Millennials have been labeled the most financially challenged generation, blamed for “killing” industries, and mocked for their spending habits. But what do Gen Xers think about how Millennials handle their money? Some of their critiques come across as tough love, while others hint at envy. Here’s the breakdown of what Gen X believes Millennials spend too much on—and why it drives them nuts.
Fancy Coffee Drinks
Gen X swears Millennials’ obsession with lattes and cold brews is draining their wallets—and fast. Spending $5-$7 every morning for coffee adds up, even if it feels “essential” to start the day. Gen X is baffled by why Millennials can’t just make coffee at home with a basic drip maker. To them, this daily ritual screams unnecessary extravagance.
💸 Take Back Control of Your Finances in 2025 💸
Get Instant Access to our free mini course
5 DAYS TO A BETTER BUDGET
Designer Gym Memberships
Boutique fitness studios offering “experiences” like spin and hot yoga classes are a millennial favorite—and a Gen X headache. Gen X questions why Millennials fork out hundreds for memberships instead of jogging or following free YouTube workouts. They see it as paying for a status symbol rather than actual health.
Subscription Boxes
From meal kits to self-care products, Millennials love anything curated and shipped monthly. Gen X wonders if these subscription boxes are just clever traps. Why pay for overpriced items you often don’t even need? To them, it’s another example of style over substance.
Avocado Toast
No millennial spending list is complete without this infamous dish. For Gen X, paying $15 for smashed avocado on toast feels absurd. Why not buy a loaf of bread and avocados at the store? Millennials defend it as a brunch ritual, but Gen X sees it as wasteful.
Ride-Sharing Everywhere
Millennials use Uber or Lyft like their personal chauffeurs, and Gen X finds it baffling. Unless absolutely necessary, they’d rather drive themselves or stick with public transit. Spending $15-$30 every trip seems like a luxury—and a habit hard to justify.
Constant Tech Upgrades
Millennials are known for grabbing the newest phone, smartwatch, or tablet the moment it’s released. Gen X doesn’t get the rush. Why upgrade every year if your current device is working fine? To them, Millennials are just chasing trends at the expense of their bank accounts.
Dining Out Nonstop
Whether it’s the newest restaurant, food trucks, or delivery apps, Millennials are all about convenience and variety. Gen X sees it differently. Why rack up restaurant bills nightly instead of grocery shopping? This habit seems to be a surefire way to burn through cash.
Streaming Service Overload
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max—Millennials often subscribe to multiple platforms. Gen X remembers when cable was expensive, but now they see Millennials still overspending for entertainment. Do you really need 5+ streaming services at once? To them, it sounds like poor planning.
Weekend Getaways
Millennials often talk about valuing experiences over material things, but Gen X counts vacations as both. Those quick trips to “get away” rack up costs, from plane tickets to Airbnbs. To Gen X, Millennials’ wanderlust feels impulsive, not practical.
Fast Fashion Purchases
Millennials love snagging cheap, trendy clothes from online retailers and big-name brands. Gen X points out that this stuff often doesn’t last and adds up over time. They argue it’s smarter to invest in fewer quality items rather than chasing the latest looks.
Overpriced Housing
Millennials complain about housing costs but still insist on trendy apartments in cities. Gen X thinks paying high rent for tiny spaces is unnecessary. Live outside the city and commute—lots of Gen Xers did it for years. It’s not glamorous, but it’s thrifty.
Craft Cocktail Bars
Craft cocktails with exotic ingredients might be Instagram-worthy, but the price tags can hit $20+. Gen X prefers simple drinks and cheaper bills. To them, spending big at a bar is one of the easiest ways Millennials waste their hard-earned cash.
FOMO Purchases
Millennials often spend to keep up with their peers, whether through trendy gadgets or event tickets. Gen X sees this as reckless. Sacrificing financial security to fit in doesn’t make sense to them. It’s a generational clash between appearances and practicality.
Generation Gap
While Millennials and Gen X agree on some things, financial habits remain a major generational divide. Millennials prioritize convenience, trends, and unique experiences, while Gen X values practicality and savings. Whether fair or not, Gen X views many millennial spending patterns as impulsive and unsustainable. Each generation may have its reasons, but being mindful of where your money goes is timeless advice—no matter your age.
9 Financial Risks That Millennials Take That Boomers Won’t
Millennials and boomers often have different approaches to managing money, likely shaped by their individual experiences and generational attitudes. While boomers might prefer stability and tradition, Millennials are more willing to take financial risks in pursuit of their goals. Here are 9 financial risks that millennials are much more likely to take than boomers. 9 Financial Risks That Millennials Take That Boomers Won’t
11 Worst Pieces of Advice Millennials Get From Boomers
Times are changing quickly, especially when it comes to finding a job or taking the next big step in your life. A couple of decades ago, it was considered unusual or uncommon for someone to want a life for themselves that wasn’t marriage, kids, a nine-to-five job, and a house with a white picket fence. Well-meaning advice can quickly become ineffective, especially when applying for jobs or taking the next big step in life. 11 Worst Pieces of Advice Millennials Get From Boomers
