Raised in an era of over-consumption and digital-first everything, Gen Z are doing things differently than the previous generations. From side-hustling to digital financial tools, here’s how Gen Z is rewriting the rules when it comes to saving, spending, and managing money.
Investing in Mental Health
Gen Z believes that money spent on mental health is never wasted. For them, being too rigid about saving can actually be counterproductive, while investing in self-care and quality time often leads to greater productivity, creativity, and therefore long-term financial gains. According to HSBC’s Quality of Life study, Gen Z in the UAE are planning to take multiple career breaks to focus on growth, mental health, and family.
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Side Hustles Over Full-time Jobs
Today, Gen Z is prioritizing flexibility and multiple income streams over long-term commitment to a single full-time job. A Deloitte study revealed Gen Z in the Middle East are more focused on flexibility and well-being, with only 6% saying their main goal is to reach a senior position in their career. Freelancing, content creation, and part-time roles not only open the door to higher earning potential, but also offer the time, autonomy, and balance this generation values.
Learning Finances Online
Social media plays a central role in Gen Z’s financial literacy. From learning how to generate income, to deciding where to invest and what’s worth spending on, financial advice is shared in accessible and highly relatable ways through creators on TikTok and Instagram. Finance expert Carol Glynn revealed that TikTok has became a main source for Gen Z to learn valuable finance lessons. Due to this phenomenon, the UAE introduced a Finfluencer License in 2025 which is required for Finance Influencers providing financial content or advice TikTok to regulate promotion of finance products and avoid misinformation.
Dependence on Digital Tools
Gen Z is relying on mobile apps for every aspect of their finances. From ditching cash in favor of online payments through platforms like InstaPay and Apple Pay, where spending can feel effortless and almost unreal, to using investing and installment apps, their money lives entirely on their phones. A study by Sixth Factor Consulting revealed that more than half of Gen Z across Egypt, KSA, and UAE prefer using e-wallets instead of cash for speed and ease-of-use.
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Open Conversations about Finances
This generation has proven to be the most vocal when it comes to money. In the workplace, Gen Z is unafraid to negotiate, question pay, or demand salary increases, while in their personal lives they are far more open when discussing earnings, expenses, and even what’s in their bank accounts. According to Saluts’ Wealth Index report, 37% of under 25-year-olds know what their close friends earn and 35% have shared their own earnings compared to only 19% of over 55-year-olds.
Ultimately, Gen Z’s approach to money reflects a shift in values, one that prioritizes transparency, wellbeing, and digital convenience. By redefining how income is earned, how money is managed, and what it’s worth spending on, this generation is not just adapting to a changing financial landscape, but actively setting the tone for the future of finance.
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