Gen X vs Gen Z: How We Approach Big Purchases

Gen X vs Gen Z: How We Approach Big Purchases

From Wonder In The Weeds by Dr. Cristie Ritz-King

March 4, 2026 · 56 min · Season 3 · Episode 17

About this episode

Cristie and Faith discuss their differing generational approaches to buying a new car.

Welcome back to the Wonder in the Weeds podcast! I am Cristie, your Gen X representative, and I am here with Faith, your Gen Z representative. In this episode, we are discussing a major life event: buying a new car. After Faith's old car completely died in the driveway, she had to find a reliable replacement fast. We talk about the entire experience from our two different generational perspectives. Faith explains her intense online research strategy to find a dependable Toyota within her budget, and how she used funds from a playwriting grant for her down payment. She also shares her experience navigating the high-pressure environment of the dealership as a young woman. From the parent perspective, I share the mental work it took to support Faith in making this large purchase without taking over the process. We also talk about how Dad handled the stress of the situation; he ultimately stepped up to be the perfect, positive cheerleader for Faith's new car. Finally, we wrap up with our weekly wonders. Faith shares her current favorite tracks from Noah Kahan and Bruce Springsteen, and I talk about the absolute joy of the recent Bad Bunny halftime show.

People in this episode

Host: Cristie

Guest: Faith

Topics covered

  • generational perspectives
  • big purchases
  • car buying
  • online research
  • supporting young adults
  • dealership experience

Keywords

  • Gen X
  • Gen Z
  • car buying
  • online research
  • dealership
  • support
  • financial planning

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Toyota

Books & works: Noah Kahan, Bruce Springsteen, Bad Bunny

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