2017 NAN July

26 NORTH AMERICA NEWS / JULY 2017 , Millennials are spending their money differently than older generations on things like groceries, gas, restaurants and travel, according to a newBankrate.com report. Millennials (ages 18-36), on average, report spending significantlymore than their elders in four of the six categories examined in the survey. Millennial Spending Habits Differ FromOlder Generations Millennial spending on necessities like groceries and gas surpasses that of older adults. The youngest adult generation reports spending an average of $797 per month on groceries, compared to $724 for those 37 and older. And, on average, millennials spend $254 per month on gasoline, versus the $211 per month spent by those older than them. Millennials are also spending generously on extras like restaurant orders and cell phone bills. They indicate average monthly spending of $233 on both dine-in and take out meals, against $182 for older generations. They also top their elders’ monthly cell phone charges $161 to $135. In all, millennials spend an additional 15%, or more than $2,300 per year, on these four costs than older generations. Two areas that millennials are cutting back spending: television and travel. Average millennial spending in both these areas is significantly lower than those who are older. Millennials report spending an average of $1,943 per year on trips or vacations, while older Americans are shelling out $2,665. For television services like cable, satellite and steaming/subscription, millennials are spending just $80 per month, compared to $114 for those 37 and up. “Given their busy lifestyles and, in many cases, growing families, millennials’ spending habits differ quite significantly from their elders,” said Bankrate.com credit card analyst Robin Saks Frankel. “Responsible budgeters should pay close attention to where most of their money is going. Having the right credit card to reward spending tendencies can be a simple way to put money back in your pocket.” Frankel recommends, “With the effective use of a standard 2% cash back card, the average millennial could save more than $400 per year on things they are buying anyway. That number can rise even higher by matching the right card to specific spending habits.” The survey was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. PSRAI obtained telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,002 adults living in the continental United States. Interviews were conducted by landline (501) and cell phone (501, including 321 without a landline phone) in English and Spanish by Princeton Data Source from July 6-9, 2017. Statistical results are weighted to correct known demographic discrepancies. The margin of sampling error for the complete set of weighted data is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. www.bankrate.com