Younger consumers are turning to "little treats" in the face of economic nihilism

While consumer sentiment has improved slightly in July, overall, we’re still not feeling too great about the economy. Yet that discontent, for some, arguably runs deeper, particularly for younger consumers. Major milestone purchases, such as buying a house, have only gotten more expensive over the last five years, and that could be leading to a range of economic behaviors, like buying “little treats,” or turning to “financial nihilism.”

“I think when people look at the spending patterns of the younger generation, there is this lean towards little treats, so buying up Labubus, Dubai chocolate, lattes, whatever it may be,” said Kyla Scanlon, economic content creator and author. “That sort of spending is rational because they're putting off the bigger milestone spending, like buying a house, having kids, because it feels further and further out of reach.”

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal spoke to Scanlon about what might be driving consumers, even on a philosophical level.

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