Gen Z Archives — Beating Broke

The generational exchange of knowledge is a powerful tool for innovation and adaptation. While Baby Boomers have a wealth of experience and knowledge, Gen Z is bringing new perspectives and strategies to the table, particularly when it comes to managing finances. Here are 11 financial insights that Gen Z can offer Baby Boomers, highlighting the fresh approaches and digital savvy of the youngest generation of adults.

1. The Importance of Financial Literacy

Gen Z values financial education and is more likely to seek information about finances early in life. They use online resources to understand investing, taxes, and debt management. Baby Boomers can be inspired by Gen Z’s proactive approach to become more financially literate and make informed decisions about their money.

2. Adopting Subscription-Based Services

Gen Z is adept at utilizing subscription-based services for managing regular expenses, from entertainment to software and even groceries. Baby Boomers can learn from this trend to streamline their expenses and enjoy the convenience of automatic renewals and deliveries. This approach not only helps in budget management but also ensures that they are only paying for what they truly need and use, potentially reducing wasteful spending.

3. Embracing Mobile Payment Systems

Gen Z is leading the way in adopting mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Venmo, and Google Wallet, which offer convenience and reduce the need for carrying cash or physical credit cards. Baby Boomers can learn from Gen Z the benefits of using these platforms for everyday transactions, enhancing security and tracking spending more efficiently. This shift not only simplifies financial transactions but also integrates seamlessly with other financial management tools, promoting a streamlined approach to personal finance.

4. Flexible Earning Through the Gig Economy

The gig economy has expanded significantly, and Gen Z is at the forefront of utilizing platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and freelance job sites to generate additional income. Baby Boomers can learn from Gen Z about leveraging these platforms to supplement retirement income or to fund other interests and hobbies. This flexibility allows for better control over work hours and income levels, catering to personal schedules and needs.

5. Investing in Cryptocurrency

While Baby Boomers may be more cautious about new investment classes, Gen Z has been more open to investing in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. They can offer insights into the risks and rewards of these newer financial instruments, providing a different perspective on diversification and the potential for returns.

6. Sustainability and Ethical Investing

Gen Z is particularly conscious of the impact of their money, showing a strong preference for sustainable and ethical investment opportunities. They can teach Baby Boomers how to invest in companies that are not only financially viable but also socially responsible, creating opportunities to align investments with personal values.

7. Minimalism and Financial Independence

Many in Gen Z advocate for minimalism in their lifestyles to achieve financial independence early, emphasizing the value of living with less to save more. They prioritize experiences over possessions, which can be a valuable lesson for Baby Boomers, especially those looking to downsize or simplify their lives in retirement. This shift towards minimalism not only helps reduce expenses but also focuses on what truly brings joy and fulfillment, encouraging a more intentional approach to spending and saving.

8. The Use of Social Media for Financial Advice

Gen Z often turns to social media platforms to gather financial advice and learn about personal finance and investing from peers and experts alike. Baby Boomers can benefit from understanding how platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok can be sources of financial education and community support.

9. Prioritizing Mental Health Over High Earnings

Gen Z places significant importance on mental health, often valuing it over high salaries. Essentially, work-life balance is always part of the equation with Gen Z, ensuring they don’t sacrifice too much in the name of money. This perspective can help Baby Boomers reassess their own work commitments and financial goals, emphasizing well-being alongside financial security.

10. Tech-Savvy Budgeting

Gen Z uses apps and software for budgeting that automate much of the process and provide insights into spending patterns. Baby Boomers can learn to use these tools to keep their finances in check and plan for future expenses more effectively. Plus, this strategy can help Baby Boomers reduce the amount of time they spend monitoring their financial situation, freeing up valuable space in their schedules.

11. The Acceptance of Non-Traditional Career Paths

Gen Z is more likely to pursue non-traditional career paths that align with their passions and interests, often incorporating multiple income streams. This approach can inspire Baby Boomers to explore different avenues for income in retirement, whether it’s turning a hobby into a business or monetizing a skillset.

Baby Boomers Can Learn from Gen Z’s Financial Strategies!

By embracing some of Gen Z’s innovative financial strategies and perspectives, Baby Boomers can enhance their financial management and potentially find new ways to enjoy their wealth. The exchange of knowledge across generations can lead to a fuller, more adaptive approach to money that benefits everyone involved.

