The bank account says no while the Europe group chat says YOLO. Gen Z is cutting spending—but not on little treats and last-minute trips

It’s practically a Gen Z canon event: scrolling through a bank app, counting down the days until payday, and wondering whether that emergency ramen stash can stretch a little longer when a notification drops down — “You’ve been added to ‘Europe Summer 2027!’” 

The bank balance says absolutely not, but hey, YOLO, right? 

The group-chat joke lands because many young people know exactly what’s in their checking account, and still want to make room for what makes life feel good. For some, it’s finding room for a piece of jewelry or a small treat that feels personal. Even on a tight budget, they’re holding space for the things that feel worth it right now, as everyday life gets more expensive.

Nearly 44% of Gen Z travelers frequently or very frequently take spontaneous trips, almost twice the 25.2% average across generations, according to Future Partners, and 62.7% say travel is worth investing in.

But half of Gen Z travelers in the U.S. also said they had made financial sacrifices for their last vacation, according to Skyscanner. To afford the next trip, 52% said eating out less would be worth it, while 40% were willing to cut back on haircuts.

For many young adults, the calculation between enjoying money now and saving it for later has shifted. Matt Lundquist, founder and clinical director of Tribeca........

© Fortune