• Rich Bayer, UK CEO at Clearpay (a Block company)


• 06.02.2026 09:30 am
#FinancialLiteracy

A new kind of money mindset is taking hold - one built around confidence, control, and smarter choices. 

After years of economic turbulence, consumers have become more intentional about how they manage their money. Many are turning away from traditional finance and are now seeking flexible, digital-first tools that support better budgeting and long-term planning.

A shift in financial habits

Younger consumers are digital natives, they’ve grown up with technology firmly embedded in their everyday lives, so it’s no surprise that they are embracing financial innovation and are reshaping what financial management looks like.

While older consumers have historically been hesitant to fully embrace modern financial technology such as digital wallets or contactless payments, younger generations are confidently exploring new forms of money management from budgeting apps to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), as well as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It’s clear they are expecting more, innovative, options from financial providers.

Crypto confidence grows

According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Bitcoin remains the most well known type of cryptoasset, recognised by 79% of the public in 2025 and owned by more than half (57%) of crypto users.

At the forefront of this trend are those aged 25-34, a generation that uses bitcoin and cryptocurrencies more than Cash ISAs (28% vs 24%). In fact, according to our recent Entrepreneurship Revolution report, 41% of this cohort say they’re likely to include cryptocurrency in their savings strategy over the next five years.

For young people crypto is not an option resigned to the sidelines, it is an increasingly mainstream part of financial planning that 34% of users in this age group say gives them the ability to store and grow long-term savings.

Data shows that two in five people who use cryptocurrencies across all generations say what they find most useful is being in full control of their own funds.

This growing trend has the power to change the personal finance landscape as data shows that a third (33%) of the population could own some form of crypto by 2035.

Smarter tools for smarter spending

The desire to make money work smarter is widespread. With more than half (52%) of UK adults feeling pessimistic about the state of the UK economy over the next 12 months, consumers aren’t taking a passive approach to their money. They’re actively seeking out tools that give clear visibility and real-time flexibility.

This is why digital tools such as BNPL, instant savings trackers, and crypto platforms are rapidly moving into the financial mainstream.

Flexibility in uncertain times

The demand for flexible financial products such as BNPL which is playing a key role in enabling consumers to spread costs responsibly. Today, 41% of the nation feel positive about BNPL and more than one in three (37%) have used it in the past year. Among 18-34-year-olds, that positivity jumps to 56%.

It’s often assumed that young people don't know how to manage their money, but these findings suggest the contrary. Other generations could do well to take note of the financial management preferences of today’s youth - they might just be on the money.