11 Things Older Generations Bought That Gen Z Refuses To Pay For

Generations don’t always see eye to eye on spending. What Boomers once considered essential purchases, Gen Z views as overpriced or simply unnecessary. With shifting priorities and tighter budgets, here are eleven things younger people are far less willing to spend their money on.

Cable TV Packages

Boomers signed up for hundreds of channels, even if they only watched a handful. Gen Z doesn’t see the point of paying $100+ monthly for cable when streaming offers cheaper, on-demand options.

Cord-cutting is so widespread that traditional cable subscriptions have plummeted in the past decade. Younger households prefer flexible plans that they can cancel anytime.

New Cars Off the Lot

Boomers valued the status and reliability of a brand-new car, but Gen Z is wary of steep depreciation. Many opt for used vehicles, car-sharing, or public transit instead. The rising cost of auto loans makes new cars even less appealing. Younger buyers prioritize affordability and flexibility over the smell of a new car. Paying thousands extra just to be the first owner isn’t on their radar.

Diamonds and Expensive Jewelry

Boomers spent heavily on diamonds for engagements, anniversaries, and gifts. Gen Z, however, is more skeptical about both the price and the ethics of mined gems. Lab-grown diamonds and alternative stones are gaining popularity as cheaper, sustainable options. The jewelry industry is already feeling the generational shift.

Designer Handbags

High-end purses from luxury brands were a status symbol for Boomers. Gen Z shoppers often see them as overpriced when cheaper brands offer similar quality. Some turn to resale markets if they want a designer bag at all. Others invest in tech or experiences instead of accessories. The idea of dropping thousands on one item doesn’t fit their values.

Golf Club Memberships

Joining a golf club was once a retirement milestone, but Gen Z isn’t lining up. High fees, exclusivity, and long playing times don’t match younger people’s lifestyles. Many prefer more affordable, social activities like hiking or group fitness. Public courses and driving ranges still attract some, but full memberships are declining. The generational interest gap is widening fast.

Magazine Subscriptions

Boomers grew up flipping through glossy magazines delivered monthly. Gen Z gets news and entertainment instantly on their phones. Paying for a subscription to printed content feels outdated when free online sources abound. Some specialty magazines survive, but mass-market subscriptions have cratered. The shift reflects how digital access replaced physical collections.

Fine China and Silverware Sets

Formal dining sets were once wedding staples, displayed proudly in cabinets. Today, younger households rarely want them, let alone pay for them. Gen Z prioritizes practical, everyday kitchenware over delicate, expensive items that gather dust. Minimalism and smaller living spaces also leave little room for display pieces. What was once tradition now feels impractical.

Landline Phones

Every Boomer household had a landline, but Gen Z grew up with cell phones. Paying monthly for a service they’d never use makes no sense. Even bundled landline plans are on the decline. A smartphone is the only communication tool most younger people need. Landlines are fading into relics of the past.

Cable-Style Gym Contracts

Boomers signed up for annual gym memberships and stuck with them, even if they didn’t go. Gen Z prefers flexible options like boutique studios, fitness apps, or no-commitment memberships. Paying for something you can’t cancel easily feels like a trap. Home workouts and free outdoor options also pull people away from long contracts. Flexibility is the priority, not loyalty to one gym.

Large Houses in the Suburbs

Boomers chased bigger homes, often with more space than they needed. Gen Z leans toward smaller, more affordable spaces in walkable areas. Rising housing prices and a preference for urban living reinforce the trend. The idea of a large suburban property feels both financially out of reach and less appealing. Practicality outweighs square footage for this generation.

Traditional College Textbooks

Boomers bought stacks of expensive textbooks every semester. Gen Z is far more likely to rent, share, or download digital versions. Many professors now provide online resources to cut costs for students. Spending hundreds of dollars per course on books feels unnecessary when cheaper alternatives exist. The publishing industry has been forced to adapt to this shift.

Spending With Intention

Gen Z isn’t avoiding spending altogether; they’re just more intentional. They often choose secondhand markets, rentals, or digital alternatives to save money. Experiences, travel, and tech purchases win out over status items like china sets or luxury bags. The lesson is that you don’t need to copy Boomer habits to build a meaningful lifestyle. Spend on what matters to you, not on traditions that no longer make sense.

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