By: Romero Berrios, Class of ’26

As Gen Z gets older there is no doubt about one thing that is inevitable — being an adult.

And that means having to figure out how to make money for themselves. But everybody is different with their finances.

In a 2023 survey it was found that 89% of Gen Z saved their money on something. At the same time though, the generation is not scared to spend, as 75% admitted to spending a lot on something; more than all the other age groups. 

I spoke to students who opened up about their spendings habits. All students attend Saint Peter’s University.

David Pasteur, a senior at the university employs tactics to save money. He works two jobs.

“When I spend I always try to find the cheapest item, or only spend on a necessity when I need it,” he said. 

He spends the most on hair, saying he spends around $200 a month on hair. 

On the other hand Daniel Sanchez, a sophomore, does not employ much of a mindset on saving. 

“I spent what I got. No more no less,” he says. 

Daniel spends the most on food and day trips for himself. On food he spends roughly about $400 and $200 on online shopping. Most of the money he says comes from using the delivery application DoorDash.

He has a positive attitude towards his spending. “My parents believe in spending the money we have now because there’s always cash flow and momentary spending brings happiness in case we go broke in the future.” 

Despite that, there are no huge fears when it comes to spending money as their adult lives go on. I asked the students if they have any worries regarding spending money in the future and most were positive. 

David said he doesn’t have any worries. “No, because my Dad told me not to spend that much and know how to save and I learned to adapt to that.” 

Daniel as well has no worries. 

Two students do have some worries. 

Marcus Bell, a sophomore, said his biggest worry is loans. “Going into my 25th year of living I want no debt,” he says.

Another sophomore, Erin Dall’agnol, has similar worries with her going to medical school. “I feel like I’m going to go broke because I’m going to med school, even though I’m not broke. I feel like it is going to go down.”