Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, isn’t just spending money—they’re rewriting how we manage it. From side hustles to TikTok financial tips and bold crypto investments, Gen Z and money are shaking up personal finance in 2025. As digital natives, they’re proving that wealth-building can be creative, transparent, and aligned with values. Let’s explore how they’re changing the financial landscape.
1. Financial Education Goes Digital
Gen Z skips traditional finance classes for online learning. They turn to platforms like:
- YouTube: Channels like Graham Stephan offer budgeting tips.
- TikTok: Creators share quick hacks in 60 seconds.
- Reddit: Forums like r/personalfinance or r/FIRE provide community advice.
A 2024 study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found 60% of Gen Z trusts online creators over traditional advisors. Gen Z and money thrive on accessible, modern education.
External Link (DoFollow): National Endowment for Financial Education – Financial Literacy Trends.
2. Side Hustles Are Standard
For Gen Z, a single job doesn’t cut it. They’re hustling with:
- Freelance gigs like graphic design or writing on Upwork.
- Reselling thrifted clothes on Depop or eBay.
- Monetizing TikTok or Twitch with brand deals.
A 2025 Bankrate report showed 45% of Gen Zers have a side hustle, prioritizing financial independence over corporate climbing. Gen Z and money mean multiple income streams, not a 9-to-5 grind.
3. Investing Starts Young
Gen Z dives into investing earlier than past generations—often in high school or college. Their preferred platforms include:
- Robinhood: For easy stock trading.
- Public: Offering fractional shares for beginners.
- Coinbase: A gateway to crypto like Bitcoin.
They’re drawn to ETFs, crypto, and even NFTs, embracing higher risks. A 2024 Coinbase survey found 35% of Gen Z owns crypto—double Millennials’ rate. Gen Z and money lean into bold, early investments.
4. Transparency Is Their Power
Gen Z shares financial details openly on platforms like TikTok, posting:
- “My $50K net worth at 22.”
- “How I spend $1,200/month in LA.”
- “My first $100K from freelancing.”
This openness breaks money taboos, encouraging honest conversations. Videos like “A week of spending in NYC” garner millions of views, showing how Gen Z and money normalize financial transparency.
5. Mental Health Trumps Hustle
Gen Z balances financial growth with emotional well-being. They often choose:
- Lower-paying roles with better work-life balance.
- Regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- Savings for peace of mind, not just profit.
A 2025 Deloitte poll found 70% of Gen Z prioritizes mental health over maximizing income. For Gen Z and money, wealth isn’t just about digits—it’s about living well.
6. They Challenge the Old Rules
Gen Z doesn’t trust traditional finance blindly. They:
- Research alternatives like Chime or Ally over big banks.
- Question credit card fees and hidden costs.
- Compare tools—Credit Karma over legacy systems.
This skepticism drives change. Apps like Venmo outpace traditional payment methods for peer transactions. Gen Z and money demand tools that fit their lifestyle.
7. Ethics Guide Their Spending
Gen Z spends with purpose, supporting brands that:
- Prioritize sustainability (e.g., Patagonia).
- Offer transparency in operations.
- Align with social causes like climate action.
A 2024 Nielsen report noted 55% of Gen Z avoids companies misaligned with their values. Gen Z and money flow toward ethical impact.
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8. Retirement Gets a Remix
Gen Z reimagines retirement, aiming for:
- FIRE: Financial Independence, Retire Early—think 40, not 65.
- Remote work lifestyles with passive income.
- Travel funds over a fixed pension.
A 2025 trend report noted 30% of Gen Z follows FIRE strategies, saving and investing now for freedom later. Gen Z and money redefine what “retirement” means.
Bonus Insights
- Tech-Savvy: Apps like Acorns round up purchases for savings.
- Community-Driven: They crowdsource advice on Discord or X.
- Risk-Takers: Losses don’t deter them—they adapt fast.
These traits give Gen Z a financial edge.
Final Thoughts
Gen Z and money are flipping the script on finance. As digital natives, they blend creativity, transparency, and tech to build wealth their way. Side hustles fund dreams, crypto fuels risk, and openness breaks taboos—all while prioritizing mental health and ethics. In 2025, Gen Z proves you don’t need a suit or a corner office to master money—just a smartphone and a vision.