8 Things Younger Generations Refuse To Pay For That Boomers & Gen X Consider Standard Monthly Bills
Mladen Mitrinovic | Shutterstock When it comes to generational division, money seems to be the topic that causes the biggest chasm. What older generations view as simply normal monthly expenses are things that Gen Z and millennials just don't want to spend any money on.
Thanks to inflation, nearly everyone is cutting back on spending to offset rising costs, but, unsurprisingly, older generations who earn more are also spending more every year. They've had more time to invest and save, so it makes sense. They also have different interests and priorities, so what they are willing to spend money on varies greatly.
Expenses boomers and Gen X consider normal essentials that young people refuse to pay for:
1. Expensive car payments
Fast-stock | Shutterstock.com
Gen Zers tend to make up the smallest percentage of luxury car purchases, largely because of their income, but also because of shifts in ownership. There’s a growing number of young people who are choosing not to even get a driver’s license at all, partially because of rising costs.
For the Gen Zers who do, almost half are opting out of traditional dealership costs and financial hurdles by choosing platforms that make buying a car online more accessible and convenient.
2. Newspaper delivery
Some older generations are cutting back on print media spending, but for the most part, they’re still the biggest consumers of print media and newspapers.
While print media is certainly coming back into fashion for younger generations looking for an escape from their phones, for most, it’s something that's an occasional newsstand expense, not something they are willing to subscribe to monthly.
3. Dry cleaning
Gen Zers pushing back on traditional office dress codes often don’t have a reason to spend money on dry cleaning each month. Most haven’t even been inside a dry cleaner or know what happens once they drop their clothing off.
However, for older generations who spend more on quality clothing, weekly or monthly dry-cleaning stops are part of their routine. Not only is it their version of convenience and within their budget given their level of disposable income, but it also invests in their careers in many ways because they adhere to more rigid professional standards.
4. Stamps
With the convenience of their phones, younger generations don’t often have to worry about sending mail through the post office. Even the monthly bills that some older generations still prefer to send via snail mail are done almost entirely online for young people.
However, for many older generations, sending mail is still a huge part of their routines. They may not buy stamps as regularly as they once did, but the collection they still have gets a lot more use than it would in a Gen Z household.
5. Cable TV
PeopleImages | Shutterstock.com
In the era when internet, home phone, and cable TV bundles were popular, Gen Xers and boomers got comfortable with network and cable TV. They still appreciate the consistency of knowing they’ll have access to their favorite shows and channels, even if, in recent years, they’ve also had to get a streaming service or two for sports and specific shows.
For Gen Zers, cable TV just isn’t on their priority list. Yes, they spend the most on streaming services, so there’s often no need, but it’s also a matter of convenience. They value flexibility and accessibility in all aspects of their lives, including entertainment.
6. Annual credit card fees
Gen Zers are the least likely generation to use a credit card with annual fees. Yes, they may not have the disposable income to spend on them, but they’re also more interested in building credit over seeking out rewards like older consumers.
Whether it’s cash back or travel perks, Gen Xers and boomers are far more likely to invest monthly or annually in a card that offers certain perks. Especially with their frugal habits and financial priorities, if they can invest in something valuable now to get rewards later on, they’re all in.
7. ATM fees
Gen Xers and boomers still regularly use cash, sometimes even as an intentional budgeting practice. However, for younger generations, it’s nothing more than a last resort when they’re buying something.
That’s why it’s not surprising that they largely refuse to pay ATM fees. They’re not going to an in-person branch to take out money as many older generations do regularly, but they’re also not interested in paying more to use cash. With digital wallets and cards right from their phones, there’s no reason.
8. Car washes
GBJSTOCK | Shutterstock.com
Many older generations, who are also investing in nicer cars, spend regularly on car washes and maintenance. Some might even have a premium subscription or service that lets them clean out their car and get a car wash whenever they want.
However, for Gen Zers who aren’t investing in luxury cars or getting their license at all, of course, it’s something they don’t spend money on. Especially when micro-experiences are their main lifestyle priority, things like car washes and dry cleaning services just aren’t something they need or want.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
