Being “frugal” is “in” according to most Americans.
A 2,000 Americans survey was uniformly separated by generation and gender found that 61% agreed that it is less to be “frugal” today than 10 years ago.
In fact, the word no longer has a hard knowledge, since the respondents were more likely to say that it is about being careful with money (46%) and avoiding unnecessary expense (43%) instead of being “cheap” (23%).
Moreover, almost three quarters of respondents agree that being honest and open about having a budget is more socially acceptable today (72%), and respondents are becoming cunning with the savings of money.
Made by Talker Research on behalf of the Banking application Chime in honor of the month of financial progress, the survey found that the definition of “financial progress” is unique to all. For generation Z, Mees can buy what they want in the grocery store (32%), while for millennials, they are more searches to increase the money they already have (31%).
For previous generations, that definition expands to include money after paying invoices and exenses, or simply being able to handle in their savings.
Even so, for 43% of all Americans surveyed, “financial progress” simply means being in a better position that a year ago.
By testing it, the survey found that 43% believe that its financial situation is generally better today than five years ago, while less (29%) said exactly the opposite.
Interestingly, generation Z was the most likely to say that they do better (55%), while Baby Boomers are the most likely to say they are worse (38%).
For some, thesis potholes on the way can make them become loved to obtain support; But although it becomes more socially acceptable, those conversations are not easy.
The Americans would prefer to talk to friends about who politically supported the elections (26%), Medical Conerns (19%) and how often shower (18%) before sharing how much money there is in their bank account.
On the other hand, those of generation X (14%) and the Baby Boomers (9%) admitted that they would prefer to gossip about other people’s children before they tell friends with how much money they have.
Debt is a painful place, particularly, since one in five would prefer to speak with their coworkers about weight loss or diet (20%), their religious views (18%) or politics (18%).
More than one in 10 Z (14%) and millennials (13%) would only prefer to discuss their debt problems.
“Money has a long taboo issue, but that is changing. More people are realizing that open conversations about the budget, savings and financial challenges are key to generating confidence and making informed decisions,” said the main office of expenses of expenses, Janelle Sallenave. “We believe that feeling comfortable talking about finance, like any other objective of life, helps people to take control of their financial future and rely on the way.”
Even where they have their own sensitive issues, half of the younger Americans think that major generations are too private about their finances (51%), and they can be right.
One in six of all respondents expressed less comfortable with “money conversations” in the last five years, including 20% of Baby Boomers.
Even so, 45% of all respondents are more open to have sincere conversations about money today than five years ago.
Respondents who have had an easy moment with money conversations said they discovered that they get better tips to be open (42%), that they do not be ashamed of their struggles (25%) and that these conversations lead to money habits (32%).
In fact, only 13% of the Zwold generation does not feel comfortable by asking your friends and family questions “How much money should you have in savings?” or “What is a 401 (k)?” Compared to 44% of generation X and a 64% asto or Baby Boomers.
On the other hand, Americans fight with sincere thesis conversations not because they do not know what to ask, but because they are worse than the financial of what they used to be (33%).
Others believe that they should be in a better position than (31%) or that they are ashamed of their sitting (29%).
Who are they finding financial consolation? While almost a third of the Americans would first go to their parents if they needed $ 100 (31%), they would before lend it to their partner (34%) or the best friend (31%).
But Americans are competing for paying. According to the results, being able to treat your family and friends is a main sign of “doing it” financial (40%), just having more money in their savings than their current account (49%).
“Younger generations are pressing for greater transparency around money, and for a good reason, open conversations lead to better financial habits and smarter decisions,” Salanave added. “We are seeing this change reflected in the recent trends of social networks that encourage people to speak more openly about their finances. Breaking silence helps people.
Survey methodology:
Talker’s investigation surveyed 4,000 Americans divided evenly by gender and generation; The survey was commissioned by Chime and managed and made online by Talker Research between March 13 and 21, 2025.