2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2

author(s)
Amrit Horo

abstract
This article delves into the spending habits of Generation Z in India with an emphasis on the differences between city and rural youth between 13 to 28 years of age. It taps into social, economic, and technological differences influencing the expenses and savings behaviors. Urban youth demonstrate increased discretionary expenditure fuelled by digital lifestyles, peer pressure, and personal freedom using digital payment. Contrary to this, rural youth are more regular in saving, driven by financial insecurity, guidance from family, and dependence on conventional tools such as post office schemes. Gaps in financial literacy, decision-making authority, and access to technology are highlighted by the research, which puts rural youth at a disadvantage. New areas of research are signalled by emerging patterns such as the influence of digital financial influencers and the absence of gender-specific findings. The review ends with a call for region-relevant financial literacy and accessible digital initiatives to promote healthy financial empowerment across varied socio-geographic groups.