Gen Z might be earning clout, but they’re also testing their parents’ patience one purchase at a time.
Gen Z doesn’t spend like previous generations. They’re digital natives raised on TikTok tips, meme stocks, and overnight success stories. For them, money is less about savings accounts and more about side hustles, crypto gambles, and aesthetic purchases that “spark joy.” But while they see financial freedom, many of their parents just see chaos—and a serious lack of caution.
This isn’t just a generational gap—it’s a total collision of values. Boomers and even Millennials tend to prioritize stability, homeownership, and retirement plans. Gen Z, meanwhile, is more likely to throw cash at trending skincare, subscriptions, or a dropshipping side hustle. It’s not all bad—some of it’s even smart—but plenty of these money moves leave parents raising eyebrows, biting tongues, or straight-up panicking. Here are 11 of the most parent-irritating money habits Gen Z can’t stop making.
1. Dropping hundreds on “emotional support” water bottles and gadgets.
Hydro Flasks, Stanley cups, digital planners, and Bluetooth mood lamps—all fall under the same category: Gen Z “must-haves” that look like self-care but hit the wallet hard. Parents see overpriced clutter. Gen Z sees vibes, daily rituals, and mental health aids, according to Dr. Matthew Poland of Medical News Today .
These purchases often come with zero regrets, which drives older generations nuts. When parents grew up reusing the same lunchbox for years, watching their kid drop $80 on a color-shifting tumbler feels like financial heresy. But for Gen Z, form and function need to look good on camera.
2. Investing in crypto with no real plan.
Bitcoin? Maybe. Dogecoin? Sometimes. Altcoins with names like “MoonPup”? Definitely. Gen Z’s appetite for crypto is fearless, often fueled by viral hype or influencer FOMO, as reported by Emily Burleigh of Yahoo Finance. Parents who spent decades growing retirement accounts cautiously can’t wrap their heads around tossing savings into volatile digital tokens.
To Gen Z, it feels like taking a chance on the future. To their parents, it’s a financial panic attack waiting to happen. When the market crashes—and it always does—there’s usually a “told you so” waiting in the group chat.
3. Paying influencers for life advice instead of seeing professionals.
Between finance TikTok and YouTube “mentors,” Gen Z often trusts social media creators over certified experts, as stated by the writers at Appinio. They’ll Venmo $30 for a budgeting PDF from someone with a good aesthetic instead of booking a meeting with an actual financial advisor.
Parents cringe at the idea of learning about taxes or investing through a 3-minute video full of unverified info. But Gen Z trusts relatability over credentials, and that shift in who holds authority drives older generations up the wall.
4. Treating every minor purchase like a lifestyle upgrade.
A $12 latte isn’t just a coffee—it’s a curated morning. A $45 candle isn’t just wax—it’s a whole mood. Gen Z often justifies spending by tying it to identity, comfort, or emotional regulation. Parents, meanwhile, see these “treats” as a slow leak draining their future.
The tension isn’t really about the item—it’s about priorities. For Gen Z, small indulgences are about feeling grounded. For parents who were raised on frugality and delayed gratification, that daily matcha order feels like financial rebellion.
5. Prioritizing side hustles over stable jobs.
Gen Z would rather juggle three income streams than commit to one full-time job they hate. That might mean freelance work, digital art, dropshipping, or even reselling thrifted clothes. The hustle is real—but so is the lack of benefits, predictability, and long-term planning.
Parents want to see W-2s, insurance coverage, and a 401(k). Gen Z wants autonomy, flexible hours, and maybe a viral product drop. The generational clash here is loud, constant, and exhausting for everyone involved.
6. Subscribing to everything and forgetting to cancel anything.
Music, streaming, fitness apps, meal kits, journaling platforms, dog astrology readings—Gen Z’s monthly auto-renew list is often longer than their actual budget. These microcharges sneak up fast and leave little breathing room for actual savings.
Parents notice the money vanishing and immediately break out the spreadsheets. To Gen Z, it’s just the cost of staying connected and supported. It’s not that they’re irresponsible—they just grew up in a world where everything useful came with a monthly fee.
7. Buying now, paying later, and forgetting the “pay” part.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options like Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm feel like magic: split your purchase into four easy payments, no interest. The catch? It’s easy to lose track, rack up debt, and max out multiple platforms at once.
Parents see this as modern-day layaway with a sinister twist. Gen Z sees it as smart budgeting and increased access. But when five payment reminders hit in one week, the stress becomes very real—and very annoying to watch unfold.
8. Ditching car ownership without planning how to get anywhere.
Cars are expensive, no question. But some Gen Zers take pride in being “car-free,” relying entirely on rideshares, public transport, or walking—without always considering how reliable or cost-effective that setup really is.
Parents who once sacrificed to buy their kids safe vehicles don’t love watching them Uber across town five times a week. What feels freeing to Gen Z sometimes looks unprepared to those who equate transportation with independence.
9. Treating rent as “throwaway money” and refusing to settle.
Gen Z is vocal about not wanting to pour money into renting long-term—but that doesn’t mean they’re buying, either. Many bounce between short-term leases, city apartments, or co-living spaces, choosing freedom over financial “sense.”
Parents often see this as instability or avoidance. Gen Z sees it as refusing to be trapped in one place or lifestyle. In truth, both perspectives are valid—but the tension grows when rising rents outpace their budgeting apps.
10. Going broke for “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences.
Gen Z loves to chase moments—Coachella, dream vacations, retreats, and curated travel experiences they might not be able to afford twice. Their parents? Usually horrified at how quickly savings are torched for Instagram-worthy memories.
But in Gen Z’s mind, memories beat material stuff. They’re choosing stories over stuff, even if it leaves their bank account gasping. It’s not irresponsible—it’s just a different value system. One that definitely raises some blood pressure at the dinner table.
11. Believing financial success should be fast—or it’s a failure.
Raised on viral success stories, Gen Z often believes wealth should come quickly: a crypto windfall, a viral Etsy shop, or the perfect career that also aligns with their values. When it doesn’t happen fast, burnout and frustration creep in.
Parents try to remind them that building wealth takes time, patience, and plenty of setbacks. But Gen Z grew up watching influencers “make it” by 22—and anything slower feels like falling behind. That pressure can lead to risky choices and unnecessary stress that older generations find both confusing and concerning.