Generation Z views money differently than previous generations. They use cash less often, trust digital tools more, and start thinking about saving and investing at an earlier age. These topics were at the center of the financial literacy conference for Generation Z, Money Tik Talk Zagreb 2026, held at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management, where representatives of institutions, banks, fintech, business, and education discussed attitudes toward money with high school and university students.
Major changes in the financial system were presented by the Deputy Governor of the Croatian National Bank, Sandra Švaljek, who highlighted how much payment methods have evolved over the past few decades. “In the last 50 years, the way we pay has changed more than in the centuries before. In the past, almost everything was paid in cash, while today cards, mobile payments, and digital wallets are part of everyday life,” she said. Speaking about the future of finance, she also անդրjesed the digital euro. “The digital euro is envisioned as a solution that combines the best of cash and digital currencies—simple digital payments with the security we associate with cash,” Švaljek explained, adding a message to students: “I lived in the 1970s of the last century, and you will very likely live in the 1970s of this century. Try to imagine how you will be paying then.”
The topic of personal finance and youth habits was further discussed by Tamara Perko, Director of the Croatian Banking Association, in a conversation moderated by Laura Slobođan, a student from the 10th Gymnasium. Perko highlighted that young people today start thinking about money and investing much earlier than previous generations, emphasizing the importance of building good financial habits from a young age. “My sons are already thinking about how to manage their allowance – spending one part and setting another aside. One of them is saving for a bigger goal, while the other is putting part of his money into small long-term investments to see how it can grow over time,” she said. She added that time is the most important ally in investing: “When you calculate in Excel how much you can save by setting aside just ten euros a month, you realize how much time works in your favor. If you start early and invest regularly, in the long run you can reach an amount that allows you to retire as a millionaire.”
The responsibility behind major financial decisions was explained by former Minister of Finance Zdravko Marić, now a successful entrepreneur. He reflected on working with public finances and large sums that often come down to numbers on paper in practice. “I, for example, have never seen a billion kuna or euros, but I know very well that they exist. When you have to sign a document with that many zeros, your hand may hesitate a bit – but in the end, you sign,” said Marić, adding that such decisions are never routine and always require careful consideration of long-term consequences.
A broader international perspective was provided by Anna Boda, the Swedish Ambassador to Croatia, who described what life looks like in one of Europe’s most digitalized economies. “In Sweden, nearly 99 percent of transactions are cashless. Paying by card or mobile phone has become completely standard,” she said. However, she added that a digital society must also consider crisis situations. “The Swedish central bank recommends that citizens keep around one hundred euros in cash at home in case of disruptions to digital payment systems. She also mentioned an interesting example from Sweden’s penalty system: “Many smaller fines are determined based on monthly income to ensure they have an equal impact on everyone.”
Digital habits of young users were also highlighted by Lea Baričić from Aircash. She emphasized that Generation Z expects fast and simple financial services available through mobile applications. “Generation Z has grown up with smartphones and expects financial services to be accessible with just one click,” she said, adding that the app has developed features tailored to users’ everyday needs. “The advantage of Aircash is that it combines the best of both worlds. It allows young people to live completely cashless, while also providing those who prefer cash with simple payouts, without the need for a bank account or card.”
Vinka Ilak, a member of the Management Board of FINA, warned about financial discipline and the issue of debt. Financial problems, she explained, rarely arise from a single unpaid bill. “For citizens who end up in enforcement proceedings, it is almost never about just one unpaid bill. We most often see multiple unpaid obligations,” Ilak said, noting that such situations usually indicate a broader issue in managing personal finances. “If people understand and track their income and obligations, they are much less likely to face serious financial difficulties.”
A similar message about responsibility in financial decision-making was emphasized by Barbara Cerinski, Director of EOS Matrix. “You can choose to save, invest, or spend your money – just make sure you are well informed about the advantages and consequences of those choices. Risks are always present, and it is important to be aware of them in advance and consider whether you can live with their potential outcomes,” she said.
Ivan Hećimović from Zagrebačka banka spoke about how young people use banking services today. He emphasized that for younger generations, banking increasingly means digital services and mobile applications. “They often see a bank as an app on their phone rather than a physical branch,” he said, citing the mStudent app as an example. “Through the app, students can track their expenses and use digital services related to student life, and until the end of the semester, they can also receive a free meal in student cafeterias on Thursdays.”
Ana Zorić from the Ministry of Finance highlighted the importance of systematically strengthening financial literacy among young people so they can make informed and responsible financial decisions. She also emphasized that education, access to information, and cooperation between institutions are key to developing healthy financial habits from an early age.
The topic of youth employment was addressed through industry insights shared by Andrija Barić, Finance Director at KONČAR. He emphasized that employers are looking for individuals who take initiative and solve problems. “We are not looking for people who simply forward emails. We are looking for those who take responsibility and offer solutions,” Barić said, adding that those who are curious and willing to learn tend to progress the fastest.
The role of development institutions in the economy was explained by Hrvoje Galičić, Advisor to the Management Board of HBOR. “HBOR exists to support projects that contribute to long-term economic development,” he said, adding that such instruments are particularly important for young entrepreneurs. “It is important to have a good idea, a solid plan, and an understanding of how financing works.”
While development institutions finance large projects, citizens’ financial stability begins with personal habits. This was emphasized by Marina Mesarić Radojčin, ESG Director at PBZ. “The most important thing is to develop good financial habits. Tracking expenses, defining personal goals, and understanding one’s risk tolerance are essential to start building financial assets that suit us,” she said. She added that there is no need to wait to start saving, as saving – the foundation of financial security – can begin today through small, daily contributions. Once that base is secured, individuals can move on to investing. Even small amounts can be enough, as time is on the side of the young, she concluded.
Practical examples of personal budget management were presented by Marina Stanić, Branch Manager at OTP Bank. “The first step in managing money is understanding your own budget. If you don’t know how much you spend, it is difficult to plan saving or investing,” she said. She also warned about small expenses that many people overlook. “Subscriptions, small purchases, or impulsive spending often go unnoticed, but when added up at the end of the month, they can make up a significant share of total expenses.”
The interest of students in financial topics was highlighted by Iva Horvat, a financial literacy teacher at the 10th Gymnasium. “Students are most interested in loans, interest rates, and personal budgeting. That is exactly why financial education needs to start already in school,” she said.
The audience also showed great interest in a presentation on Bitcoin by Andrej Subotić, a student from the 10th Gymnasium. “I first heard about Bitcoin from my father, and it immediately intrigued me. I started watching lectures, listening to podcasts, and reading books,” he said. The most important lesson he learned, he noted, is patience. “I learned that emotions should not make decisions instead of me.”
