Gen Z Is Turning Out To Be More Financially Strategic Than Their Stereotype Portends

Gen Z Is Turning Out To Be More Financially Strategic Than Their Stereotype Portends

Is Gen Z the strategic generation? A new poll shows they are shunning impulse spending in favor of long-term goals.

The new nationwide survey of 2,000 Gen Z American adults (defined as those born between 1997 and 2012) revealed that one in three (33%) identified themselves as planners who budget, track spending, and plan ahead.

That’s compared to just one in eight (12%) who rated themselves primarily as spontaneous purchasers, buying what they want when they want.

Contrary to stereotypes that paint Gen Z as frivolous spenders, the data revealed a generation that’s thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in practicality. Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Affirm, the survey found that today’s young adults are focused on building financial stability.

For instance, one in four (25%) call themselves value-seekers who research and compare before making purchases, with about two in five seeking out rewards or deals

Nearly two-thirds (64%) said they regularly think about their financial future, and seven in 10 (70%) described their approach to money as financially realistic (with 27% of those reporting that they’re a mix of idealistic and realistic).

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That realism also shows up in how Gen Z manages their money. In the past year, 45% have contributed to savings, 37% have created a budget and 35% have found ways to earn extra income through side gigs or freelance opportunities.

The fact that 45% currently live with family or guardians, though, make many of these traits possible, as they try to save money

When it comes to food, nearly half mostly cook at home, versus 9% who often order takeout.

For vacations, 26% stick to strict budgets, and 43% say they strike a balance between splurging and saving.

For fitness, 45% rely on free or low-cost workouts such as outdoor activities or YouTube videos.

Shopping at thrift stores for clothing is also common: 58% do that, with 40% mixing new and secondhand.

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Interestingly, more than half prefer working fully in-person, defying assumptions about Gen Z’s desire for remote jobs.

When it comes to how they pay, 45% of Gen Z respondents said they feel most confident using debit cards, as opposed to credit cards, but 14% use ‘buy now, pay later’ options (14%) to spread out the cost of larger purchases — another sign of careful planning rather than impulsivity.

“It’s time to retire the Gen Z caricature,” said Vishal Kapoor, SVP of Product at Affirm.

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“Gen Z isn’t reckless or disengaged with their finances—they’re intentional about how, when, and why they spend. They value flexibility and transparency, using products that help them stay in control. Pragmatic and deliberate, they’re redefining what financial confidence looks like.”

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