Saving money doesn’t look like it used to—especially if you’re part of Gen Z. You’re not clipping coupons or stuffing bills into a shoebox. You’ve got apps, side gigs, and smarter tools to help you stay on top of your money. It’s about making things work for your life, not following old rules. Here are ten ways Gen Z is saving that boomers never had to think about.
Automated Savings Apps
Gen Z loves “set it and forget it” apps that round up purchases or automatically transfer money to savings each week. These digital tools make saving easier—a few dollars pile up in the background, no effort needed.
💸 Take Back Control of Your Finances in 2025 💸
Get Instant Access to our free mini course
5 DAYS TO A BETTER BUDGET
Splitting Subscriptions
Pooling money with friends or family for group streaming or gaming subscriptions stretches every dollar. Instead of solo memberships, Gen Z picks family or group plans to keep entertainment costs way down.
Shopping for Deals Online
Finding the lowest price is quicker than ever with price-comparison sites, discount browser extensions, and cashback apps. Boomers had to visit multiple stores or wait for Sunday sales—Gen Z checks their phone before buying anything.
Cashless Budgeting
Instead of carrying envelopes of cash, Gen Z leans on digital budgeting apps. Tools like EveryDollar, YNAB, and custom spreadsheets help track spending and goals from their smartphone—anytime, anywhere.
Reselling Clothes and Gear
Wardrobe outgrown or hobby swapped? Gen Z hops on apps like Depop or Facebook Marketplace to sell gently used clothes, electronics, or shoes. This flips clutter into quick cash, while boomers mostly donated or tossed old stuff.
Meal Prepping Videos and Recipes
Instead of eating out or buying takeout, young adults turn to viral TikToks or YouTube channels for cheap, simple meal ideas. Prepping meals at home with online inspiration saves a bundle.
Using Rewards and Cashback Apps
Before hitting “checkout,” Gen Z looks for cashback or digital rewards apps that offer money back on groceries, gas, or even bill payments. It’s a habit that adds up over weeks and feels almost like free money.
Free Learning Platforms
No expensive night classes—Gen Z jumps on YouTube, free online courses, or library e-books to avoid paying for skills or knowledge. Whether it’s coding or cooking, there’s a free or cheap course for just about everything.
Flexible Gig Work
Boomers often stuck to one steady job, but Gen Z grabs gig work for extra cash—think dog walking on Rover, food delivery with DoorDash, or doing small tasks online. Side gigs fit around busy schedules and pay off fast.
Digital Couponing and Flash Sales
Forget cutting paper coupons. Gen Z hunts for app-exclusive offers, digital coupons, and jumps on flash sales they find with one click. Alerts and deal-hunting groups make scoring savings simple and super speedy.
New Ways to Save
Saving money isn’t what it used to be. Gen Z is mixing tech with everyday hacks to make their cash go further. They’re using tools that didn’t exist a generation ago—and they’re making them work. And honestly, these moves aren’t just for young people. Anyone can pick up a few of these tricks and start saving more.
15 Ways to Save Big That Most People Think Are Too Extreme
Some savings strategies seem a little over the top at first, but they can seriously transform your personal finances. While most people overlook these methods due to misconceptions or discomfort, they can make a huge difference if you give them a chance. If you’re ready to rethink the way you handle money, check out these unconventional yet effective tips. 15 Ways to Save Big That Most People Think Are Too Extreme