MAR 23, 2026

INSIDE: Financial Love, More Protein Talk, and Lots of Whimsy.

TODAY I WILL:

Trust that slow growth is still growth.

After a relaxing weekend, we’re back to chatting about solved mysteries, questioning macros, and fresh inspiration.

• The Banksy identity mystery is finally solved.

• Certain foods don’t have as much protein as we thought.

• But others are totally polyphenol-rich (good for inflammation).

• This new Pinterest-like app is redefining inspiration.

• Cardi B is the latest celebrity to jump on the beauty brand bandwagon.

Love, But Make It Financially Literate

Engagement season just got a financial glow-up—and it’s giving teamwork. As individuals continue to become more thoughtful in the way that they navigate life, new data from Chime reveals that today’s couples aren’t just saying “yes” to forever, they’re also saying, “Let’s talk about budgets.” 

There’s a major vibe shift happening after years of discussion about the expensive wedding industry, from numerous must-attend events to requirements to travel to glamorous destinations that impact the finances of both the couple and their guests. The shift, though, doesn’t get rid of romantic, surprise proposals, but it does question the price tag. 

Ultimately, couples today aren’t just planning proposals—they’re planning their financial future, and practicality is officially in. Survey respondents said they wanted to be financially sound before making the commitment. About 26% admit they weren’t (or aren’t) quite there yet—defining readiness as having steady incomes (44%) and being able to have open, honest conversations about money (40%).

According to Chime, many couples today are treating engagement rings as one of their first major money decisions together. Nearly three-quarters of couples (74%) said they would rather start married life debt-free than splurge on a ring, 36% wish that money had gone into savings instead, and 40% say budget—not symbolism—is the biggest factor driving how much they spend. And when it comes to the ring itself, expectations are also evolving to meet new priorities. Nearly a quarter of respondents said they would opt for a lab-grown diamond and 21% would even consider buying a ring secondhand. Alternatively, many Gen Z couples are rewriting the rules altogether—embracing tattoos, alternative stones, or even skipping the ring in favor of a trip. 

That said, tradition hasn’t totally left the chat—24% still say they (or their partner) spent the classic three months’ salary on a ring. But transparency is trending: 37% actually want to know how much the ring costs.

Why the change? Social media is certainly making an impact. Sixty-one percent told Chime that “social media has reshaped proposal culture.” About half feel pressure from society and social platforms to spend big.

Everyone’s Craving a Little Whimsy

Move over minimalism—whimsy is having a moment. From charm-covered bags and playful home décor to the rise of “silly little walks,” people are embracing things that feel joyful, colorful, and a little delightfully impractical. In a world that often feels heavy, whimsy is becoming a tiny rebellion—and a surprisingly powerful form of self-care. TikTok creators have jumped on the trend with calls to action to infuse more whimsy into your life, even providing guides for beginners. 

Some are even giving the trend a name: whimsymaxxing. In a recent post, journalist and author Liz Plank wrote, “I'm calling it whimsymaxxing. It's doing beautiful, pleasant little things for no audience at all, just because they make you feel good inside your own life.” In other words: joy that isn’t curated for Instagram.

The idea is similar to romanticizing life, but instead of optimizing every moment, whimsymaxxing is about adding small sparks of delight to everyday life—whether that’s wearing something bright just because you love it, buying the frog-shaped mug, or dancing it out in the kitchen. 

Importantly, when we dug in, we found that the appeal goes deeper than aesthetics. Your nervous system actually loves whimsy. Playfulness can interrupt the brain’s stress cycle and create what therapists call micro-joys—small bursts of positive emotion that help regulate your nervous system. When you encounter something playful or surprising, it signals safety to your brain and nudges you out of stress mode. 

The podcast, The Psychology of Your 20’s, even did an episode about why whimsy is so powerful. “The reason I wanted to do this episode is because people often dismiss the silly little things we do to keep our joy alive in life as immature,” she said. “What these people don't know [...] is that having whimsy in your life is likely going to make you smarter, more emotionally intelligent, more mentally adjusted, more mentally flexible, and a whole lot happier.” 

Whimsical moments can: Encourage playfulness, which is linked to lower cortisol, spark curiosity and creativity, and even create “glimmers”—tiny moments that help your nervous system feel safe. After years of productivity culture, quiet luxury, and perfectly optimized routines, people are craving something different. And whimsy is the antidote.

How to Add a Little Whimsy Today:

• Dress for delight: Wear something just because it makes you smile (yes, even on a random Tuesday).

• Romanticize the ordinary: Light a candle while you answer emails or drink your coffee out of your “special” mug.

• Take a “silly little walk”: No destination, no step count—just vibes.

• Add one unexpected thing: A funky phone charm, a colorful notebook, a playful accessory.

• Follow your curiosity: Try something just because it seems fun