It was truly a cruel summer because I couldn’t get a ticket to a Taylor Swift concert!
All the same, Taylor Swift’s concert in March turned Singapore into a Swifty haven for two whole weeks. Amidst reports of all the excitement were also stories about eager fans who paid scalpers exorbitant prices for tickets just to experience the Eras Tour, and a surge in news reports on concert-related scams. This led me to ponder: Is splurging on tickets with hefty price tags worth it? This quandary isn't unique to Swifties; fans of Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and other renowned artistes face similar financial hurdles when pursuing their love for live music in Singapore.
The allure of witnessing a beloved artiste's performance live is undeniable and the temptation to splurge on concert tickets for fear of missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is huge. But where do we draw the line between indulging in our passion for music and overspending?
I’m thinking out loud
For many fans, the desire to see their favourite artistes perform live is nothing short of a dream come true and when they are unable to get their hands on their long-awaited concert ticket from official ticketing merchants, they may resort to scalpers who sell them at inflated prices. This behaviour further enables these scalpers since it’s a willing-buyer willing-seller situation.
It’s not uncommon to hear stories of fans going to extreme lengths, even dipping into family emergency funds, just to secure a spot at their favourite artiste’s show.
However, the internal debate lingers: is this experience truly worth the exorbitant price tag? Should you prioritise your passion for music over your financial situation?
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.
Societal pressure and the omnipresent fear of missing out (FOMO) mentality often push individuals to make impulsive and sometimes reckless decisions.
In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok constantly remind us about the experiences others are enjoying, fuelling a sense of urgency to participate in the latest events. As you watch, a familiar pang of longing sets in – the desire to be amidst the crowd, soaking in the atmosphere and sharing in the collective euphoria. These feelings can amplify the urge to succumb to scalped concert tickets at the last minute.
To all the scalpers out there who take advantage of this moment of human weakness, I’d like to say that “Karma is a god”.
Wildest dream
For countless fans, the opportunity to meet their musical idol face-to-face transcends mere excitement; it represents the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. We’ve all heard the powerful impact of music extends far beyond mere entertainment – for some, it’s a beacon of hope during life’s darkest moments. This sentiment is echoed by many who have found solace and strength through the lyrics and melodies of their favourite artists.
This significant connection between individuals and artistes goes beyond mere admiration; it cultivates a deep sense of intimacy. Through their music, the artistes become more than performers; they become confidantes. The emotional connection forged with these performers fosters a sense of intimacy, akin to that we have with real-life friends. This emotional resonance fosters a sense of closeness that transcends physical proximity, creating a profound and enduring bond between fan and artiste.
That’s what I like
As a concert goer myself, I understand the irresistible allure of live music events and the euphoria that comes with being part of a pulsating crowd, enveloped in the electrifying energy of the performance. However, embracing the philosophy of “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) doesn’t justify reckless spending. It’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and prudence.
While the value of attending a concert is undeniably subjective – some may deem it an indispensable experience while others view it as a discretionary luxury – it’s essential to approach such matters with a level head.
Nobody said it was easy
Whether you’re a regular concert attendee or not, it's a universal truth that we all have our guilty pleasures — the little luxuries that add flavour to life. However, it's essential to approach these indulgences with intentionality and prudence. Before splurging, take a moment to assess whether the expense aligns with your financial priorities and goals.
Granted, it's often challenging to resist the allure of such opportunities. After all, who knows when the next chance to catch a superstar in action will come around? Yet, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to take a step back, consider the impact of your ticket purchase on your financial health and remember the importance of preparing for unforeseen circ*mstances.
While seizing the moment is undoubtedly exhilarating and saving enough for rainy days is vital, you needn’t always have to feel like you need to choose one or the other. By adopting a balanced approach to managing your finances, you can relish the pleasures of the present while safeguarding your financial well-being for the future. For instance, you could save up for your financial goals and treats in life by parking your money in an insurance savings plan like Singlife Account, which offers 3% returns per annum on your first S$10,000*. Not only is it a safe way to build a safety net for unexpected expenses in life, but because there’s no lock-in period, you enjoy liquidity and the freedom to give yourself the occasional indulgence, such as your next concert outing, whenever you want.
To spend on another concert ticket or not? In essence, it's all about finding harmony between enjoying life's experiences and securing your financial future. So, the next time you're tempted to splurge, pause for a moment, weigh your options, and remember that a little prudence today can pave the way for greater enjoyment tomorrow. After all, striking a balance between indulgence and financial responsibility is the key to personal satisfaction and peace of mind.
Notes
*The Singlife Account’s base return is 3% p.a. on the first S$10,000 and 1% p.a. on amounts above S$10,000, up to S$100,000. There are no returns for amounts above S$100,000. The applicable returns will be periodically declared by us. Any revision in the returns will take immediate effect.
