luggage – to the point of turning up with none at all. Aside from questions over practicality, the trend has sparked debate on whether viral cultural moments spark purposeful behaviors or performative ones.

The ‘flying naked’ travel trend is taking off

How might political uncertainty impact consumer decision-making? What role does ‘flex’ culture play in Gen MZ’s spending habits? How has solo living impacted cultural trends? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats to explore the behavioural norms shared by people in South Korea in 2025.

A Cultural Snapshot of South Korea: 2025

Aussies are redefining travel, balancing tight budgets with a desire for meaningful escapes. From passion-driven trips to workcations, they’re prioritising experiences that reflect personal interests. How can the needs of value-seeking travellers be met without compromising on memorable experiences?

Why Aussies find ways to travel even on a tight budget

Half of retired women in the US have found retirement pricier than expected, with research revealing that women are not confident in their ability to retire comfortably. As people navigate financial uncertainty, these findings show how gendered disparities can worsen if not proactively addressed.

Women retirees face pricier retirement than expected

New York-based nail studio Chillhouse has partnered with Cash App to introduce a payments-via-chip technology embedded in nail extensions. As people seek financial hacks and frictionless shopping, brands can play a pivotal role in ensuring the privacy and security of customers remain uncompromised.

Chillhouse and Cash App roll out nail chip payments

TikTok celebrity and 'hawk tuah girl' Haliey Welch launched Hawkcoin amid a wave of memecoins. The cryptocurrency launch received lots of hype but quickly failed, with Welch now facing accusations of exploitation – but her story reflects a growing acceptance of self-monetization online.

Viral 'hawk tuah' girl faces backlash from crypto-fail

The Commonwealth Bank, Australia’s largest bank, announced a new withdrawal charge of $3 that's supposedly taking effect in January 2025. The move garnered ire from Aussies and the government, highlighting the widening chasm between people and institutions amid the cost of living crisis.

CommBank charging fee draws criticism from Aussies 

A recent study links rising income inequality to online dating, where users increasingly select partners within their socioeconomic strata. Financial compatibility has become a key priority for daters, reflecting how love and money are now more intertwined in shaping modern relationship dynamics.

Study finds online dating is deepening income inequality

How are Gen Yers reinventing middle age? What do they want from role models and celebrities as their lives evolve? How are they approaching finances in inventive and resilient ways, and what tools are they reaching for to build stronger communities?

2024-2025 Generational Snapshot of Gen Y

Online sports gambling is an increasingly popular topic of discussion among Brazilian personal finance influencers – as well as a growing cause for concern and controversy. There’s an opportunity for brands to inform their audiences of potential risks and promote responsible behaviours.

Brazilian financial influencers wary of sports betting 

Research shows that financial pressures and growing environmental awareness are reshaping chocolate buying behaviors. As some Americans choose to buy in smaller quantities and increasingly value sustainability, there is an opportunity for brands to tap into these shifting values.

Inflation impacts Americans' chocolate choices

Launched amid growing consumer skepticism of financial institutions, Pine is an AI assistant that automatically negotiates bills and disputes unfair charges. As credit card debt soars and subscription fatigue grows, the tool addresses mounting concerns about corporate pricing practices.

AI assistant fights unfair subscriptions

When French-founded firm Duralex faced bankruptcy, its employees stepped in, forming a cooperative to modernise the brand while preserving its world-renowned heritage. This decision reflects a rising collectivist spirit, reshaping trust and resilience amid global instability.

Duralex employees unite to save company and its heritage

Mobile operator O2 has introduced Daisy, an 'AI-powered grandma' designed to outwit phone fraudsters by engaging them in time-wasting conversations about the likes of knitting and family stories. With phone scams pervasive in Britain, Daisy is O2's approach to beating scammers at their own game.

O2 launches an 'AI grandma' amid phone fraud fears

According to Booking.com, travel scams have surged 900% over the past 18 months, partly fuelled by AI. With urgency-driven tactics luring victims into fraud, Australians’ tech scepticism may erode trust in online booking platforms and prompt a shift toward slower, more secure payment systems.

Travel scams fuel distrust of purchase pressures online

Young Democrats distressed by Donald Trump's re-election have turned to ‘doom spending’ as a salve and are sharing their hauls on TikTok. The trend signals a yearning for control and comfort amid unpredictability, with people seeking immediate emotional relief through consumerism.

US Gen Zers are doom-spending to cope with Trump win

As Australia inches towards a cashless future, some are pushing back, citing concerns about budgeting, inequality, and security. From generational divides to fears of financial exclusion, this monetary tug-of-war reveals deeper issues about financial control in a rapidly digitising world.

Why going cashless is proving divisive in Australia

India's gig economy is booming, with the number of gig workers nationwide set to reach 23.5 million by 2030. However, due to the uncertainty of this income stream, most people remain cautious of their finances. How can brands harness tech and education to bolster a sense of financial security?

How Indians are managing money amid the rise of AI

Japanese households once again cut spending in September due to inflation and a weak yen pushing up living costs. As people continue to face financial anxiety, there is a burgeoning demand for budget-friendly brands, while many workers are also seeking a better work-life balance.

