In today’s world, success is often measured not only by what people achieve but also by what they own. A luxury car, the latest smartphone, designer clothing, expensive holidays, and lavish celebrations have become symbols of status and social recognition. While aspiring to a better lifestyle is natural, an increasing number of people are spending beyond their financial means to project an image of success. The pursuit of prestige has, for many, become more important than financial stability. This raises an important question: why are so many people willing to risk their financial future for the sake of appearances?
One of the biggest reasons is the influence of social media. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have transformed how people compare themselves with others. Every day, users are exposed to carefully curated images of luxury lifestyles, exotic vacations, expensive restaurants, and high-end fashion. What often goes unseen are the debts, financial struggles, or sponsorships behind those images. Constant exposure to such content creates unrealistic expectations, making ordinary lives appear inadequate. Many people begin to believe that success must be displayed rather than simply achieved.
Consumer culture has further fuelled this trend. Modern advertising rarely sells products alone—it sells aspirations. A luxury watch is marketed as confidence, a premium car as achievement, and a designer handbag as prestige. Companies understand that consumers are often driven by emotions rather than necessity. As a result, purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by the desire to belong to a particular social group or project a certain image rather than by practical needs.
Easy access to credit has made overspending more convenient than ever before. Credit cards, buy-now-pay-later schemes, personal loans, and attractive financing options allow people to purchase expensive items without paying the full cost upfront. While these financial tools can be useful when managed responsibly, they also encourage impulsive spending. Many individuals underestimate the long-term burden of repayments, accumulating debt in pursuit of short-term satisfaction.
Another contributing factor is the growing culture of comparison. Success is no longer measured against personal goals but against the achievements of colleagues, neighbours, classmates, or even strangers online. If someone buys a larger house, a newer vehicle, or hosts a grander wedding, others may feel pressured to match or exceed those standards. This cycle of comparison creates financial decisions driven more by social expectations than by genuine affordability.
Lavish celebrations have become another symbol of this phenomenon. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other social events are increasingly viewed as opportunities to display wealth rather than celebrate meaningful occasions. Families sometimes spend years of savings—or take on significant debt—to organise extravagant events that last only a few days. While these celebrations may earn admiration temporarily, the financial consequences often remain long after the guests have gone home.
The psychological impact of status-driven spending is equally important. Research in behavioural economics suggests that material possessions provide only temporary satisfaction. The excitement of buying a luxury item often fades quickly, leading people to seek the next purchase in pursuit of the same feeling. This “hedonic treadmill” creates a cycle where happiness becomes dependent on continuous consumption rather than lasting fulfilment.
The consequences of living beyond one’s means extend far beyond financial stress. Debt can strain relationships, delay important life goals such as buying a home or saving for retirement, and contribute to anxiety and emotional exhaustion. Families may sacrifice emergency savings, children’s education funds, or future investments simply to maintain a lifestyle that appears successful from the outside. Ironically, the pursuit of prestige often undermines the very security that genuine success is meant to provide.
Breaking this cycle requires a shift in perspective. Financial literacy should become a greater priority in schools and communities, helping people understand budgeting, responsible borrowing, and long-term wealth creation. Success should be measured not by visible consumption but by financial resilience, responsible planning, and the ability to live comfortably without constant financial pressure.
Parents also play a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward money. Children who grow up learning the value of saving, delayed gratification, and responsible spending are more likely to develop healthy financial habits as adults. Equally, influencers, celebrities, and media personalities can contribute by promoting realistic financial choices instead of glorifying excessive consumption.
Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the rewards of hard work. Buying a comfortable home, travelling, or purchasing quality products are worthwhile aspirations when they align with one’s financial capacity. The problem arises when purchases are driven not by need or personal enjoyment but by the desire to impress others.
True prestige cannot be bought in a showroom or displayed on social media. It is reflected in financial independence, peace of mind, strong values, and the confidence to live according to one’s own priorities rather than public expectations. A person who lives within their means, saves for the future, and makes thoughtful financial decisions may not always attract attention, but they possess something far more valuable than temporary admiration—lasting security.
In the end, wealth is not measured by how expensive a lifestyle appears, but by the freedom it provides. The greatest sign of success is not owning everything the world admires, but having the wisdom to know what truly matters and the discipline to build a future that is secure, sustainable, and genuinely fulfilling.
—Dhruba Deka