Monthly spending breakdown goes viral
A 22-year-old woman living alone in Bengaluru has ignited a conversation online after sharing a detailed breakdown of her monthly lifestyle expenses. In an Instagram video, Shradha Saini described what she calls her “Gen Z expenses,” offering a candid look at how she prioritizes self-care and personal well-being.
Saini began with smaller indulgences, explaining that she buys flowers for herself two to three times a month, spending roughly Rs 2,000. She described the habit as a simple way to brighten her space and uplift her mood.
Mental health and weekly rituals
A significant portion of her budget is allocated to therapy. Saini said she considers mental health essential and spends approximately Rs 10,000 per month on sessions. For her, therapy is not optional but a core part of maintaining overall well-being.
She also schedules regular time for herself each week. Sunday brunch has become a standing ritual, costing about Rs 2,000 per month. According to Saini, her weekends are largely devoted to self-care activities that help her recharge.
Grooming, aesthetics and reflection tools
Her monthly expenses also include grooming and relaxation treatments. She spends around Rs 5,000 on massages and pedicures and an additional Rs 3,000 on nail appointments. Beyond that, she budgets about Rs 1,000 for what she describes as “aesthetic items” that enhance her environment.
Saini also invests in personal development tools, allocating approximately Rs 2,000 to guided journals, gratitude planners and vision boards. She framed these purchases as part of a broader commitment to self-reflection and intentional living.
Generational contrast and online reactions
In the video, Saini contrasted her approach with what she described as Millennial-era attitudes toward spending. She suggested that openly investing in oneself was once less common or less socially accepted, while her generation views such expenses as normal and even necessary.
The post has triggered mixed reactions across social media. Some users praised her transparency and emphasis on self-love. “Great that you are spending on yourself and encouraging self love,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “People should spend more on themselves.”
Others questioned specific choices. One user suggested she could buy flowers at Bengaluru’s KR Market for a fraction of the cost. The broader discussion reflects differing views on financial priorities, discretionary spending and what self-care should look like in today’s economic environment.
The viral video underscores how younger adults are redefining lifestyle spending, blending mental health, aesthetics and personal rituals into their monthly budgets while prompting debate about affordability and long-term financial planning.
