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Let’s Talk About the Revenge Savings
So, apparently, Americans are no longer spending like crazy. They’re saving. A lot. It’s being called “revenge saving” and yeah, it sounds a little dramatic. But the idea is simple. After years of inflation, shaky job markets, and ridiculous grocery bills, people are done swiping their cards for everything. Now they’re saving, not because they want to, but because they’ve had enough.
Over 37 percent of Americans have upped their savings game just in the past month. Gen Z is leading the charge. And get this—almost 60 percent of them are actively putting money away instead of blowing it on the latest trend. Millennials too. It’s not because they don’t want to spend. It’s because they don’t feel safe spending.
But here’s the twist. While everyone’s talking about how “healthy” this trend is, it raises some real questions. Who does this help, really?
Big corporations aren’t exactly loving it. People aren’t eating out as much. Shopping sprees? Fewer. Vacations? Canceled or scaled down. That’s why you’re seeing more brands throwing sales, loyalty offers, and one-day deals every other day. Because consumer spending is the heartbeat of the economy and it’s skipping a few beats.
And while saving sounds like a smart move, and it is, it’s also a big red flag. Because why are people revenge saving in the first place? It’s not some financial glow-up. It’s a reaction to economic stress. It’s people trying to survive another rent hike or prep for the next unexpected medical bill. We’ve hit a point where Americans are saving out of fear, not freedom.
So yes, revenge saving is trending. But let’s stop pretending it’s some feel-good, financially empowered moment. It’s a symptom. A loud one.
And if you’re one of the many putting off basic purchases just to feel safe, you’re not alone. The system isn’t built to make it easy. You’re just doing what you can to stay afloat.
The real question is how long will Americans need to save out of fear before they can spend out of choice again?
