Summer Expenses Will Follow 77% of Gen Z Into Fall

Summer expenses are increasingly burdening Gen Z consumers as they carry into the fall, according to new data from PYMNTS Intelligence. The majority of consumers, 77%, say basic expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are straining their finances during the summer months. Groceries topped the list as the most common source of financial pressure, cited by 53% of respondents, followed by utility bills at 46% and transportation costs at 36%.

While 19% cited travel expenses, back-to-school shopping ranked lowest among the pressure points, with only 10% of respondents mentioning it. A significant 79% of consumers reported at least one unavoidable cost contributing to their summer budget woes, with only 41% citing summer-specific expenses. Notably, 72% of those already feeling pressure from utility bills believe those costs rise during the summer, compared to 41% of those citing grocery costs as a pressure.

As summer budgeting shifts from preparing for major purchases to managing recurring expenses, utilities emerge as a particularly pressing concern, with roughly one-third of consumers experiencing higher utility costs during the warmer months. The data suggests that 58% of consumers expect to still be paying off summer expenses after the season ends, with a substantial 77% of Gen Z consumers falling into this category.

However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for financial services providers to help consumers better manage their finances. Tools for forecasting recurring bills, setting aside money for seasonal expenses, and smoothing payments throughout the year could alleviate the summer squeeze for many households. PYMNTS Intelligence, with its rigorous research methodologies and commitment to objective quality, offers trusted data to help businesses understand changing customer expectations and make strategic shifts for improved outcomes.