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Ten years ago, Rs 1 lakh could buy goods and services that now cost about Rs 2 lakh, reflecting a steep decline in purchasing power due to persistent inflation and rising costs. Inflation in India has averaged around 5-6% annually over the past decade, which means the general price level has roughly doubled in that period. Meanwhile, salary hikes for many workers typically range between 6-8% yearly, but often these increases struggle to keep pace with the cost of living rises, resulting in diminished real income and reduced financial comfort.
Continuous price increases, particularly for essentials like food, fuel, and housing, contribute significantly to the erosion of money’s value. While inflation rates have recently been lower, hovering around 2-3% as per the latest government data, the cumulative effect of inflation compounded over years has outstripped income growth for many Indians. This gap means that earning a higher nominal salary no longer guarantees maintaining the same lifestyle or savings capacity as a decade ago.
Besides inflation, other factors such as changing consumption patterns, urbanization, and global economic pressures also influence price dynamics. Consumers face the challenge of balancing rising expenses with limited increments in earnings, which impacts spending habits and delays major purchases or investments.
This scenario calls for careful financial planning, more aggressive investment strategies, and potentially stronger policy actions to control inflation, improve wage growth, and sustain the purchasing power of incomes in the long term.
Overall, the doubling in the effective cost of living over ten years highlights the pressing need to address inflation’s persistent impact on everyday economic life and household budgets.
Our advanced AI algorithms browsed the web to verify the authenticity of "Making Rs 1 Lakh but Still Struggling Financially? How Lifestyle Inflation Drains Your Income". Below is an accurate report.
✅ Yes, the content seems to be true and authentic, as reported by several sources.
These include:
1. https://www.news18.com/business/earning-rs-1-lakh-but-still-broke-how-lifestyle-inflation-eats-up-your-salary-ws-adkl-9494947.html - (Trust Score 8/10)
This article explains how a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh no longer guarantees financial comfort due to rising costs and lifestyle inflation, especially in big cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. It details typical expenses that quickly consume this income, such as rent, groceries, travel, and entertainment.
2. https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/investment/story/earning-rs-1-lakh-salary-youre-already-broke-points-out-expert-485790-2025-07-23 - (Trust Score 8/10)
Business Today features expert insights highlighting how even with a Rs 1 lakh salary, rising living costs and inflation can leave individuals financially strained, with little buffer for savings or emergencies.
3. https://www.financialexpress.com/money/insights/the-rs-1-lakh-salary-trap-why-high-earners-in-india-still-feel-broke/3940945/ - (Trust Score 8/10)
Financial Express outlines the concept of lifestyle inflation, showing why earning Rs 1 lakh now feels insufficient given that increased income often leads to increased spending on better housing, entertainment, and other lifestyle upgrades.
4. https://economictimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-lifestyle-inflation-how-it-impacts-you/articleshow/122768907.cms - (Trust Score 9/10)
Economic Times discusses lifestyle inflation ("lifestyle creep") and how salary hikes often lead to proportional increases in discretionary spending, preventing real financial gain and potentially leading to debt traps.
All these sources from major Indian business and financial news outlets report consistently that “lifestyle inflation” is a key reason people earning around Rs 1 lakh per month often feel broke, confirming the authenticity of the original information.
