A nationwide poll asked Gen Z how they handle money, and it goes completely against the stereotype
Vishal Kapoor, the senior vice president of product at Affirm, noted that Gen Z is not 'reckless.'
Gen Z has always been in the news for unusual life choices and decisions, but are they the most strategic generation? A new nationwide poll has found that Gen Zs are not in favor of impulsive spending but are working toward long-term goals. The poll, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Affirm on November 23, 2025, surveyed 2,000 Gen Z American adults, those who were born between 1997 and 2012.
According to the survey, 33%, that is, only 1 in 3 of the 2,000 Gen Z American adults, budget, monitor their expenses, and plan in advance, viewing themselves as planners. However, 1 in 8 (12%) identified themselves as frivolous spenders and do not hesitate to buy what they wish for. Contrary to the popular belief about Gen Z not inculcating saving habits, the survey revealed that the newer generation is considered to be more "grounded in practicality," per Good News Network. The survey results showed that young adults of this generation are more focused on building a good financial profile. About 25% of the young adults surveyed research and compare before making every purchase, with about 2 in 5 often seeking deals and rewards.
As per the study, nearly 64% said they take their financial future into consideration, while 70% revealed that their financial goals are realistic. 27% noted that they strike a balance between idealism and realism. Many of the young adults have made smart choices in saving money, for instance, living with their family, which about 45% of Gen Z have adopted. This practice has given them room to save more consistently. In 2024, 45% set aside part of their income for savings, 37% created a budget, and 35% earned extra income through freelance and part-time jobs. In terms of food, nearly half of the adults stuck to cooking at home, with only 9% relying on takeout.
For vacations, 26% rely on realistic budgets and strike a balance when it comes to splurging. For fitness, most Gen Z individuals rely on home workouts or low-cost workouts, including YouTube videos. Gen Z have been pioneers of the 'thrifting' culture, with 58% relying on secondhand clothes and 40% relying on a mix of new and secondhand garments. Only half of them prefer work-from-office setups, which is again contrary to popular assumptions that all of Gen Z prefer remote work settings. When it comes to payments, they choose methods that help them stay in control. Debit cards are their top choice, and a huge number of them use 'buy now, pay later' options to spread out larger purchases. Vishal Kapoor, the senior vice president of product at Affirm, noted that Gen Z is not "reckless." "They value flexibility and transparency, using products that help them stay in control. Pragmatic and deliberate, they're redefining what financial confidence looks like," he said.
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