The recentNBC News poll points out something powerful: many Gen Zers believe their personal finances are improving more than older generations believe theirs are — yet that optimism doesn’t erase the pain of inflation, rising debt, or policy dissatisfaction. It’s a mix of progress and pressure, hope and heat, and there’s a lesson in that.

Gen Z is stepping up many of the moves older generations didn’t have to make so early — cutting spending, living more frugally, trying to build savings. But they’re also more likely to say someone in their generation is undercut by inflation and cost-of-living increases. The poll shows this divide clearly: rising personal financial confidence paired with strong disagreement over how inflation and economic leadership (including Trump’s handling) are being managed nationally. That tension, this dual reality, is something many are living now.

Other studies show the strain is real. According to a High Point University Poll, more than half of Gen Z say inflation concerns have impacted their major spending choices. (High Point University Poll) A Bank of America survey found that 73% of Gen Zers reported changing at least one habit because of inflation: cooking more at home, spending less on clothing, cutting non-essentials. (Bank of America Institute) Meanwhile, the TIAA Institute-GFLEC study shows that financial literacy is especially low among younger adults; many have reduced or stopped saving for retirement because of inflation pressures. (TIAA Institute-GFLEC P-Fin Index)

Despite the challenges, Gen Z is doing something very important: adapting. The optimism shown in the NBC poll isn’t naive. It reflects that many are making financial moves — adjusting budgets, rethinking spending, trying to build stability. But optimism alone isn’t enough. The research suggests that pairing hope with concrete action is what leads to lasting improvement.

Here are ideas and tools you can use if you’re part of Gen Z, or just want to follow their lead:

• Track everything: Get crystal clear on your income, expenses, debt obligations, and savings. Use apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or Simplifi to map out where money comes from and where it goes. When inflation bites, seeing leaks (subscriptions you don’t use, recurring charges) helps you cut just enough without making life miserable.
• Refine your spending habits: Because studies (like the Bank of America survey) show many Gen Zers are already changing habits, lean into that. Cook at home more, shop second-hand, reduce impulse buys, postpone big purchases. These shifts feel small daily but add up.
• Build (or rebuild) savings: Even small emergency savings matter. Try setting up auto transfers to a savings account. Some fintech apps (like Chime, Ally, or online credit unions) offer high yield savings accounts. The goal is to have enough buffer to handle surprise expenses or inflation spikes.
• Educate yourself about inflation, finance, debt: Use reliable sources to understand how inflation works, how debt interest works, how credit scores are built. FINRA has good educational content; invest in books or trusted podcasts. One study found that higher financial literacy strongly correlates with better resilience during inflation ? people less likely to pause retirement savings, for example. (TIAA Institute-GFLEC 2023 report)
• Seek helpful tools and advice: If you can, talk to a financial counselor, use online calculators, explore robo-advisors (Betterment, Wealthfront, etc.). Even free or low-cost advisors can help you build a plan. Many Gen Zers avoid professional advice, but that gap can cost over time.
• Mindset and community matters: Let optimism drive action, but don’t judge yourself when things go wrong. Be patient, persistent. Connect with peers who are also trying to get ahead, share hacks, encourage each other. Sometimes a good community or support group is what keeps the hope alive.

There are trade-offs and tensions. Inflation doesn’t pause for progress; policy decisions feel bittersweet; the gap between what you hope for and what you can afford is often painful. But seeing improvement in your finances is powerful. It signals that your efforts matter, that you can build more stability.

What about you? What’s one financial change or habit you believe Gen Z is getting right that older generations can learn from — and what’s one small step you could take this week to protect your finances from inflation while holding onto your optimism? Join our conversation at theAge Brilliantly forum and share your ideas, questions, or wins.