Natalie mentioned she would visit Dubai for a holiday since her parents still reside there, but she would only consider moving back permanently if she received a salary offer of "a huge number." She also expressed caution about the many British people relocating to Dubai for a better lifestyle, suggesting they might not be fully prepared for the realities of living there. Dubai is an attractive destination for British expats due to its tax-free income, warm climate, and considerable job opportunities. However, despite the absence of personal income tax, the cost of living and certain indirect expenses—such as high internet and phone bills—can be significant, which some newcomers may underestimate. Although living expenses in Dubai are generally lower compared to London (approximately 38% cheaper overall), certain costs, especially rent, have been rising. Additionally, cultural differences and strict laws may present adjustment challenges for newcomers. Many British expats enjoy a higher disposable income thanks to the lack of income tax and employer-provided allowances for schooling, healthcare, and accommodation. The city’s thriving business environment and strong expat community, where English is widely spoken, contribute to its appeal. However, the reality of moving includes lifestyle trade-offs such as extreme heat in summer, private healthcare requirements, and limited citizenship opportunities. Natalie’s viewpoint highlights a common theme: while Dubai offers lucrative financial and professional prospects, relocating permanently is a significant decision requiring realistic expectations about costs and cultural adaptation. Without a sufficiently attractive salary, the incentives to make the move long-term might be limited, even for those with family ties in the city. <br /> <br /> Therefore, Dubai remains a popular but complex choice for British nationals, balancing promising career opportunities with lifestyle adjustments that not everyone may be ready for when making the permanent move.
Jack Kay, known as the "Ibiza Final Boss," has returned to the famous party island to enjoy time with his friends, continuing his rise as a viral sensation. The 26-year-old from Newcastle first caught widespread attention when a video of him dancing at an Ibiza club, sporting a distinctive bowl haircut, sunglasses, and a chunky gold chain, went viral on TikTok. His unique look and energetic style sparked millions of views, memes, and online discussions, with many dubbing him the ultimate party legend of Ibiza. After his identity was revealed, Jack embraced his new fame, gaining thousands of followers on social media and hinting at future ventures[1][2][3][4]. However, fresh details about his personal life have emerged, indicating troubles in his romantic relationship. Reports suggest that his girlfriend, Alisha Cook, has allegedly ended their relationship, adding a complicated layer to his otherwise upbeat public image. This revelation contrasts with the party atmosphere Jack is known for, showing that fame often comes with personal challenges behind the scenes. The split offers insight into the balancing act viral stars like Jack face when managing sudden public attention alongside private matters. Despite this upheaval, Jack continues to enjoy Ibiza's vibrant scene, possibly leveraging his viral status for future career moves in entertainment or nightlife. His story illustrates the modern dynamic of internet fame, where ordinary individuals can quickly become cultural icons but also face real-life hardships alongside their newfound celebrity[4]. As he navigates these changes, public interest in both his party lifestyle and personal life remains high.
Upasana Kamineni, vice-chairperson of Apollo Charity and wife of actor Ram Charan, recently shared insights into her husband’s unique travel preference for home-style South Indian meals whenever they go abroad. Despite enjoying meals at some of the best restaurants worldwide, Ram Charan insists on having at least one authentic South Indian dish daily. This strong preference is deeply rooted in his lifestyle, reflecting a desire to maintain a connection with his home cuisine even when traveling internationally. This particular habit presented a practical challenge for Upasana, who found it difficult to locate genuine home-cooked South Indian food late at night or during shoots abroad. To address this, she launched her own dry home foods brand called Athamma’s Kitchen, named after Ram Charan’s mother, Surekha Konidela. The venture aims to provide convenient, ready-to-eat traditional South Indian meals that bring the warmth and flavors of home to consumers, especially those on the move. Athamma’s Kitchen underscores a beautiful blend of family legacy and entrepreneurship, inspired by Surekha’s decades of culinary expertise and her heartfelt cooking for family members including Ram Charan and his father, Mega Star Chiranjeevi. Upasana’s entrepreneurial initiative not only meets her personal need for authentic home meals during travel but also offers a taste of tradition to a broader audience, strengthening bonds through food across generations. This venture marks a meaningful contribution to preserving regional culinary heritage while embracing modern convenience. <br /> <br /> By launching Athamma’s Kitchen, Upasana Kamineni demonstrates how personal preferences and family traditions can inspire innovative business ideas that serve both emotional and practical needs, especially in a globalized context where authentic regional food is often hard to access.
