The Lipstick Effect: Can you put a price on fun?

Why does it feel like fun costs more than ever — and yet, we’re more willing to pay for it? 

In this episode, we dive into how the price of leisure has skyrocketed over the generations, from concerts and theme parks to streaming subscriptions and brunch. While big milestones like home ownership and retirement feel increasingly out of reach, many people are turning to smaller luxuries to fill the gap. 

We’ll unpack the lipstick effect — the idea that in tough times, people splurge on affordable indulgences — and explore how spending habits around fun and leisure reflect deeper generational shifts in values, priorities, and possibilities. 

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