As Gen X reach middle age, they’re growing more concerned about their finances yet remain unprepared for retirement. Additionally, they’re setting off alarm bells with their health problems and heavy drinking. How did they get in such bad shape? And what can be done to address their varied crises?

In the mood for shopping? A new survey shows that British consumers' confidence in the economy and their spending power has hit a ten year high. This new optimism has been attributed to rising pay and falling inflation, and it's creating a wealth of opportunities for retailers.

It doesn’t matter what income you’re on, everyone spends in the struggle for status. From make-up to man-bags, protein shakes to plastic surgery, jewellery to private jets – we all splash cash in the name of vanity. And new research shows that these purchases could be worth as much as $4.5 trillion.

We know that seamless payments can affect how we splash out, but could they also impact how we feel about the things we’re buying? Canvas8 sat down with Dr. Avni Shah, co-author of ‘Paper or Plastic?’, to understand how the method by which we pay influences product satisfaction and brand loyalty.