Americans Cancel Summer Vacations

Survey finds that 70% of Americans simply can’t afford to participate in summer trips and activities - Younger workers are willing to take advantage of a good job market and get a side hustle to battle inflation and FOMO

Dave Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVE) announced the results of its recent Harris Poll which surveyed Gen-Z and Millennial Americans about how they will spend this summer in the wake of mounting anxieties and pressures from inflation, high gas prices, Covid, and more.

With inflation reaching a 8.6% rate this May, and increasing in June, Americans are facing tough decisions on when and how to use their hard earned money. Leisure activities and hobbies are taking a backseat to essential purchases for most of the population. The survey found 4 in 10 Americans aren't planning on taking a vacation this summer, with 40% saying they simply can't afford it. However, the remaining 60% of those polled, plan on vacationing - half reporting that they would anticipate going into debt or stretching their budget to do so.

The report also showed:

• With rocketing gas prices and inflation being much more of a worry for Americans this summer, going on a summer vacation is going to be a tough decision for most people. 67% said it was their biggest concern this summer vs just 24% who were worried about Covid.
• Over one-third of Americans and more than 40% of Gen Z are planning to get a second job just to pay for their summer vacation.
• A full third of the respondents said they anticipated pressure on their finances, but were optimistic that they could recoup and repay later.
• 20% say they cannot afford or are not sure they will be able to afford a vacation.
• Three quarters of respondents said they are concerned they barely have enough money to get by

“The need to take a break and let off steam during the summer is an inalienable right, but our survey shows people will be spending that time closer to home thanks to the economic conditions,” said Jason Wilk, Dave Inc. CEO. “Our customers have also pointed to rising costs of fuel, food, and lodging as reasons to seek alternative ways to make ends meet - but it’s a big surprise that Americans are willing to give up their holiday trips this summer. At Dave, our goal is to help our hard working members close the gaps and reclaim their summer.”

Driven in part by Dave’s newly launched 10% cashback reward on gas purchases, gas spend with Dave increased 6% in Q2 versus Q1 2022, according to proprietary platform data.

“The ‘Summer Fun’ survey clearly showed that more than half of the respondents are willing to take debt to fulfill their plans this summer,” said Mia Alexander, VP of Member Engagement at Dave. “However, at Dave, we take a different approach to solving financial shortfalls, offering tools to help members make the best use of their money and avoid the vicious cycle of spending more than they can afford.”

Dave is upending the banking industry with its suite of breakthrough financial products. From banking with no hidden fees, credit building, and access to additional work opportunities, Dave products are improving the financial health of its members. Dave has built incredible customer advocacy, leading to an industry low CAC, one million app store reviews and a 4.8 star rating. The company is also one of the fastest growing financial apps in history with more than six million members in under four years.

Survey Methodology

The Harris Poll conducted the survey online on behalf of Dave, from June 6-13, 2022, among n=1038 US residents aged 18-41, including n=385 Gen Z (ages 18-25) and n=653 Millennials (ages 26-41). Data were weighted separately by generation group where necessary by age, gender, region, education, marital status (not included in Gen Z weighting), household size, household income, and propensity to be online to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. The groups were combined using a post weight to bring them in line with their proportion in the population.