Daily Costs Keep 77% of Gen Z Under Financial Strain Into Fall

U.S. household budgets are being squeezed by essential expenses including groceries, utilities and transportation, leaving younger consumers with little room to absorb additional costs. PYMNTS’ latest consumer finance survey found that about 67% of U.S. consumers are living paycheck to paycheck, underscoring how rising basic living costs are eroding savings buffers and financial flexibility.

The survey found that 77% of Gen Z consumers expect financial pressure accumulated during the summer to follow them into the fall. The burden is being driven by recurring household bills rather than discretionary purchases, suggesting that a seasonal reset will offer limited relief. The findings point to continued constraints on younger consumers’ spending power and ability to manage debt or unexpected expenses in the coming months.