It’s a new year, which means anything can happen, including with people’s finances.
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Here are CFP Rianka Dorsainvil’s expert predictions on the money trends that will dominate headlines and social media feeds in 2025. Plus, find out what you should change about how you manage your money this year.
Gen Z’s Side Hustle May Become Their Main Squeeze
“There will be an unprecedented rise in the number of Gen Z starting a new business as this generation seeks to unlock professional freedom in the new year,” said Dorsainvil. “We’ll see more college graduates side-step the traditional 9-to-5 and instead choose an entrepreneurial career path — likely with their peers.”
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Baby Boomers Will Be Harder To Reach
Dorsainvil said that boomers will make paying off debt a priority in 2025, which will make it difficult, if not impossible, for brands to sell nonessential items to them.
“To resonate, brands will need to appeal to boomers’ deeper wants and needs,” she explained. “In 2025, that may include Rococo era accessories.”
Millennials on the Stock Market
“More than any other generation,” said Dorsainvil, “millennials are invested in securing passive income. But in 2025, they won’t go all in on real estate due to increasing housing prices. Instead, expect this generation to become savvy with the stock market, investing in stocks and bonds to meet their money dreams.”
Women Will Run the Show
Dorsainvil said women will make managing their household finances a priority, if that’s not already the case, including tasks like setting budgets, paying bills and filing taxes — whether their partner supports them or not.
“They’ll also play a leading role in teaching their kids to become financially responsible,” she added.
‘Wait and See’ Budgeting
Dorsainvil predicted that as consumers anticipate a stronger economy in 2025, many will be looking to spend more money.
“That said, most will take a ‘wait and see’ approach in the first few months, creating a financial win-win,” she explained. “Each month, families will allocate more money to savings while putting together their budget. Come summertime, they’ll assess how the economy is performing.
“If inflation is down and things are more affordable, consumers will use their extra savings to splurge on things like summer travel and holiday gifts. If not, they’ll be relieved to know they’ve created an extra safety net.”
Social Platforms Will Support Financial Learning
“Despite best efforts to remove TikTok from the U.S., the social media app will continue to operate in the States in 2025, with at least one in two Americans using #FinTok next year,” Dorsainvil predicted. “We’ll also see a rise in financial content on other platforms like Instagram, BlueSky and even YouTube — with longer-form financial videos becoming more popular.”
Now Seeking: Professional Finance Help
Dorsainvil pointed out that nearly one in five Gen Zers visited a financial advisor in person toward the end of 2024, which, she said, is more than any other generation.
“With their enthusiasm for making smarter financial decisions, we’ll see Gen Z continue to seek professional money advice in 2025,” she added.
High-Yield Savings Accounts
“With one in four Americans searching for ways to maximize their savings this year, we’ll see many of them transition to banks with high-yield savings accounts in 2025,” said Dorsainvil.
She predicted that younger people will choose mobile banking apps for these accounts.
New Love for Spreadsheets
Dorsainvil pointed out that while many well-designed budgeting apps are available, people will be looking for a more “hands-on approach” when managing finances in 2025.
“Dynamic spreadsheets, like the Wealth Planner from Katie Gatti, will rise in popularity, especially among millennials and Gen X, who are savvy with Excel and similar programs,” she said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: From Side Hustles to Spreadsheets: 9 Money Trends To Watch in 2025
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