A recent study by the British Psychological Society (BPS) explored the complex effects of delaying joy, revealing that postponing happiness in favor of pursuing long-term goals can lead to mixed outcomes. On one hand, delaying immediate pleasure helps build discipline, perseverance, and strengthens focus on long-term objectives. This delay of gratification is associated with greater satisfaction from purpose-driven achievements and improved progress toward goals, echoing classic findings like those from the marshmallow test, which linked patience with later-life success. However, the study also found significant downsides. When people delay joy excessively, especially if they eventually choose fun over their goals, they tend to experience increased regret. Postponing happiness can fuel feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a diminished joy in the present moment. This may create a cycle where people defer enjoyment for some ideal future happiness, but that future moment loses its appeal as they adapt to ongoing delays, chasing an ever-receding reward. Additionally, extreme happiness or intense positive events can ironically make subsequent negative experiences feel worse, potentially leading to emotional instability. In essence, while **delaying happiness** can foster important traits like self-control and focus, overdoing it risks eroding the enjoyment of life itself. Balancing immediate joy with future aspirations is key to maintaining emotional wellbeing and avoiding regret. The study suggests that embracing timely moments of happiness, without excessive postponement, may lead to a healthier, more satisfying life experience. <br /> <br /> This nuanced view emphasizes the importance of regulating emotional timing — too little delay undermines goal achievement, while too much delay undermines joy and increases regret, highlighting a psychological trade-off between pragmatism and pleasure.
Cardiologists have sounded a serious alarm over the rising wave of heart attacks among people aged 30 to 50, with nearly half of these events occurring in this younger demographic. Traditionally viewed as a disease of older adults, heart attacks are increasingly striking younger individuals, including those in their 20s and 30s. Recent data reveal that about one in five heart attacks now happen in adults under 40, a marked increase compared to a decade ago. This trend is particularly concerning since the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events remains high regardless of age once a person has experienced their first heart attack. Several factors contribute to this disturbing rise. Lifestyle changes leading to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and sedentary habits are major drivers. The development of heart disease often begins quietly in young adulthood and progresses over decades before manifesting as a heart attack or heart failure. Researchers also highlight that socioeconomic factors, such as limited access to healthcare and the high cost of medications, may impede effective prevention and treatment. This growing problem has been documented nationally and in specific states, such as Oklahoma, where cardiovascular disease has become a leading cause of death among adults aged 25-44. The increasing incidence of heart attacks at younger ages underscores the urgent need for early risk assessment, lifestyle interventions, and medical management to curb this alarming trend and prevent loss of life in a population historically considered at low risk. <br /><br /> This shift in cardiovascular health calls for heightened awareness among both healthcare providers and the public to recognize and address heart disease risk factors early, aiming to reverse the rise of heart attacks in younger adults.
A branding expert has recently critiqued Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, As Ever, suggesting that it lacks the crucial element of "magic." Meghan, aged 44, officially launched As Ever in March 2025, offering a curated selection of products including flower sprinkles, jam, and wine. The brand reflects her passion for elevating everyday moments with thoughtful, beautifully crafted items inspired by her Montecito, California hometown. Meghan emphasized that the line aims to mimic the "magic" of her lifestyle and create meaningful connections through simple pleasures. Despite this vision, the expert pinpointed a major problem: As Ever seems to fall short in delivering compelling brand magic that resonates strongly with consumers, potentially limiting its appeal and staying power.<br /> <br />Meghan originally announced the brand under the name American Riviera Orchard in early 2024 but rebranded it as As Ever in early 2025. The products, ranging in price from about $9 to $28, quickly sold out upon launch, showing initial consumer interest. Meghan's involvement with Netflix, via her cooking show connected to the brand, ties into As Ever’s lifestyle ethos but amid reports of her and Prince Harry's contract not being renewed, uncertainty surrounds ongoing collaborations.<br /> <br />Critics note that while Meghan’s brand roots itself in family, cooking, and home entertaining, it may not offer enough distinctive charisma or differentiation to stand out in a competitive market. As Ever aims to be accessible and timeless but must overcome challenges associated with maintaining consumer excitement beyond the launch phase. The branding expert's view underscores the importance of authentic emotional engagement and "magic" in lifestyle brands, a factor they feel As Ever currently lacks despite its promising start.