Some things boomers swear by just don’t make sense to Gen Z.
Every generation has different spending habits, but when Gen Z looks at some of the things boomers still shell out money for, they can’t help but wonder why. Times have changed, and so have priorities. What used to be considered smart purchases or status symbols now feel like outdated financial traps.
With rising costs, a shifting job market, and different values around convenience and technology, Gen Z has no problem skipping purchases that boomers once saw as essential. Whether it’s expensive homeownership, outdated subscriptions, or unnecessary luxuries, younger adults are cutting costs in ways older generations never would. Here are the boomer purchases Gen Z considers a total waste of money.
1. Cable TV is an overpriced relic of the past.
Boomers are still paying for massive cable bundles when Gen Z has moved on to streaming services and free content online. The idea of paying for hundreds of channels—most of which never get watched—feels outdated and unnecessary. With platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, there’s no reason to spend over a hundred dollars a month just to scroll through channels looking for something to watch.
On top of that, cable contracts often come with hidden fees, forced bundling, and long-term commitments that make cancellation a hassle. Gen Z would rather pay for exactly what they want, when they want it, without dealing with overpriced packages that include channels they never use, as reported by the writers at The New York Times. To them, cable TV is just an expensive habit that no longer makes sense.
2. Physical newspapers and magazines are a waste of paper and money.
Boomers grew up with print media, but Gen Z gets all their news and entertainment online, as stated by Wenyuan Deng at Georgetown Education. Subscribing to a physical newspaper or magazine seems outdated when the same content is available instantly on a phone or tablet.
Aside from the environmental impact, physical subscriptions add unnecessary clutter. Many younger adults see printed publications as a thing of the past, preferring digital formats that are constantly updated and don’t take up space in their homes.
3. Fine china is expensive and never actually gets used.
For boomers, owning a fancy set of dishes for special occasions was a symbol of sophistication. For Gen Z, it’s just a waste of space and money. Most people don’t host formal dinner parties anymore, and younger generations prefer practical kitchenware that can be used every day without fear of breaking or needing special care.
Not to mention, fine china is expensive and often handed down as a family heirloom, but it just ends up collecting dust in a cabinet, as reported by Tracee M. Herbaugh at AP News. Gen Z would rather invest in multifunctional, durable dishware that fits their lifestyle instead of fragile plates that never see the light of day.
4. Gym memberships are an outdated fitness expense.
Paying a monthly fee to work out in a crowded gym doesn’t appeal to Gen Z the way it did to boomers. With free workout apps, YouTube fitness channels, and affordable home exercise equipment, younger adults don’t see the point in spending hundreds of dollars a year on a gym membership.
Many Gen Zers prefer outdoor activities, bodyweight exercises, or online fitness programs that allow them to work out on their own schedule. Traditional gyms often come with hidden fees, contracts, and inconvenient hours, making them an unnecessary expense when there are so many free and flexible alternatives.
5. Landlines serve no real purpose anymore.
Boomers still love their home phones, but Gen Z sees them as completely unnecessary. Cell phones have replaced the need for landlines, and with unlimited talk and text on mobile plans, there’s no reason to pay for an extra phone line that barely gets used.
Many younger adults have never even had a landline in their own home and see it as a relic of the past. The idea of paying for a phone that’s tied to a single location, especially when everyone carries a smartphone, seems like throwing money away.
6. Diamond jewelry isn’t a priority for younger generations.
For boomers, diamonds were a sign of status, success, and romance. For Gen Z, they’re just an overpriced luxury that doesn’t hold the same appeal. With ethical concerns about diamond sourcing and a growing preference for alternative stones, younger people aren’t rushing to spend thousands on a rock.
Many are choosing lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, or skipping expensive jewelry altogether. They’d rather spend their money on travel, experiences, or technology instead of something that sits in a jewelry box most of the time.
7. Luxury cars come with more hassle than they’re worth.
Boomers love their fancy cars, but Gen Z isn’t impressed. With rising car costs, high insurance rates, and expensive maintenance, luxury vehicles feel more like a financial burden than a status symbol. Many younger adults prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability over brand names.
Some are even skipping car ownership altogether, relying on public transportation, biking, or rideshare services instead. The days of dreaming about owning a brand-new luxury car are fading, as Gen Z sees better ways to spend their money.
8. Timeshares are just financial traps in disguise.
Timeshares were once marketed as the perfect vacation solution, but Gen Z has no interest in locking themselves into an expensive, long-term travel commitment. The hidden fees, maintenance costs, and difficulty of getting out of a timeshare make them one of the worst financial decisions a person can make.
Younger travelers prefer flexibility, choosing Airbnb, hostels, or budget-friendly hotels instead of being tied to the same destination every year. With more options for affordable and spontaneous travel, timeshares just don’t make sense anymore.
9. Expensive home decor trends aren’t worth the investment.
Boomers love spending money on elaborate home decorations, but Gen Z is more minimalist in their approach. Over-the-top furniture sets, heavy drapes, and fancy decorations are seen as unnecessary and outdated.
Younger adults prefer functional, space-saving designs that fit smaller apartments and modern lifestyles. Instead of splurging on extravagant decor, they focus on affordable, stylish pieces that serve multiple purposes.