Coachella, BNPL, and the Cost of Chasing Aesthetic Lifestyles

Over the past week, my social media feed has been flooded with Coachella content—brand-sponsored posts, influencer shopping hauls, and the ever-popular “Get Ready With Me” videos. While the content may be visually compelling, it prompted me to reflect on the rising trend of lifestyle inflation and how financial decisions are increasingly being shaped by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and online validation.

As someone who enjoys music and cultural festivals from afar, I haven’t been to Coachella or Tomorrowland, but the growing obsession with attending these high-ticket events—especially among Gen Z and millennials—reveals a deeper concern. Behind the curated aesthetic lies a financial burden that many don’t speak about.

The Rise of BNPL Culture

The concept of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) has become a financial gateway for many young consumers eager to keep up with trends. From fashion to festival tickets, this form of micro-credit is now a preferred payment method. In India, BNPL adoption has grown from just 0.1% in 2019 to 5.8% in 2023. The convenience and low entry point are seductive, especially when trying to access experiences that may otherwise seem out of reach.

This trend isn’t limited to India. In the U.S., Coachella capitalized on this payment model significantly. According to Billboard, approximately 60% of general admission ticket buyers at this year’s festival used Coachella’s in-house installment plans. For as little as $49.99 down, fans could secure a $599 ticket and pay the rest over three months. And it doesn’t stop at entry—hotels, merchandise, and even food purchases are increasingly being financed through similar models.

The Growing Trend of Performative Spending

BNPL is no longer reserved for emergencies or essentials—it has seeped into lifestyle choices, driven by social validation. A recent example closer to home was the Coldplay concert in India. It attracted massive crowds, many of whom weren’t even familiar with the band’s discography. What was common, however, was the narrative—credit cards maxed out, splurging on outfits, travel, and VIP passes—all for a fleeting moment of inclusion on social media.

This performative spending behavior is not without consequences. A 2024 report shows U.S. credit card debt reaching $1.08 trillion, with delinquency rates rising to 3.2%. In India, too, millennial and Gen Z spending is increasing disproportionately to earnings. According to a ZestMoney report, over 60% of BNPL users in India are under 35. This age group is also highly susceptible to financial overextension due to peer influence and digital marketing.

Are Consumers Maxed Out?

The convergence of easy credit, social media pressure, and rising aspirations has created a financial tinderbox. While the desire to access global experiences is understandable, it is vital to question at what cost we are chasing aesthetic lifestyles.

The culture of immediate gratification—encouraged by BNPL and fueled by FOMO—is not just reshaping how we spend, but also how we perceive success and belonging. The more we normalize debt for the sake of digital validation, the more we risk creating a generation financially shackled by their own curated lives.

Are we spending for joy or performing for approval?

It’s time we reflect—not just on how we spend, but why we spend the way we do. Financial freedom shouldn’t come second to social relevance.