Japanese households further cut spending as costs rise

More than half of Australians consider the country’s income distribution to be unfair, and satisfaction with democracy is on the decline nationwide. Faith in traditional institutions is wavering globally, leading some people to turn towards anti-establishment voices for solutions.

Australians report decreased satisfaction with democracy

The consequences of teen gambling addiction are being brought to life in a Korean short film. Once thought of as an adult crisis, easy access to online gambling platforms has led to addicts skewing younger, prompting conversations about whose responsibility it is to keep young people safe.

Ad campaign highlights Korea’s teen gambling epidemic

South Koreans love to spend. But what happens when the country faces a financial crisis? With many people steeped in debt, younger generations are now being forced to downsize their purchases and miss out on major life milestones. How can brands help them fight against economic headwinds?

How South Koreans save while staying aspirational

Puig exceeded expectations with its Q3 earnings, bolstered by fragrance and skincare sales and demand in the EMEA region and Americas. As brands within luxury ponder whether to ‘go high’ or 'go low', Puig is opting for an enticing strategy – ‘go niche’ to stand out in a turbulent market.

Puig courts niche audiences within luxury

Some disillusioned workers in France are travelling out of the city to work the soil – but only for a few days a week. Seeking both meaning in life and financial stability, these workers are contributing to the popularity of multi-hyphenate careers spanning both urban and rural environments.

French seek meaning and money through part-time farming

Uncertain economic conditions are causing inflation to hike up insurance costs and premiums. In response, Aussie consumers want tech-informed policies and products aligned with the current financial situation. What does this mean? Accessible and affordable coverage.

Why Australians want insurance to reflect their real-life needs

How has Fintech changed the way Germans approach money management? How is the rise of spirituality and diverse belief systems changing the religious landscape? And why is marriage on the decline? This Cultural Snapshot of Germany in 2024 explores the key behavioural shifts.

A Cultural Snapshot of Germany: 2024 - 2025

Car buyers in Germany are showing muted demand for electric cars as the cost and quality of EVs fail to meet their needs. Countries recognise the need for an urgent transition towards a greener future, but balancing the competing needs of people and brands is an uphill battle.

Fewer German car buyers are opting for electric vehicles

Banks and financial institutions in Australia have spent the last decade competing with each other by improving their customer experience and providing seamless online transactions. With the dramatic rise of fraud and scams in the country, is it time to put some of that friction back?

Can payment friction create savvier online spenders?

A Mastercard campaign aims to boost autism acceptance in Singapore, sharing stories and driving inclusion in everyday spaces. As people choose to back brands that reflect their values and take steps toward inclusion, this ad highlights how brands can connect through intentional storytelling.

Mastercard spotlights autism and hidden disabilities 

Research shows that over half of London-based workers earning less than a 'real living wage' have had to turn to food banks in 2023/24. As the UK's economy begins to recover, wide disparities across economic groups are persisting, leaving many in need of additional support.

Lowest paid Londoners are turning to food banks 

Thousands of celebrity deepfakes are flooding the web, targeting would-be investors with crypto scams. As people look to the fractured digital space as an authoritative source of information and open-source AI models bring deepfakes to the fore, the scam signals a new frontier for disinformation.

Elon Musk deepfake scam stokes disinformation fears

Kyoto is partnering with e-gift firm Giftee on a 'Donate & Go' service, making it easier for tourists to contribute to regional efforts by giving half the donation back as e-money for local use. This maintains heritage, tackles over-tourism, and supports local businesses without reducing visitors.

Kyoto tackles over-tourism with e-gifts for tourists

The last decade has seen an explosion of fintech companies in Africa attempting to bank the unbanked but none have been as successful as OPay. How exactly have OPay’s efforts to drive financial inclusion turned it into the country’s biggest fintech success story?

How OPay serves Nigeria’s financially underserved entrepreneurs

Perceived financial pressures are making people more frugal and favour adverse. Some of this stress could be related to money dysmorphia, an exaggerated insecurity about one's finances. Brands can help by reassuring people and focusing on things that are more important than money.

Frugality in friendship: a growing issue for Gen Z and Y

Service provider Optus is doubling down on its commitment to the Australian small business community with its new campaign. As many owners struggle with the economic challenges of running a small business, the company shows an empathetic understanding and provides tangible support. 

Optus goes 'All In' on supporting Australian SMEs

A new campaign by Australian Unity reflects the challenge of balancing work and life through multiple life stages, improving representation and services for older Australians. The campaign highlights an opportunity for brands to consider the evolving health needs of older shoppers.

Australian Unity spotlights balance throughout life

Latin American SMEs, key to the region's economy, face limited access to credit and complex regulations but many are leveraging fintech, digital connectivity, and new educational models to drive growth. Can they unlock their full potential and spark a local economic renaissance?

What do Latin American SMEs need to thrive?

As the luxury sector takes a hit, the UK branch of Bulgari announced losses in 2023 due to economic instability and reduced tourism. With financial concerns worsening, trends like #underconsumptioncore and 'affordable luxury' rise, offering leverage for smaller, cheaper, and stylish alternatives.




