Boomers & Gen X Are Completely Appalled By 7 Cheap Money Habits Younger Couples Usually Treat As Normal
voronaman / Shutterrstock Money habits can get pretty interesting when different generations get together. While older generations have their own ideas about how couples should handle their finances, younger people are finding all kinds of ways to make their budgets work.
Some of these habits might seem a little over the top to boomers and Gen Xers, but when you're trying to make ends meet, you have to get a little creative.
Boomers and Gen X are absolutely appalled by these cheap money habits that younger couples seem to think are normal:
1. Splitting bills evenly
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Dividing bills up fairly just makes sense to younger people. They want things to feel equal without one person always picking up the tab. Splitting everything helps them avoid awkward money conversations and keep things balanced. They see it as simple financial fairness.
To boomers and Gen Xers, though, keeping track of every expense like this can start to feel a bit transactional. Older couples might be more used to taking turns paying or letting one person cover certain expenses like dinner or going out.
2. Using coupons and discounts on dates
A good date doesn't need to have a big price tag attached. Younger couples are more inclined to check for restaurant deals or plan an outing around a special offer. The experience is still fun, and they get to save money for something else.
Older generations might remember dating as a time when treating someone meant picking up the bill and not worrying about the cost. The gesture itself was a sign of romance and care.
3. Keeping track of who owes what
Some younger couples treat joint expenses like a running tab, noting who paid for what and settling up later. When they're figuring out how to handle paying for groceries or gas, they want to make sure neither person is covering more than their share, and plenty of apps make it easy to keep everything organized.
Boomers and Gen Xers might see this kind of bookkeeping as too much effort for people in a relationship. They may have no problem with letting things eventually balance out over time. The money just goes back and forth for them.
4. Refusing to pay for convenience
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Younger people are increasingly becoming more willing to put in a little extra effort if it means spending less money. Rather than paying for grocery delivery, they'll make the trip themselves. They cook at home instead of ordering takeout or spend a couple of minutes comparing prices before buying something. If there's a cheaper option, they're probably gonna take it.
Some of these choices might feel like going too much out of the way to older couples. They might think that getting to stay at home or waiting less time for something is worth the money.
5. Buying secondhand
Younger people are more than happy to buy something secondhand if it means getting what they want for less. From furniture and appliances to clothing and home decor, they'll check thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or local resale shops before paying full price. They're more interested in getting a good deal than impressing others with their purchases.
Buying used can bring up concerns about quality and cleanliness for boomers and Gen Xers. Purchasing new items feels fresher and more reliable, and they have the peace of mind that those things will last a long time.
6. Treating expensive gifts as unnecessary
Younger couples aren't usually impressed by expensive gifts, especially when they know how much that money could cover elsewhere. They're not as likely to frequently spend hundreds on birthdays or anniversaries when making something by hand or choosing a thoughtful, inexpensive gift can still do the trick. The effort behind the gesture is what matters most.
On the other hand, giving a nice gift can be an important way for older people to show appreciation for a loved one. They tend to celebrate milestones with something special, even if it costs a bit more.
7. Sharing subscriptions and streaming accounts
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Paying for separate streaming services or subscriptions when they can share one is pointless for younger couples. They're happy to split the cost of a streaming platform or take advantage of a family plan to keep monthly costs down. Then, they can enjoy the same perks without paying twice.
However, boomers and Gen Xers might be more accustomed to everyone having their own accounts and paying for entertainment separately. Sharing every subscription gets complicated, and they may prefer having their own profiles and playlists without worrying about who has access to them.
Kayla Asbach is a writer with a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
