‘Fashionable slavery’ packaged as life-style ‘upgrades’? The best way to break the patron lure that makes you overspend, CA explains

In an age the place new devices, apps, and developments continually flood the market, the strain to maintain up is stronger than ever. Whether it is the newest smartphone, a brand new automotive, or premium subscriptions, individuals are usually made to consider that frequent upgrades replicate progress. But this relentless cycle of spending could also be extra dangerous than useful. Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik lately shared insights on social media, questioning whether or not these so-called “lifestyle upgrades” are literally a type of trendy monetary slavery.

A Cycle of Spending Disguised as Progress

Kaushik, a working towards CA, shared a put up on X (previously Twitter) highlighting how individuals unknowingly fall right into a shopper loop that regularly drains their revenue. He argued that whereas these purchases are framed as enhancements, they usually serve to lure people in an countless cycle of economic dedication. From shopping for a brand new telephone each two years to changing a automotive inside a decade, most bills will not be pushed by want — however by behavior.

He identified that even giant property like houses aren’t spared. Residential redevelopment sometimes happens each 20–25 years, with the monetary burden usually falling on the home-owner. Instead of offering safety, such purchases turn into recurring bills.

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 Laptops are seen as outdated within three years, especially for users of premium brands.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 shopping for extra, however from resisting the strain to spend unnecessarily.

According to Kaushik, in a world that continually pushes consumption, stepping off the treadmill is perhaps probably the most useful improve of all.