20 Aug Top Talk in Personal Finance
What’s Changing in 2025—and How You Can Stay Ahead
From Your Coaches at Level Coaching
Summary:
Personal finance is evolving quickly. Americans are saving more than they have in years, new financial technology is changing how people budget and invest, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options are reshaping spending habits—sometimes in harmful ways. In this blog, we’ll break down the biggest trends in personal finance right now and show you how to apply them in your own life. With the guidance of your Level Coach, you can navigate these changes with confidence and keep progressing toward financial fitness.
Trend 1: “Revenge Saving” Is on the Rise
After years of economic stress and inflation, more Americans are shifting their focus to saving and protecting their future. This movement is being referred to as “revenge saving”—a way to regain control and build peace of mind.
At Level Coaching, we love to see this shift, but saving without structure or consistency can lead to missed opportunities. That’s why we focus on helping clients automate their savings and give each dollar a clear purpose.
What You Can Do:
- Set up automatic transfers for a fixed percentage of your paycheck—start with 5–10% if you can.
- Use multiple savings accounts for different goals: emergency fund, vacation, home repairs, or upcoming purchases.
- Track your savings rate as a percentage of your income so you can measure growth over time.
Need help setting this up? Ask your coach about their top ways to save.
Trend 2: AI Tools Are Gaining Popularity—but Use Them Wisely
AI-powered personal finance tools are becoming more popular, offering features like expense tracking, budgeting suggestions, and even investment guidance. While these tools can be useful, they don’t offer the level of personalized insight and accountability that a human coach can provide.
Some apps may oversimplify your financial situation or suggest one-size-fits-all advice. At Level Coaching, we recommend using technology as a support tool—not as a replacement for strategic planning.
What You Can Do:
- Use budgeting apps to track spending or identify trends.
- Bring your insights to your coaching sessions for analysis and planning.
- Don’t rely on AI for high-stakes decisions like investing, debt management, or retirement planning.
Trend 3: Gen Z is Embracing Side Hustles and Financial Independence
A recent survey shows that 94% of Gen Z is aiming for financial independence by age 55, with many setting goals as early as age 32. Side hustles, freelance work, and digital entrepreneurship are key tools they’re using to make it happen.
This approach can work for any age group. At Level Coaching, we help clients treat side hustle income as a powerful way to meet savings goals, pay down debt, or fund long-term investments.
What You Can Do:
- Separate your side hustle income from your main budget to stay clear on where your money is going.
- Use a 50/30/20 breakdown: 50% to savings or debt payoff, 30% for lifestyle, 20% to reinvest in your business or career.
- Discuss tax strategies and tracking with your coach to stay organized and compliant.
We can help you create a personalized Side Hustle Savings Plan if you’re starting or growing a secondary income stream.
Trend 4: BNPL Is Convenient—But Risky
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay have become a regular part of consumer spending—even for essentials like groceries. While it can feel like a flexible option, many users are falling behind on payments or accumulating more debt than they realize.
One study showed that 41% of BNPL users had at least one missed payment last year.
What You Can Do:
- Only use BNPL if you could afford the full payment today.
- Include BNPL obligations in your total debt picture, just like a credit card or loan.
- Prioritize paying off higher-interest debts first.
Talk with your coach if you’re feeling stretched thin or are unsure how much you owe across different platforms.
Trend 5: High-Yield Savings Accounts Are a Missed Opportunity for Many
With current interest rates staying relatively high, high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are offering APYs of 4% or more. This is a significant improvement over traditional savings accounts, which still offer rates under 1% in many cases.
Yet many Americans haven’t made the switch, missing out on hundreds of dollars in interest each year.
What You Can Do:
- Open a high-yield savings account for your emergency fund or short-term goals.
- Compare account options from online banks like Ally, Marcus, Capital One, or Discover.
- Leave your money untouched so it can compound over time.
Need help deciding which savings vehicle is right for you? Your coach can walk you through it.
How to Apply These Trends with Level Coaching
| Trend | Take Action | Level Coaching Support |
|---|---|---|
| Revenge Saving | Automate savings by % of income | Use our Savings Plan with your Coach |
| AI Budgeting Tools | Use for tracking, not planning | Ask your coach for review and insights |
| Side Hustles | Direct income toward specific goals | Get a Side Hustle Savings Plan |
| BNPL Risks | Track and reduce usage | Use our Debt Snapshot Worksheet |
| High-Yield Accounts | Move savings for better interest | We’ll help you compare accounts |
Final Thoughts from Your Coaching Team
Personal finance isn’t just about reacting to headlines or trends—it’s about building a system that works for your life, your goals, and your future.
These trends can be helpful guides, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. What matters most is that you stay intentional, consistent, and supported. That’s what we’re here for.
You don’t need to chase perfection. You just need to take the next right step.
Ready to Take Action?
- Book your next coaching session
- Ask us how to set up automated savings or review your debt strategy
- Not sure where to begin? Send a message to your coach and we’ll help you prioritize
Written by Nichole Olds,
August 2025