Gen Z is rewriting the way people approach both love and money, and Kevin O’Leary says that’s a good thing.
The entrepreneur and investor known as Mr. Wonderful believes that younger generations are breaking old taboos around financial discussions in relationships.
“Gen Z is changing the rules of money and relationships,” O’Leary wrote on X.
“They are willing to co-buy homes, pool resources, and talk finances earlier than ever. I actually tell my students this: by the third date, if you are serious, bring up money.”
O’Leary argues that transparency about finances strengthens, not weakens, relationships.
“Ask about credit scores, long-term financial goals, and where you see yourselves ten years from now,” he said.
“That conversation DOES NOT kill romance, it accelerates it. Money is not the end of love, it’s the foundation of it. Dream together, plan together, build together. That is how Gen Z is rewriting the playbook.”
Gen Z’s New Financial Habits
Surveys show that O’Leary’s observation lines up with broader financial trends among Gen Z. The youngest working generation is investing, saving, and budgeting in ways that reflect both uncertainty and long-term thinking.
According to Empower, the average Gen Z adult invests about 9% of their income, roughly $5,500 a year, and many are finding creative ways to save.
One in five still live with their parents to cut costs, while nearly half take on side hustles or gig work to increase earnings.
While Gen Z is 12% less likely to invest in a 401(k), they are 11% more likely to choose Roth IRAs, which offer more control and flexibility, especially for workers in the gig economy or contract roles.
Their approach is exploratory, 73% say they haven’t settled on a firm investing strategy yet, and 40% consider themselves beginners.
Despite that, many are taking bold steps: Gen Z investors are 45% more likely than older generations to “buy the dip” during market downturns.
They’re also comfortable using mobile tools to track their finances, with one in four checking investments daily, weekly, or monthly.
And with access to commission-free trading apps, investing has become more accessible than ever.
Social media is a major influence. Empower’s research found Gen Z investors are nearly seven times more likely than older generations to use TikTok for financial advice.
While they still turn to family and friends, the generation is comfortable blending digital advice with real-world experience.
Even AI-powered platforms are becoming part of their toolkit, though most only offer general guidance.
Gen Z’s Money Priorities in Real Life
A Guardian feature found that 69% of Gen Z uses a budget, but the way they manage money looks different from older generations.
Instead of following rigid rules, many focus on flexibility and small comforts. Subscriptions, thrifted clothes, and what some call “doom spending”, little treats to cope with stress, are common.
Take Jenna, for example. She’s 26, lives in Cincinnati, and earns $64,000 a year. She saves 25% of her income because she doesn’t believe Social Security will be reliable by the time she retires.
She spreads her savings across a 401(k), Roth IRA, and HSA. Jenna sticks to a budget but still spends a little more on high-quality groceries and skincare, which she feels are worth the splurge.
Then there’s Jake, 28, in Seattle. He earns about $33,600 a year in a seasonal customer service job. He and his wife share a bank account and focus on just covering the basics.
They save what they can for emergencies like car trouble or vet bills. They’re not big on the stock market and hope to eventually build a small home to avoid high housing costs.
Mark, 26, is a data scientist in North Carolina making $72,000 a year.
He wants to buy a home, but high rent makes that hard. He keeps his spending pretty minimal, except when traveling to visit his long-distance partner in the U.K.
And finally, there’s Anna, 22, a part-time teacher and writer who lives with her family in Washington.
She only earns about $8,400 a year but saves most of it. She rarely spends on extras but will occasionally buy something she loves, like antique books or old music records.
For her, those splurges are personal and meaningful.
Why Gen Z Thinks Money Talk Is Romantic
Gen Z isn’t about being super frugal, they care more about finding a balance. They save when they can, spend with intention, and try to plan ahead without stressing too much.
It’s a generation that understands the world can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop them from working toward stability.
O’Leary sees this as a good thing. He thinks being upfront about money early in a relationship helps it grow stronger.
For Gen Z, talking about money early in a relationship feels normal. It’s a way to show you’re serious, not something that kills the vibe.
They’d rather know where things stand, financially and emotionally, than avoid the topic. For them, honesty about money makes a relationship stronger, not weaker.