American money phrase can feel more infuriating than informative.
Money talk isn’t what it used to be. For Gen Z, many of the financial buzzwords that older generations throw around feel more like gatekeeping than guidance. These terms often come with baggage—whether it’s overcomplicated jargon or a hint of condescension. Instead of helping, they can make financial literacy feel out of reach.
But it’s not just about the words themselves; it’s about the attitudes they reflect. When financial advice leans on overused phrases, it can feel disconnected from the real struggles younger generations face. Here are 13 financial buzzwords that Gen Z loves to hate and why they think these terms are pure evil.
1. “Bootstrapping” sounds like a guilt trip.
The idea of bootstrapping, or building something from nothing, sounds noble in theory. But for Gen Z, it often feels like a guilt trip wrapped in financial advice. Telling someone to “bootstrap” can ignore the systemic barriers that make success harder for some than others, as reported by Michael Monday at Medium.
This buzzword can come across as tone-deaf, especially when wealth inequality is so glaring. Acknowledging the reality of uneven starting points might resonate more than preaching self-reliance. Success stories are great, but they shouldn’t dismiss the need for support and resources.
2. “Nest egg” feels outdated.
“Nest egg” is one of those terms that sounds like it belongs in a 1950s advice column. Gen Z tends to see it as a relic from a time when steady jobs and pensions were the norm. With gig work and rising living costs, saving for the future feels less secure, according to Ted Godbout at NAPA.
The term itself isn’t offensive, but it doesn’t reflect the reality of today’s job market. Retirement feels far away when you’re juggling student loans and rent. Financial advice that acknowledges current challenges might feel more relevant.
3. “Passive income” sounds like a fantasy.
Everyone loves the idea of making money in their sleep, but Gen Z is skeptical of how realistic that is. “Passive income” often feels like a buzzword thrown around by influencers selling courses on how to get rich quickly.
The concept isn’t inherently bad, but the way it’s marketed can seem out of touch. Real passive income takes time, resources, and sometimes a bit of luck, as stated by Amy Landino at CNBC. A more transparent conversation about the effort involved might make the idea feel more attainable.
4. “Financial freedom” feels like a moving target.
Financial freedom sounds amazing until you realize it’s hard to define. For Gen Z, it often feels like a moving target. As soon as you hit one goal, another expense or life event pops up.
The phrase can feel more aspirational than actionable. Instead of repeating the buzzword, breaking it down into achievable steps might make it feel less overwhelming. Small wins matter, even if they don’t sound as impressive.
5. “Good debt” feels like an oxymoron.
Debt is debt. Calling it “good debt” doesn’t make it feel any less stressful. For Gen Z, the idea that student loans or mortgages are somehow better than credit card debt can feel dismissive.
The reality is that all debt comes with risks and obligations. While some debts might offer long-term benefits, they still add pressure. Being upfront about the downsides could make financial advice feel more trustworthy.
6. “Wealth building” sounds like a distant dream.
Wealth building is one of those phrases that sounds good in theory but feels out of reach in practice. With wages struggling to keep up with inflation, Gen Z often feels like they’re playing catch-up rather than building wealth.
The concept itself isn’t bad, but it can feel overwhelming when you’re just trying to cover the basics. Advice on managing day-to-day finances might feel more relatable than long-term wealth strategies.
7. “Side hustle” feels exhausting.
The idea of having a side hustle is often presented as empowering, but for Gen Z, it can feel exhausting. The pressure to monetize every hobby or free moment can make work-life balance seem impossible.
Side hustles can be great, but they shouldn’t be the only way to make ends meet. Normalizing rest and setting boundaries might make this buzzword feel less burdensome.
8. “Skin in the game” sounds unnecessarily intense.
Having “skin in the game” is a phrase that sounds more aggressive than motivational. Gen Z often prefers collaboration over competition, so this buzzword can feel out of step with their values.
Financial decisions are important, but they don’t always have to feel high-stakes. Encouraging informed choices without the intense language might make financial advice feel more approachable.
9. “Rainy day fund” feels like wishful thinking.
Saving for a rainy day is great advice, but for Gen Z, it can feel like wishful thinking. With rising living costs and stagnant wages, setting aside extra money isn’t always possible.
The phrase itself isn’t the problem; it’s the assumption that saving is easy. Acknowledging the challenges and offering practical tips might make this advice feel more achievable.
10. “Wealth mindset” sounds like toxic positivity.
A wealth mindset is supposed to be about thinking positively to attract financial success. For Gen Z, it can feel like toxic positivity disguised as advice. Thinking positively won’t erase systemic barriers or personal setbacks.
Mindset matters, but so do policies and opportunities. Balancing motivation with realism might make this buzzword feel more sincere.
11. “Pay yourself first” sounds unrealistic.
The idea of paying yourself first is good advice, but it can feel unrealistic when bills are piling up. For Gen Z, it’s hard to prioritize savings when essentials take up most of the paycheck.
Instead of repeating the phrase, offering tips on how to save small amounts consistently might feel more doable. Small steps can add up over time, even if they don’t sound as impressive.
12. “Generational wealth” feels like a fantasy.
Building generational wealth is a noble goal, but for Gen Z, it often feels like a fantasy. With student debt and high living costs, passing down wealth seems impossible.
The concept isn’t flawed, but the conversation can feel disconnected from reality. Offering realistic ways to improve financial stability might feel more motivating than grand plans for future generations.
13. “Rich in experiences” sounds like a consolation prize.
Being rich in experiences is a nice sentiment, but it can feel like a consolation prize when finances are tight. Gen Z values experiences, but they also recognize the importance of financial security.
Balancing the two doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Acknowledging the desire for both stability and memorable experiences might make financial advice feel more relatable.