How Your Birthday Got Monetised

The Investor's Diary · Aug 9, 2026 · 18m

Why do we celebrate birthdays and when did getting older become such big business? In this episode, we explore the history of cakes and candles, why birthdays feel psychologically important, the rise of the birthday industrial complex, corporate freebies, and gift giving economics. Because apparently one more lap around the sun is enough to justify cake, presents, existential reflection and a free burger.