AI-generated image via Magnific
A new survey finds young adults who pay upfront for group travel or shared experiences often aren’t reimbursed.
Group vacations and social experiences may be creating lifelong memories for Gen Z, but they’re also leaving many young adults with unpaid bills and fractured friendships.
“No one wants the best part of a trip to be followed by the worst part: chasing friends to pay you back,” Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle, said in a statement. “Shared experiences should bring people closer, not create debt, tension or awkward group chat reminders.”
The findings come as many Gen Z consumers continue to navigate rising living costs while prioritizing experiences. Financial experts say those realities make upfront conversations about money even more important. Before booking a group getaway, experts recommend discussing budgets, deciding who will pay for what, and agreeing on repayment timelines to avoid misunderstandings later.
“Delaying repayment can create a bigger problem than the debt itself. As Zelle found, there is a tendency for consumers to avoid conversations about repayment,” said board-certified clinical psychologist and certified financial therapist Dr. Traci Williams. “What starts as a payment request can quickly turn into avoidance to temporarily reduce financial anxiety. Taking responsibility, acknowledging the delay, and using simple tools to pay people back can help reduce stress and protect relationships.”
RELATED CONTENT:
Source: Black Enterprise
