Are Gen Z’s Monetary Habits Extra Savvy Than Anticipated?

The strategic technology? Gen Z is shunning impulse spending in favor of long-term objectives. 

A new nationwide survey of two,000 Gen Z People revealed one in three (33%) determine as planners who funds, monitor spending and plan forward, whereas one in 4 (25%) name themselves value-seekers who analysis and examine earlier than making purchases. 

That’s in comparison with only one in eight (12%) who rated themselves primarily as spontaneous purchasers, shopping for what they need when they need. 

Opposite to stereotypes that paint Gen Z as frivolous spenders, the info revealed a technology that’s considerate, intentional and grounded in practicality. Performed by Talker Analysis on behalf of Affirm, the survey discovered that right this moment’s younger adults are centered on constructing monetary stability. 

Practically two-thirds (64%) mentioned they repeatedly take into consideration their monetary future, and seven in 10 (70%) described their strategy to cash as financially lifelike (43% mentioned lifelike and 27% mentioned a mixture of idealistic and lifelike).

That realism additionally exhibits up in how Gen Z manages their cash. Previously yr, practically half (45%) have contributed to financial savings, whereas about two in 5 sought out rewards or offers (38%), created a funds (37%) or discovered methods to earn additional earnings by way of aspect gigs or freelance alternatives (35%). 

Dwelling With Household To Save Cash

That sense of practicality extends into on a regular basis life, too: Practically half (45%) reside with household or guardians, and about half of respondents (49%) mentioned their present dwelling setup is a results of making an attempt to save cash. 

In terms of meals, practically half (45%) largely cook dinner at house, versus a small quantity who usually order takeout (9%). 

In journey, simply over one in 4 (26%) stick with strict budgets, whereas practically half (43%) strike a steadiness between splurging and saving. 

For health, practically half (45%) depend on free or low-cost exercises comparable to out of doors actions or YouTube movies. 

Thrifting can be widespread — practically one in 4 (24%) thrift or DIY house décor, two in 5 (40%) combine new and secondhand, and greater than half (58%) apply the identical approaches to clothes. 

Greater than half (52%) desire absolutely in-person work, defying assumptions about Gen Z’s need for distant jobs. 

In terms of how they pay, Gen Z’s strategy was revealed to be equally intentional. As an alternative of relying closely on bank cards, they use a mixture of instruments to remain in management. 

They’re equally more likely to describe bank cards as “dangerous” and “useful” (each 22%), whereas practically half (45%) mentioned they really feel most assured utilizing debit playing cards. 

And once they use purchase now, pay later choices (14%), practically half (42%) of those mentioned they accomplish that to unfold out the price of bigger purchases — one other signal of cautious planning slightly than impulsivity. 

Gen Z Redefines Monetary Confidence

“It’s time to retire the Gen Z caricature,” mentioned Vishal Kapoor, SVP of Product at Affirm. “Gen Z isn’t reckless or disengaged with their funds — they’re intentional about how, when and why they spend. They worth flexibility and transparency, utilizing merchandise that assist them keep in management and make good, knowledgeable decisions that match their lives. Pragmatic and deliberate, they’re redefining what monetary confidence seems to be like.” 

Survey methodology: 

Talker Analysis surveyed 2,000 Gen Z People; the survey was commissioned by Affirm and administered and carried out on-line by Talker Analysis between Aug. 21–26, 2025.