4 Things Gen Z Gets Right About Money That Boomers Often Got Wrong
Gen Z often gets a bad rap. Like their millennial forerunners, they’re dubbed a frivolous generation, more likely to scroll social media and invent incomprehensible slang than do anything meaningful. Yet zoomers have quietly become a financially savvy generation. In fact, they get some things right about money that baby boomers often approached differently — and sometimes less effectively.
Surprised? OK, boomer — here’s the scoop: Gen Z’s willingness to try new things and talk candidly about money has helped them build financial habits that differ sharply from those of previous generations. No cap, MoneyLion found more than a few ways Gen Z has gotten money right — and boomers have gotten it wrong.
They Invest Earlier — and More Adventurously
Growing up in the digital age, Gen Z has been exposed to new ways of investing. Investors' Business Daily notes that the rise of self-directed trading on platforms like Robinhood and Charles Schwab has pulled zoomers into the investing game earlier than boomers were at the same age. Writer Clare O’Connor observed that young investors prioritize growth — even if it means embracing volatility — over “safer” legacy stocks.
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“Whether it’s through crypto assets, AI-driven tech stocks like Nvidia (NVDA), or taking trading cues from social media, the goal is simple: making independent financial decisions that meet the digital age where it lives,” she wrote.
As Gen Z becomes more comfortable investing through digital platforms — and with the sheer volume of information available online — they’re starting earlier than boomers, or even millennials, did. O’Connor described the shift as “a new generation … proving that you don't need a suit and tie to build a massive portfolio. You just need the right app and a solid strategy.”
Investing earlier doesn't necessarily guarantee a better outcome, but starting young does give Gen Z more time to benefit from compounding — something many boomers didn't prioritize at the same stage of life.
They Love a Good Side Hustle
Despite stereotypes that portray Gen Z as phone-obsessed and disengaged, evidence suggests they’re remarkably industrious, often taking on side hustles for extra income — while boomers historically relied more heavily on traditional 9-to-5 jobs alone.
When describing the financial personalities of different generations, Obispo Wealth Management dubbed Gen Z “the hustlers” for their willingness to embrace side gigs and adapt to the gig economy.
“Gen Zers typically have an eye toward early financial independence,” the firm said. “They’re willing to try new ventures, including ‘hacks’ that can get them ahead.”
Research from web hosting provider Hostinger found that zoomers earn significantly more from side hustles than boomers, averaging $958 per month compared with roughly $561 for boomers.
They Talk Openly About Money
For many boomers, money has long been a taboo topic — right up there with politics and religion. But staying silent about money can mean missing opportunities to learn smarter financial strategies, avoid scams or advocate for higher pay at work.
Zoomers aren’t nearly as tight-lipped. They’ve popularized “loud budgeting” as a way to curb overspending and are far less tolerant of secrecy around salaries. Last year, Newsweek reported on a Kickresume-sponsored survey about pay transparency. Writer Alice Gibbs noted that Gen Z workers are more forthcoming about their earnings — and less willing to let employers omit salary ranges from job postings.
“Younger workers also seem more willing to defy pay silence: 18% of Gen Z said they have talked salary, even when it wasn’t technically allowed,” she wrote. “Another survey from earlier this year revealed that Gen Z employees are avoiding applying for roles when the salary isn’t transparently listed.”
Gen Z's normalization of money conversations may be helping to reduce stigma — and potentially closing information gaps that historically benefited employers more than workers.
They Care Deeply About Value
While many boomers were raised to view material markers — a house with a picket fence, a luxury car — as symbols of success, Gen Z appears less interested in defining achievement through possessions. Instead, they focus on overall value.
When PricewaterhouseCoopers examined holiday spending habits across generations, it found that Gen Z downshifted spending in certain categories compared with older cohorts. This wasn’t a seasonal blip. PwC said the data reflected broader, long-term trends among zoomers.
“Gen Z isn’t just price-conscious. They’re value-conscious, with an emphasis on emotional and social value, not just discounts,” the firm said. “PwC’s five-year view of Gen Z indicates that more than 79% wait for products to go on sale, and only 21% regularly pay full price.”
While boomers tend to remain loyal to certain brands — often for prestige — zoomers are quicker to switch. PwC described them as “brand agnostic until given a reason to commit,” and more open to choosing lower-cost alternatives on principle.
That flexibility can translate into smarter consumer behavior — especially in an inflationary economy where brand loyalty often comes at a premium.
The Bottom Line
Gen Z is proving to be far more thoughtful — and financially savvy — than many expected, especially their boomer grandparents. When it comes to prioritizing value over brands, embracing side hustles, investing creatively and talking openly about money, boomers might have something to learn.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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