“The overwhelming and prevailing sentiment that people are feeling right now is one of uncertainty. And when people are uncertain, they really become quite risk-averse.”
— Matt Britton

Today, the economy is in a state of undeniable fragility and uncertainty. But what does the current financial crisis mean for brands? How are consumers responding to the increased costs? And what does the future of the financial services space look like? To gain insight into these pressing questions, join host Matt Britton on this special edition Speed of Culture Podcast, where he will dive deep and provide expert analysis on the current “State of the Consumer: Weathering the FInancial Storm.”

Matt is a consumer trend leader, Millennial and Gen Z expert, new media entrepreneur, and futurist. Over the past two decades, he has consulted with over fifty percent of the Fortune 500 companies and delivered over 400 keynotes on 5 continents. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Suzy, an end-to-end consumer insights platform that enables customers to understand the consumer at the speed of culture.

Learn strategies and tips to persevere through the current financial storm by exploring the key takeaways of this episode or reading the transcript provided below.

• The Continuing Effects of COVID-19 - The current state of the American economy is undeniably fragile, and almost all of the challenges we face as an economy today are a direct result of COVID-19. The fiscal stimulus measures implemented to combat the pandemic have led to an overheated market with excessive demand and insufficient supply.

• Silicon Valley Bank - The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank caused a ripple of panic in the tech industry, as those heavily invested feared for their financial security. The impact on the economy was significant, leaving many uncertain about the stability of other financial institutions. However, the majority of consumers remain loyal to their banks, with a recent survey revealing that sixty-two percent still trust their chosen banking institution.

• Rising Debt - The "Buy Now-Pay Later" trend is tempting, but it's leading consumers down a dangerous path. More and more people are financing their lifestyle through debt, leading to increased interest rates and the potential for defaults on credit cards, mortgages, and car payments. The staggering amount of overspending has contributed to an all-time high in debt loads, adding to the concerns of those already struggling to keep up with their finances.

• The Future of Finances - The Covid Pandemic has revolutionized the way people spend and handle their money. A whopping sixty-three percent of consumers now prefer digital payments over traditional methods, causing payment platforms like Venmo and PayPal to skyrocket in popularity. Younger consumers, particularily Gen Z, have ditched cash entirely for tech-based payment options. Furthermore, research found that 40% of consumers are open to trying online-only bank accounts, signaling a major shift in consumer banking preferences.

• The Rise of AI - This year has seen a surge in AI technology. From ChatGPT to other language-learning tools, people are beginning to realize the vast potential for the next generation of computing. One industry where AI is already starting to make a mark is in wealth management. As these systems become more dependable, consumers will increasingly rely on it to manage their portfolios without needing to pay costly fees for a financial advisor.

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