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Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Language is an ever-evolving tapestry, reflecting the changing times, technologies, and social norms. As Generation Z navigates a world of rapid digital communication, many old-timey phrases from the bygone eras sound increasingly alien. These phrases, once commonplace, now serve as linguistic relics, offering a glimpse into the past’s cultural and social landscape. Let’s dive into sixteen old-timey sayings that might perplex the Gen Z cohort, highlighting the rich tapestry of language and how it adapts over time.

1. “Don’t take any wooden nickels.”

This phrase, advising against being cheated or tricked, hails from a time when the authenticity of currency was a genuine concern. In today’s digital transaction era, the idea of wooden nickels is as quaint as the caution it implies, making it a prime example of old-timey phrases that have lost their immediate relevance.

2. “The bee’s knees.”

Used to describe something of excellent quality, “the bee’s knees” is a phrase that might leave Gen Z scratching their heads. The charming absurdity of envisioning bees with knees, let alone using them as a benchmark for excellence, underscores the whimsical nature of early 20th-century slang.

3. “23 skidoo.”

“23 skidoo” is one of those old-timey phrases that encapsulates the roaring twenties’ spirit, meaning to leave quickly or to be kicked out. In an age where “ghosting” is the vernacular for a swift exit, “23 skidoo” seems almost ceremoniously elaborate.

4. “Know your onions.”

Knowledgeable or well-informed individuals were once complimented for knowing their onions. While the origin of equating onions with wisdom is murky, the phrase’s quaintness is undeniable in an age where digital literacy is the new benchmark for being well-informed.

5. “Cat’s pajamas.”

Similar to “the bee’s knees,” “cat’s pajamas” is used to describe something splendid or stylish. The imagery of a cat in pajamas is amusingly out of place today, reflecting the whimsy of past slang.

6. “Put up your dukes.”

Inviting someone to fight by asking them to put up their dukes, where “dukes” refers to fists, feels out of step with contemporary conflict resolution’s emphasis on dialogue and understanding, making it a fascinating linguistic artifact.

7. “That’s the ticket.”

Used to express approval or that something is precisely what’s needed, “that’s the ticket” might sound overly formal or quaint in today’s more casual communicative landscape, where a simple “perfect” or “that’s it” suffices.

8. “Full tilt.”

Though “full tilt” is still understood to mean going at full speed or with maximum energy, the phrase has equestrian origins that are less relevant in the automobile and digital age, giving it an old-timey charm.

9. “Gee willikers!”

This exclamation of surprise or astonishment might draw blank stares from Gen Z, who might opt for a succinct “wow” or an emoji to express similar sentiments.

10. “Hotsy-totsy.”

Describing something as perfect or agreeable, “hotsy-totsy” might sound comically outdated to ears accustomed to “cool” or “awesome.”

11. “Malarkey.”

“Malarkey” refers to nonsense or misleading or insincere talk. While “malarkey” has seen a resurgence thanks to its use by certain public figures, its full-bodied roll-off-the-tongue quality feels out of place in the era of acronyms and text speak.

12. “Over the moon.”

While still used to express extreme happiness, the phrase “over the moon” conjures up more literal space-age imagery for Gen Z, who are used to hearing about actual space travel.

13. “Burning the midnight oil.”

In a world where work and leisure often blend seamlessly due to digital connectivity, the idea of “burning the midnight oil” to denote late-night work seems almost quaintly industrious.

14. “The whole nine yards.”

Though still in use, the exact origins of “the whole nine yards” are murky, and its use to mean “everything” or “all of it” can sound overly elaborate to a generation used to efficiency in language.

15. “Speak of the devil.”

While the phrase “speak of the devil” is understood when someone appears just as they’re being talked about, its superstitious undertones might seem odd in a more secular, rational age.

16. “More than you can shake a stick at.”

Used to indicate a large quantity or more than enough, this phrase’s rural, pastoral origins make it sound amusingly out of place in a digital, urbanized context.

How Younger Generations Can Appreciate Old-Timey Phrases and Sayings

These old-timey phrases are not just linguistic curiosities; they are a window into the past, revealing the values, humor, and peculiarities of bygone eras. For Gen Z, these expressions might seem quaint or absurd, but they also offer a rich linguistic heritage that continues to shape our evolving language landscape.

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