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In a surprising twist, the youngest generations—yes, the same ones glued to their phones—are leading a cash comeback. Many teens, college students, and young adults are intentionally ditching credit cards and saying goodbye to debt before it even starts.
Instead of relying on plastic, Gen Z and younger Millennials are leaning into budgeting with cash envelopes, debit cards, and old-school financial discipline. What’s fueling this movement?
A growing distrust of credit card debt and a desire for financial control—plus a little help from social media.
If you scroll through YouTube or TikTok, you’ll find an entire community built around this cash-based lifestyle. Popular channels like The Organized Money, Dave Ramsey, and dozens of budget busters share advice on "cash stuffing," zero-based budgeting, following steps to save and tracking every dollar with an app or notebook.
These influencers show viewers how to budget for groceries, bills, savings, and fun—all in labeled envelopes from Dollar Tree, using an app or neat colorful binders
What’s the appeal? Many young people say using cash helps them feel their spending more. Swiping a card is quick and easy—but handing over real bills? That’s different. It forces a moment of awareness, which helps curb impulse buys and encourages smarter decisions.
This trend isn’t about rejecting technology. Most still use apps and track expenses digitally. But it’s a clear sign that younger generations are rethinking how money works—and how to avoid the stress and spiraling debt so many others have faced.
Credit still has its role, especially when building a credit score, but the message from Gen Z is clear: you don’t have to live in debt to live well.
Smart, simple, and intentional—maybe they’re onto something.
— Donnella Tilery, Editor – Raritan Neighbors NJ
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