9 Things Gen Z Calls a Waste of Money That the Older Generation Still Loves

Each generation spends money in its own way, and Gen Z is no exception. Younger adults are questioning some of the habits Boomers stuck with for decades. Big cars, costly memberships, and other traditions don’t always make sense to them. Here are nine things Boomers still value that Gen Z is walking away from.

High-End Kitchen Appliances

Boomers often splurge on expensive kitchen upgrades, like $5,000 refrigerators or chef-level stoves. For them, these purchases represent quality and long-term value. Gen Z, however, tends to live in smaller spaces where oversized appliances don’t make sense.

They prefer affordable, multifunctional gadgets that do the job without draining their budget. Spending thousands on an appliance feels excessive when lifestyle and priorities are so different.

Full Cable Sports Packages

Boomers still sign up for pricey sports packages that include dozens of channels, often costing hundreds each month. For them, it’s about having access to every game and sticking with familiar services.

Gen Z instead streams only the games they care about, often through free or shared platforms. Paying for dozens of channels they’ll never watch feels like a bad deal. Streaming has become the go-to for younger fans looking to save money.

Traditional Bank Fees

Older generations often stay loyal to the same banks they’ve used for decades, even if that means paying monthly maintenance fees. Gen Z doesn’t see the point of losing $10–$20 a month for basic access. They prefer mobile-first banks that eliminate fees and provide better transparency.

With fintech apps offering free checking and savings, traditional banking costs look outdated. Loyalty to a bank now feels like an unnecessary expense.

Large Suburban Lawns

Boomers love the space and pride of owning a home with a large, manicured lawn. But for Gen Z, maintaining a yard feels expensive and wasteful, especially with the added costs of water and landscaping.

Many younger homeowners prefer smaller outdoor areas that require less upkeep. Environmental concerns also drive them toward more sustainable options. Spending heavily on lawn care doesn’t align with their values or budgets.

Extended Warranties on Everything

Many Boomers happily buy extended warranties for electronics, appliances, and even furniture, believing it provides peace of mind. Gen Z often sees these add-ons as unnecessary and overpriced.

They rely on manufacturer warranties, strong return policies, or credit card protections instead. To them, extended warranties are more about retailer profit than real value. Avoiding the extra cost feels like the smarter financial move.

Luxury SUVs

Boomers often choose large luxury SUVs for comfort, prestige, and space. But Gen Z sees them as gas-guzzling, expensive to insure, and hard to justify when cheaper options exist. Many younger adults prioritize fuel efficiency and sustainability, making hybrids or EVs more appealing. In dense urban areas, car ownership itself isn’t as essential. For Gen Z, oversized vehicles symbolize waste rather than success.

Cable News Subscriptions

Boomers still pay for cable news or even newspaper subscriptions, valuing in-depth reporting from trusted outlets. Gen Z, on the other hand, gets most of their news from social media, YouTube, or free digital sources. Paying for channels or print editions seems unnecessary when information is widely available online.

Younger adults also prefer shorter, more accessible content. The idea of paying monthly for news feels like an outdated habit.

Country Club Dining

Country club memberships remain a point of pride for many Boomers, especially for the dining perks. High annual fees and pricey meals are viewed as part of the social experience. Gen Z tends to view these clubs as elitist and overpriced compared to local restaurants or food experiences. They prioritize affordability and inclusivity in their social lives. Spending thousands for access to a dining room feels unnecessary to them.

Over-the-Top Holiday Décor

Boomers often go big on holiday decorations, spending hundreds or thousands on lights, lawn inflatables, and themed displays. For them, it’s about tradition and celebration. Gen Z tends to be more minimalist, preferring smaller, budget-friendly décor or digital alternatives.

Many younger renters don’t have the space to store or display oversized decorations. The expense feels impractical when finances are already tight.

What to Try Instead

Rather than sticking to old spending patterns, younger generations are prioritizing flexibility, value, and sustainability. They’re saving money by skipping unnecessary upgrades, cutting hidden fees, and focusing on affordable experiences instead of status purchases.

This shift shows how financial priorities evolve with each generation. For Gen Z, money goes further when it’s aligned with values and lifestyle instead of tradition.

9 Simple Mind Tricks to Actually Enjoy Spending Less

Learning to spend less doesn’t have to feel like deprivation. It’s possible to make it an exciting challenge rather than a struggle. These practical mind tricks turn saving money into a lifestyle shift you’ll not just accept but actually enjoy. 9 Simple Mind Tricks to Actually Enjoy Spending Less