Smaller brands may emerge as Bulgari UK struggles

Indian Gen Zers are preparing for an uncertain economic future by changing the way they manage their money. They prioritise value, are more entrepreneurial, and have more open discussions about finances. They want to enjoy life now while securing their future, making careful spending decisions that reflect both prudence and aspiration.

How is India’s Gen Z changing the way they earn and spend money?

Gen Yers and Zers in India are building financial independence by establishing various (mostly passive) income streams like investments, content creation, and freelancing. This is their solution to economic uncertainty, but how can brands help them in their quest to gain control over their finances?

How varied income streams give Indians economic certainty

What happens after the US election? How should brands navigate a hyper-politicised landscape? And where will the new opportunities emerge in an unstable political environment? In the 2025 US Macro Expert Outlook, Adam Berinsky explores what the US will look like in the year ahead.

2025 Expert Outlook on the USA

South Korean digital payments platform Naver Pay has launched a feature that allows users to raise a digital pet and earn points while doing so. As more Koreans embrace gamified e-commerce, brands are exploring more innovative mechanisms to keep people emotionally engaged.

Naver Pay levels up gamification with virtual pets

As the economy strengthens and Americans' financial sentiments improve, the 'vibecession' – where people feel pessimistic about money matters – is slowly lifting. But does this increased confidence stem from financial strategies and lifestyle hacks that are frowned upon by wider society?

American money dysmorphia is slowly dissipating  

By tokenizing assets such as stocks, bonds, and gold, Swarm Markets aims to enable investors to trade more efficiently and cost-effectively. How could this technology revolutionize how professional and retail traders access different assets by providing them with a better experience? 

Why Swarm Markets uses tokenization to empower traders

What if you could unlock your hotel room, get into a concert, collect loyalty points, and prove your ID just by tapping your phone? It could all soon be possible for the UK’s critical spenders thanks to an announcement in August that Apple is opening up its tap-to-pay tech to third-party developers.

How Apple’s Tap-to-Pay builds spending loyalty for Britons

Will AI regulation in finance curb innovation? What might help protect people from financial fraud? How will new pricing regulations impact shopper confidence? In this part of the 2025 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about where financial behaviours are headed next year.

2025 Expert Outlook on Money

With the rise of cryptocurrency, AI-driven fraud, and an evolving regulatory landscape, innovative detection methods and regulatory technology (RegTech) firms that leverage new technologies, like ComplyAdvantage, can disrupt the fintech space in Australia. What is the future of this industry?

How ComplyAdvantage eases Aussie concerns about fraud

Despite some Gen Zers wanting to cut back on non-essentials due to rising living costs and eco concerns, many are willing to concede on their budgeting for events. For brands, this represents an opportunity for IRL reach and impact during moments when people are most open to indulging.

Gen Z forego budget-conscious mindsets for live events

Healthcare technology company Zelis has debuted an out-of-network payments solution to help plan members navigate medical bills in a convenient and accessible way. The service acknowledges challenges around paying for medical care, addressing pain points around affordability and transparency. 

Zelis removes barriers around medical payments

Audio manufacturers Bang & Olufsen have released a line of future-proof headphones with modular components designed for easy repair and replacement. As eco-concerns converge with more critical spending habits, perspectives on sustainability are shifting to centre durability and slower consumption

Bang & Olufsen centre durability with modular headphones

Visa has announced an initiative to help boost consumer protection when people pay bills by bank transfer. As concerns over financial fraud with digital and online banking increase, the enhanced security measures are set to give consumers greater control and protection over how they pay.

Visa to launch enhanced consumer payment protections

A combination of responsibilities for their children and aging parents and economic challenges mean Gen Xers are feeling financially unprepared for retirement. Many are considering moving in with their kids to make ends meet and may need help broaching these conversations.

Gen X ‘Silver Squatters’ feel unprepared for retirement

More than half of US parents report needing financial assistance to buy the technology their kids need for their education, a worrying statistic as the back-to-school season kicks off. As tech becomes more essential in schools, parents seek reliable and affordable products for their kids.

US parents face financial barriers in buying tech for kids

How are UK cities engaging their inhabitants in city life? Where do city dwellers go for fun, and to spend their money? And what challenges are people in cities facing in 2024? This Urban Cultural Snapshot blends data and expert insight to illuminate contemporary behaviours in UK cities.

A Cultural Snapshot of the urban UK 2024 - 2025

M&S’s back-to-school campaign, ‘School Happens,’ captures the everyday chaos of school life. By focusing on the durability of its uniforms, M&S taps into parents’ focus on quality and value, offering a relatable take on what kids – and their clothing – really go through during the school year.

M&S shows durability and value in back to school spot

What does life in the UK look like outside of cities? Why is wild swimming a lifeline for community? What's next for UK localism? This snapshot explores the behavioural shifts and norms of those living in rural communities up and down the UK in 2024.

UK Cultural Snapshot: Rural Behaviours 2024 - 2025

Money

People are finding ways to make their money last longer and go further

Inflation, stagnant wages, and the cost of living crisis have forced people to become financially literate and savvy. Hacking their way to staying afloat, people are looking for ways to get more from their money, embracing risk, and abandoning traditional financial strategies.