So-called revenge savings marks a shift from splurging to saving more money. Some consumers are saving more based on their feelings and concerns the economy.
But creating an intentional savings plan is key to success, financial advisors say.
Watch now2:1402:14Consumers shift to revenge saving as uncertainty loomsSquawk BoxAmericans are saving more money — and for some, the change in habit comes down to how they feel the economy.
More than 4 out of 10 Americans, or 44%, say they've engaged in so-called vibe-based budgeting, according to a new survey by Intuit Credit Karma.
In other words, they have adjusted their financial habits based on their feelings the economy, regardless of whether their financial situation has changed.
Younger generations are more ly to say they've tried vibe-based budgeting, with 56% of Gen Z and 57% of millennials surveyed. Intuit Credit Karma polled 1,058 adults online from June 13 to 17, 2025.
Some of those surveyed point to rising prices and worries a looming recession as contributing to their vibes.
Shaped by headlines, market swings and social media chatter, 61% of people surveyed reported feeling more anxious the economy than they did a year ago.
More from Your Money:Here's a look at on how to manage, grow and tect your money for the years ahead. On-time debt payments aren’t a magic fix for your credit score.
Here’s why in uncertain times: Here's what investors should knowPrivate equity wants a larger piece of workplace retirement plan assetsTheir feelings may also be fueling a surge in saving money, as "revenge spending" — the tendency to splurge after the pandemic — shifts to "revenge saving.
""If you're concerned the future, if you have some uncertainty, consumers may be looking to create that emergency fund or create that savings, because uncertainty means you want to be able to put your hands on cash if you need it quickly," said Charlie Wise, senior vice president of global re and consulting at TransUnion.
Saving more money is a perennial resolution, but emotions shouldn't drive that habit, financial experts say. Instead, be intentional.
These steps to turbocharge your savings: Take your 'money temperature'Start by taking a look at how you're spending and saving, and how comfortable you are with the balance of those habits.
To get a good read on your situation, you should know how much money you have coming in and what's going out. Gather your pay stubs and your bills to dig into the details.
"There are people that are way off track that are spending everything.
And there are people that are the best rs in the world, and they're sometimes the most miserable," said certified financial planner Matthew Blocki, founder of Equilibrium Wealth Advisors in Pittsburgh.
By taking "a 'money temperature' — if you utilize it correctly as a tool — you can reach the balance between living a good life today, securing the future and not having decision fatigue and not having regrets when you look back," he said.
Use 'reverse budgeting' to focus on savingsVithun Khamsong | Moment | Getty ImagesReview your expenses, but don't account for every dime yet.
Instead, experts say, ask yourself: What needs to be done to achieve your short-term goals, as well as long-term financial security.
Earmark money for your savings goals first, then figure out how much you can afford to spend on necessary expenses and, last, how much you may have left over for "fun money.
" By getting into the habit of paying yourself first — what's known as "reverse budgeting" — you build a budget based on your savings goals rather than your spending and expenses.
Create separate accounts for different goalsChoose the appriate account for each savings goal.
Aim for an emergency fund that can cover at least three to six months of household expenses, financial advisors say. A high-yield savings account can be a smart place for those funds.
For your retirement savings, fund your employer-sponsored 401(k) plan and/or an individual retirement account. Open a 529 college savings account to for education expenses.
Blocki advises clients to maintain two checking accounts: one for fixed expenses and long-term savings, and the other to cover variable costs.
"From that fixed account, we set up autopay for the mortgage and the car payments.
We set up auto pulls into the 529 plans for the kids' college, and the auto pulls into their investment accounts for longer-term goals," he said. "Then it's just, it's on autopilot.
" Periodically increase your savings rateStarting to and invest as early as you can — even if you don't have much to put aside — helps you harness the power of compounding.
That means you're earning a return on your contributions as well as on interest or gains you've already earned. Planning for a recurring increase in your savings rate can be helpful.
Fidelity recommends raising your savings rate in 401(k) and workplace retirement accounts each year, even if by just 1 percentage point.
Do that with college and investment accounts as well, financial advisors say. Small increases can make a boost in savings more attainable and help you feel the pinch far less, so you stay on track.
: Money 101 is an eight-week learning course on financial freedom, dered weekly to your inbox. It is also available in Spanish.
Watch nowwatch now03:06tecting financial assets amid immigration raids, deportationsSharon Epperson'Revenge saving' picks up as consumers brace for economic uncertaintySharon Eppersonwatch nowwatch now02:14Consumers shift to revenge saving as uncertainty loomsSharon EppersonRead More.