- Gen Z overtake Gen X as the most financially confident generation
- Young Aussies embrace social media money hacks
- Top social media money trends for 2025
Gen Z is now the most financially confident generation, leapfrogging Gen X and Boomers as more young Aussies turn to social media for money management tips.
New NAB Economics data reveals nearly a third of Australians aged 18-29 feel confident discussing their money compared with just one in 10 aged over 50.
Zoomers are also more confident when it comes to their budgeting skills (38% versus 25% for over 50s), and it's turning them into savvy savers (31% versus 17% for over 50s).
It comes as more young Aussies embrace online budgeting tools and social media for accessible financial information, with money management videos on Tik Tok viewed more than 21 million times last year.
NAB Executive, Kylie Young, said the surge in activity was largely good news, but cautioned it was important not to rely solely on social media for financial advice.
"January is a great time to re-look at your budget but take the time to make sure you are getting information from a credible source," Ms Young said.
"Most banks will have content on their websites that will help guide you and there are plenty of podcasts, finfluencers and authors who have brilliant advice - it just pays to think twice before you click 'follow'."
NAB's social team has identified finance trends here to stay in 2025:
Loud Budgeting: This is all about unapologetically prioritising your own financial goals, setting smart boundaries on spending, and feeling comfortable to talk about it openly. The trend takes the embarrassment out of declining invites to expensive dinner or cocktails out, instead normalising having a budget and savings goals.
NAB Executive, Kylie Young said: "There's a lot we can learn from loud budgeting and I expect this trend to continue in 2025 and beyond. By being able to remove the stigma around saying 'no' to events for financial reasons or asking friends to go to cheaper restaurants or bars, it means younger Australians have been able to better juggle their lifestyle wants while managing expenses in a higher cost of living environment."
No spend week: This viral trend involves going as long as possible without spending money on non-essentials and tracking your progress as you go. While things like bills and groceries are allowed, it means no eating out, buying clothes, entertainment or other discretionary spend for at least a week or longer.
NAB Executive, Kylie Young: "The No Spend Week trend has good intentions but can be overwhelming or feel unrealistic for many.
So instead of committing to unsustainable goals, I would encourage people to find areas where they can cut small spends, like second coffees, which will add up in the long run."
48-Hour Rule: The 48-hour rule is designed to help you avoid impulse purchases by waiting at least two days before making a major purchase.
NAB Executive, Kylie Young: "Whether it is 48 hours, or researching a better price, it is always a good idea to pause before you buy. It is something we've seen Australians do a lot more of in the past year and we expect to continue."
