Daniel Ian Comandante is a cultural desk researcher at Canvas8. As part of the Toolkit team, he unpacks consumer behaviour and the latest trends to help companies uncover unique insights. A graduate of De La Salle University, Manila, with a degree in marketing management, he has an extensive background in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and e-commerce marketing industries. He also has comprehensive experience in becoming a conduit between brands and consumers, forecasting retail, consumption, and global shopper trends. Outside of work, you can find him diving deep into his favourite directors’ filmography, reading books on pop culture and film, or taking long walks with his dog.

In the turbulent economic environment, money is losing its value. Consumers are reevaluating their spending across sectors. With a looming crisis of trust in financial institutions, how are people managing their budgets? And how can brands navigate the complex relationship between value and cost?

Critical Spenders

Australia

Money

Savings and investments

The Commonwealth Bank, Australia’s largest bank, announced a new withdrawal charge of $3 that's supposedly taking effect in January 2025. The move garnered ire from Aussies and the government, highlighting the widening chasm between people and institutions amid the cost of living crisis.