10 Things Gen Xers Should Stop Spending On
Vacation homes
Whether it’s a condo at the beach or a cabin in the woods, buying a second home can create a big drain on Gen Xers’ finances. There are several costs to consider, from insurance and property taxes to maintenance and homeowners association fees.
“Unless you spend three-plus months of the year in the second home, I would consider just renting instead of buying,” says Crystal McKeon, a certified financial planner with TSA Wealth Management in Houston.
Luxury vehicles
Grizely says she often sees Gen X clients in their prime earning years opt for more expensive cars. “Sometimes, it’s a symbol of their success,” she says. But those status symbols can come with a hefty monthly price tag when financed with a loan.
Gen Xers with auto loans have the highest monthly payments — $594 — of any age group, according to a 2026 LendingTree study. They could reduce that financial burden by buying a used vehicle, choosing an economy brand or, perhaps most efficiently, getting more years out of the car they already have.
Lavish vacations
Gen Xers ages 50 to 59 expect to spend an average of $6,231 on travel in 2026, up from $5,991 in 2025, according to AARP’s annual Travel Trends study. “Travel creates wonderful memories, but financing vacations with high-interest credit cards often turns a great experience into a long-term financial burden,” says Michelle Crumm, founder of Belle Eve Financial in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
You don’t have to forgo travel altogether, but you can avoid putting it on a credit card with some planning. Grizely recommends opening a savings account specifically for travel and depositing an amount that fits within your budget. The goal is to travel without taking on debt, which might mean choosing a more affordable vacation over a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Swimming pools
The popularity of backyard pools surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as people were forced to stay home, according to Realtor.com. Although the boom in pool construction has cooled, Michael Hardy, founder of Ocean Wealth Group in Williamsville, New York, says many of his Gen X clients have been paying big bucks to build in-ground pools, often taking out loans to finance them. “It’s like taking out a mini mortgage,” he says.
That means more debt and less money for retirement savings. “It comes with a sacrifice,” Hardy says. Plus, there are ongoing maintenance costs, such as cleaning, chemicals and repairs, with pool owners paying, on average, around $500 for monthly pool service during the summer months, according to Fixr, a website that provides cost guides and comparisons for remodeling projects.
Food delivery and takeout
It’s easy for Gen Xers who are busy juggling careers and caring for both children and aging parents to justify ordering takeout or delivery, but it’s a costly expense. Hardy says he recently used DoorDash to order Subway sandwiches for himself and his son. “It was very convenient to use,” he says — but it cost him $48.
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