I spotted my 68-year-old mother cutting coupons last Sunday, meticulously organizing them in a small accordion folder while I scrolled through another cashback app on my phone. “Mom, there’s an app for that now,” I laughed. She looked up and simply said, “Some habits are worth keeping, Sophia.” That conversation stayed with me all week.
The financial wisdom of Baby Boomers often gets dismissed as outdated in our tap-to-pay world. But as inflation climbs and economic uncertainty looms, their spending approaches deserve a second look. Many Boomer money habits aren’t just nostalgic quirks—they’re financial principles that stand the test of time.
I’ve spent the last month interviewing financial experts and everyday Boomers about their spending philosophies. What emerged was surprising: many habits we younger generations abandoned might actually be worth reviving for 2025 and beyond.
Cash still holds a special place in Boomer wallets, and for good reason. “When you physically hand over bills, you feel the spending in a way digital transactions mask,” explains Rita Martinez, financial therapist at UCLA’s Money Management Clinic. Research backs this up—MIT studies show people spend up to 100% more when using credit cards versus cash.
My neighbor Frank, a retired accountant, still withdraws his “spending money” each Friday. “I know exactly what I have for the week,” he told me while watering his drought-resistant garden. “When it’s gone, I’m done spending. Simple as that.”
Waiting for sales remains another Boomer strategy worth embracing. Unlike today’s impulse-buy culture, many Boomers plan purchases around predictable sales cycles. This patience-based approach could save the average household $2,300 annually, according to Consumer Reports.
“My kids tease me about waiting months to buy things,” shared Diane Webber, 72, during our coffee meet-up. “But I’ve never paid full price for winter clothes or holiday items in thirty years.” Her closet proves her point—quality pieces bought at strategic times that have lasted decades.
The practice of keeping detailed spending records—often by hand—stands out among Boomer habits. While apps automate this process now, the manual tracking creates mindfulness around money. Nearly 64% of Boomers report reviewing expenses weekly compared to just 29% of millennials.
Physical banking relationships matter to this generation too. While younger folks might never visit branches, Boomers cultivate connections with actual bankers. These relationships often translate to better loan terms and fee waivers that digital-only customers miss out on.
“I’ve had the same banker for fifteen years,” explains retired teacher Maria Chen. “When my husband died, she personally helped restructure our accounts and waived several fees during that difficult time.” This human element of banking offers a safety net algorithms can’t provide.
The hesitancy toward debt deserves special attention. Growing up in different economic times, many Boomers view financing purchases as a last resort rather than default option. They save first, then buy—a concept that feels almost revolutionary in today’s buy-now-pay-later landscape.
Craig Williams, financial planner at Fidelity Investments, notes this distinction clearly: “The typical Boomer client has one-third less consumer debt than Gen X or millennial clients, even accounting for life stage and income differences.” This debt aversion creates significant long-term financial stability.
Home cooking represents another Boomer financial strength worth adopting. Restaurant spending has climbed 19% in the past year alone, while Boomers remain more likely to prepare meals at home. The savings add up dramatically—potentially $4,000 to $8,000 annually for a household.
Perhaps most valuable is the Boomer generation’s brand skepticism. Having grown up with less advertising saturation, they evaluate products based on utility rather than status. This immunity to brand manipulation results in purchases that actually serve their needs rather than projecting an image.
Last week, I watched my father repair his decade-old lawnmower instead of replacing it. When I asked why not just buy new, he gestured to the now-running machine. “Because this one still works fine with a little care.” Simple yet profound—fix before replacing, value function over newness.
As we navigate increasingly complex financial waters in 2025, these seemingly old-fashioned Boomer spending habits offer anchoring wisdom. The financial landscape changes, but principles of mindfulness, patience, and value-seeking remain powerfully relevant.
Maybe the accordion coupon folder won’t make a comeback, but the thoughtful spending it represents absolutely should. What spending habit from an older generation might you benefit from adopting in your own financial life?
