This year’s highlights
Kids stacked up the numbers in 2025.
In 2025, tiny glimmers were everywhere: milestones were hit, chores checked off, and dollars put to work.
Now, let’s take a look at the stats that made the year shine.
And, they made dreams come true.
spent on flying lessons by future pilots
total transactions completed at CarMax
sent to the SBA by a new business owner
payments to law school admission
Family Money In Motion
Earning, saving, and investing became a whole household vibe. Money wasn’t the goal, it was the tool where tiny, everyday choices sparked BIG moments.
Up, up, up
Follow the glow.
Little wallets, big ambitions. Whether earning from paychecks or allowance, kids are saving more and investing at younger ages.
The next-gen of investors.
Small investors, big moves
Kids’ winning picks.
Top stocks & ETFs: VOO, NVDA, TSLA, AAPL, AMZN
Avg buy trade: $46.56 (increased from $39.70 in 2024)
“My children love to invest their money in stocks and knowing they are growing their money for their future.”
Shannon
Greenlight mom
The Joy Factor
Turns out, joy isn’t about buying all the viral trends. Purchases were more intentional and less impulsive, swapping quick buys for the things that stick... like experiences. The new trend? Time together.
Top 100 spends
Kids were major concert fans.
They spent over $3 million to see their faves on stage.
Travel goals
Greenlight families are saving to travel to some of these top hot spots: Disney, Japan, Europe, New York City, and Hawaii.
$66M transferred between kids and friends.
That’s proof that casual, digital payments are becoming more common among kids and teens.
From cars to wishlist items, Greenlight families are saving for things that matter most to them. Take a look at our Top Ten.
Intentional spending is growing.
The Crunch Era
The era of conscious spending isn’t “on the way,” it’s already here. Every dollar sparkled and families weren’t just spending less… they were spending smarter.
Looking ahead
Saving for tomorrow is trending up.
Families are responding to the economy with “future” and “emergency” funds growing year over year.
Spending shifts
Skipped the trip out, not the fries.
Parents cut back on dining out and travel, but kids kept their fast-food spending steady (using their own money!). DoorDash continues to top the charts for ultimate convenience spend.*
Check out what trends are up, what are down, and what the top businesses of 2025 were for Greenlight families.
New spending trends
Thrift and smart habits take over.
In 2025, thrifting, retro scores, and thoughtful bargain-hunting took over, pushing people to rethink quick impulse purchases. Kids followed suit, styling their own secondhand looks.
Spending trends take a new turn.
Depop spend up 100% YoY
($7.2M spent)
TikTok Shop spend up 50%+ YoY
($20.09 avg spend)
Sephora spend down $3.3M YoY
($38.40 avg spend)
Five Below spend up 196% YoY
($7.8M spent)
The Effort Effect
In 2025 every chore became a tiny win, building mindsets and independence one habit at a time. And the payoff? Futures are looking brighter than ever.
In 2025, every chore counted...
from making beds to doing the dishes—and even work outside the house, the extra cash added up.
“My kiddos are learning the value of working for their money and are more careful in how they spend it. They also feel a sense of confidence and freedom in managing their money and deciding their savings goals.”
Andera
Greenlight customer
... and kids became more independent and felt more in control.
90% of kids want to earn money, not just receive it*
76% say Greenlight boosts their money confidence*
Kids are still tackling classics like pet care, cleaning, and dishes. While self-care chores like reading, exercise, learning, and music are rising. And families continue to rely on Greenlight to teach the big stuff: smart spending, debit vs. credit, and needs vs. wants.
Raising the Future
Gen Alpha & Gen Z took growing up to the next level. They’re financially fluent, future-focused and using money as a source of freedom. From direct deposits to driving goals, they turned their independence from “one day” to “today.”
Tracking growth
Growing up, one dollar at a time.
Kids and teens are learning that every dollar counts and building habits that will last a lifetime.
New drivers. New freedom.
Teens are taking on the responsibilities that come with the freedom of the open road.
Future-focused
Next-gen thinks ahead.
67% of kids believe they’ll be as well off or better off than parents*
50% of kids want money to buy a home or business by age 25*
Cool new trend
For Greenlight kids, 26% want to be influencers when they grow up. We’re also seeing time with friends and online gaming trending upward.*
Customer shoutouts from the year.
Trends in 2026
Expect independence, intentionality, and investing to shape the way kids learn, turning everyday decisions into meaningful habits and setting the stage for a lifetime of smart choices.
Expect 2026 to lean into “digital thrift.”
Families are using apps, reselling platforms, and smart tools to save money, cut waste, and make more intentional purchases.
A new wave of kid confidence.
Kids will turn earning and saving into a new kind of self-care in 2026.
In 2026, teens will blend financial independence into their identity mixing work, investing, and learning into everyday life.
Stepping into “mindful indulgence.”
Families will save with joy in mind and connect money habits to emotional well-being.
Money moves get fun.
Micro-investing and gamified money tools are taking off. Everyday money skills will feel simple, fun, and part of real life.
Keep shining in 2026.
Methodology
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