Almost 80% of Gen Z and Millennials Use 'Survival Spending

Almost 80% of Gen Z and Millennials Use 'Survival Spending' News provided by Beyond Finance Apr 21, 2026, 08:10 ET Share this article Share to X Share this article Share to X New Survey from Beyond Finance and Operation HOPE reveals young Americans are focusing on immediate priorities and real-world decisions over long-term financial ideals 45% would use tax refunds for bills or debt, 77% rely on short-term financial strategies like Buy Now Pay Later for essentials, 39% are turning to AI to guide money decisions, and 73% want to know someone's exact financial situation before the third date CHICAGO and ATLANTA , April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 80% of Gen Z and Millennials use 'survival spending' to get by in today's economy with nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials indicating they would use a tax refund to cover bills or pay down debt, 77% relying on short-term financial strategies like Buy Now, Pay Later for essentials, and 39% turning to AI to guide money decisions. As part of its annual Financial Practice Week, Beyond Finance partnered with leading financial literacy nonprofit Operation HOPE to examine how young Americans are actually managing money, finding a clear break from traditional financial practice as they cope with the current economic landscape. Operation Hope Beyond Finance and Operation HOPE Study