We all like to brag with a new toy, gadget, or car. We won’t always admit it, but we buy these goods to show off a bit. As expats in Zimbabwe, these status symbols show that we are well off and ‘have arrived’. And why shouldn’t we? We have worked very hard to achieve our success and deserve to have the best. We call this conspicuous consumption.
Conspicuous consumption is the purchase of goods or services for the specific purpose of displaying one's wealth. It is a means to show one's social status, especially when the goods and services publicly displayed are too expensive for other members of a person's class. *
This concept originated with the industrial revolution when the emerging middle class had more disposable income to spend on goods.
But it is not just about buying the best item in its class e.g. the latest smart phone, or newest sports car. Too many have the latest of everything and we need to step up to be noticed. It has evolved into exclusivity. The now seemingly boring status symbol of the latest product has evolved into special, limited or ‘one of a kind’ editions.
The latest iPhone is no longer a unique product, now we need to have its casing made from titanium or encrusted with diamonds. The Mercedes S-Class needs to be a limited edition with 18-carat gold trimming on the dashboard.
This does sound very glamorous indeed, but at what cost? Where does it end? Conspicuous consumption has caused many a downfall for expats abroad. If you can afford it, then by all means continue, but overspending to impress is asking for trouble.
If you answer yes to these questions, then your finances are potentially in trouble and could be on the verge of a major meltdown.
Seek the advice of your deVere financial adviser to help you get your finances back on track. [email protected]
* https://www.investopedia.com/
Please note, the above is for education purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should always contact your deVere adviser for a personal consultation.
* No liability can be accepted for any actions taken or refrained from being taken, as a result of reading the above.
RBZ urges govt incentives on diaspora investments
Zimbabwe’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), called on the government on Monday to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to diaspora investments due to their massive contribution to total foreign currency inflows in the country.
posted on 05.12.2023
RBZ urges govt incentives on diaspora investments
Zimbabwe’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), called on the government on Monday to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to diaspora investments due to their massive contribution to total foreign currency inflows in the country.
posted on 05.12.2023
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