(NewsNation) — Nearly half of Americans shift their spending habits not because their finances have changed, but because their perception of the economy has — a phenomenon called “vibe-based budgeting.”
That financial approach is a reality for 44% of respondents in a new survey from Intuit Credit Karma.
It’s increasingly popular among younger adults, including Gen Z (56%) and millennials (57%), who said they choose how much to spend depending on “how the economy feels.”
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What influences ‘vibe-based budgeting’?
Intuit Credit Karma credits “headlines, market swings, and social media chatter” for perceived economic vibe shifts, especially among America’s younger adults.
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A majority, 56%, of Americans said they feel anxious about money due to the news they hear, even if their financial situation has remained stable.
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Economic outlook has been consistently cautious — and at times concerned — in recent months, with President Donald Trump’s tariffs, high costs of living, mass layoffs and fears of a recession leading the news cycle.
When asked to describe the current state of the economy, 61% of respondents reported being more anxious about the economy now than a year ago. Descriptors included “concerning” (37%), “unstable” (35%) and “chaotic” (29%).
Financial decisions should be grounded in reality, not vibes: Expert
Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate at Intuit Credit Karma, said it’s important to focus financial decisions on reality rather than external factors.
“Use the broader economic context as a guide, not a rule, and stay focused on what you can confidently afford according to your financial situation,” Alev said in a statement.
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“One helpful habit is to regularly audit your finances and budget, not just when things feel uncertain, but on an ongoing basis to accurately assess when you might need to make adjustments and when you’re right on track with your goals,” Alev added.
The survey, conducted between June 13 and 17, asked 1,058 U.S. adults about their spending habits.
