Gen Z Puts Off Dating Amid Financial Struggles, Survey Finds

Some members of Gen Z say they are so cash-strapped that they don’t spend any money to date.Bank of America’s newly released “Gen Z & the Cost of Adulting” survey looked at the financial situation faced by members of the generation born between 1997 and 2012 and painted a bleak picture of that cohort’s romantic lives.The survey found 51 percent of Gen Z report having spent no money on romantic dates this year. Many of those who do spend on dates are not shelling out a whole lot. The survey found that 14 percent of the generation spends less than $50 a month on dating.Among the youngest Gen Z men — those aged 18 to 22 — 60 percent said they don’t spend any money at all on dating.The survey found 56 percent of all respondents are single with a large share of that group not actively dating. Nearly one quarter of Gen Z men say they are delaying moving relationships forward due to finances.“Gen Z knows money stress is real — but they’re meeting it head‑on,” Bank of America’s president of consumer banking, Holly O’Neill, said in a press statement accompanying the survey release. “They’re budgeting honestly, cutting back when they need to, and having real conversations about money as they work toward their goals.”When making social plans, nearly 40 percent of Gen Z members suggest free or low-cost activities. If they go out to eat, 38 percent order cheaper menu items. When they go to events, 31 percent eat at home in advance or bring their own food. Nearly one-fifth of respondents say they drink at home or bring their own drinks to avoid buying pricy beverages. The same number say they buy fewer drinks at events.There are more than just money problems leading to a low number of Gen Z daters. Nearly one quarter of respondents say they’re just not interested in dating.When Gen Z members do date, they are looking for a partner who is responsible with money and shares their financial values. Nearly three-quarters of respondents list financial responsibility as the top value they seek in a partner. More than four in 10 Gen Z daters say irresponsible spending habits are among their top romantic dealbreakers.Nearly half of Gen Z say they live paycheck to paycheck, and housing costs still weigh heavily on this generation. Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed cited housing and rent as top barriers to financial success. Gen Z members also appear most exposed to rising gas prices than other generations.Gen Z hasn’t given up on small indulgences, with 92 percent saying they treat themselves, and over half do so at least once a week. But they are regretting some of those splurges and they are experiencing spending remorse. More than 40 percent of Gen Zmembers report experiencing financial guilt at least once a week.There is some good news in the survey. A growing number of Gen Z members are setting aside money for savings with 66 percent reporting they are able to save some money each month.Gen Z members are also leaning less on their parents or other family members for financial help. The survey finds that 34 percent of respondents receive financial help, down from 46 percent in 2024.

Gen Z Puts Off Dating Amid Financial Struggles, Survey Finds

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