Picnics, points and paying your own way: the ‘new money rules’ helping Australians stay social

Key Points

88% of Australians have adopted "new money rules" over the past year, finding smarter ways to manage spending without giving up the people, routines and experiences that matter most.

Australians are rethinking how they socialise, with 46% opting for at-home catch-ups and almost one in five choosing lower-cost gatherings like picnics and potluck dinners.

Rewards points are becoming a cost-of-living essential, with 89% of Australians belonging to a rewards program and 55% increasing their use of points and rewards in the past six months.

Consumer research commissioned by CommBank has revealed 88% of Australians have adopted new “money rules” over the past year, as they find more flexible ways to manage spending without giving up routines, relationships and experiences that matter the most.

CACB0188 CA Media Release Infographics June 2026

Choosing ways to stay connected

Rather than stepping back from social connection, some Australians are looking for smarter, more flexible ways to stay connected.

The research found that nearly half (46%) of respondents have started catching up at home instead of at cafés or restaurants due to cost-of-living pressures, with nearly 20% also turning to lower-cost social rituals like picnics and potluck “bring a dish” dinners.

CommBank Chief Behavioural Scientist Will Mailer said some Australians were redesigning social habits opting for simpler, more flexible catch‑ups that feel easier to maintain.

“With budgets under pressure, younger Australians are opting for cheaper ways to stay connected compared to older generations. The research shows that Gen Zand Millennials are more likely than the older Baby Boomer and Silent Generations to choose lower-cost ways to stay socially connected.

“The research indicates a shift towards more flexible, lower-pressure socialising – things like picnics instead of brunches or long lunches, breakfasts instead of dinners, and catch-ups at home where everyone brings a dish.

“People still want shared experiences and connection, but they’re becoming more thoughtful about the settings, expectations and costs that come with socialising,” Mailer said.

Focusing on little luxuries

As spending habits shift, so too does the definition of what counts as a luxury. Despite being more careful with their money, many Australians aren’t ready to give up the small, everyday things. Compared to a year ago, 86% of respondents now see at least one everyday activity as a luxury, with dining out (48%) and entertainment or social events (46%) topping the list.

However, some habits remain non-negotiable. Most Australians don’t see their daily coffee (73%), beauty or grooming services (71%), or streaming subscriptions (68%) as luxuries. Health and wellbeing also remain a priority, with 75% saying gym memberships and fitness classes are essential, not optional.

Rewards points become a “second currency”

Australians are becoming savvier shoppers, with rewards and points now playing a big role in how they spend. The research found 89% of Australians belong to at least one rewards or points program, rising to 95% among the Silent generation.

More than half (55%) say they’ve ramped up their use of rewards programs in the past six months to help manage cost‑of‑living pressures - led by Gen Z (68%). It’s also influencing where people shop, with 58% saying they’re more likely to spend where they can earn points or rewards.

“For many Aussies, rewards are no longer just a bonus - they’re something they actively factor into everyday spending decisions and where they choose to shop,” said Mailer.

Changing the rules around splitting the bill

The research also uncovered a generational divide in how Australians prefer to split costs when socialising.

Older Australians are more likely to stick to a “pay your own way” approach when eating out or catching up, with 58% of Baby Boomers and 54% of Gen X preferring to cover their own share.

Younger Aussies, however, are more open to flexible ways of sharing costs. Gen Z (67%) and Millennials (66%) are less likely to favour everyone paying their own share, indicating a shift toward more relaxed group spending.

Millennials are also the most likely to prefer splitting the bill evenly (22%), followed by the Silent Generation (20%) – compared to Gen Z (16%), Gen X (14%) and Baby Boomers (14%).

Mr Mailer said that overall, the research findings suggest Australians aren’t stepping back from socialising - they’re simply doing it differently.

“Aussies of all ages are rethinking their relationship with money, from how they socialise to how they share costs, with many finding practical ways to stay connected while keeping costs in check,” concluded Mailer.

About the research

The research was conducted by YouGov as an online survey on behalf of CommBank between 6 and 11 May 2026 with a nationally representative sample of 2,006 Australians aged 18 years and older.