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Women spend more, but it doesn't mean they're extravagant
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Culture & Society

Women spend more, but it doesn't mean they're extravagant

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Documents & data Context piece
  • Data from SEB bank indicates women spend more on daily consumer goods, clothing, and health compared to men in Lithuania.
  • These higher expenditures are often linked to women managing purchases for the entire family, not impulsive spending.
  • Globally, women are increasingly controlling household spending and making a majority of consumer decisions.

Contrary to the stereotype that women are more prone to impulsive spending, data from SEB bank in Lithuania suggests they allocate more funds to certain categories, but this is largely due to managing family needs. In the first quarter of this year, women spent 37% more on daily consumer goods and clothing, 107% more on health-related items, and 19% more on business and professional services than men.

Women spent 37% more on daily consumer goods, clothing, and accessories, 107% more on health, and 19% more on business and professional services than men in the first quarter of this year.

— SEB Bank DataSEB bank data illustrating women's higher spending in specific categories.

These services include utilities, transportation, veterinary care, and beauty treatments. The higher spending by women is frequently associated with purchasing items for children and the entire family. A U.S. study cited in the article revealed that women are responsible for grocery shopping in 80% of families with children. Furthermore, SEB bank's own surveys indicate that women are more often the decision-makers for purchasing gifts.

These figures do not mean that women are more impulsive shoppers. Much more often, their shopping baskets include items for children and the whole family, so the total amount spent is higher.

— Article AuthorAuthor's interpretation of SEB bank data regarding women's spending habits.

Globally, women's influence over household finances is substantial and growing. According to NielsenIQ, women controlled $31.8 trillion in spending worldwide in 2024 and made decisions for 70-80% of all consumer expenditures. Projections suggest that by 2029, women will manage approximately 75% of spending on non-essential goods and services, such as travel, dining, and entertainment.

In families raising children, women were responsible for grocery shopping in 80% of cases.

— US Study CitedA US study highlighting women's role in family grocery shopping.

The article also touches upon the importance of financial communication within partnerships. If spending responsibilities are not clearly defined and agreed upon, particularly when one partner manages most of the family's needs, conflicts can arise. Establishing clear rules for managing a joint budget, whether through equal sharing or proportional allocation based on income, is crucial for ensuring both partners feel secure and valued.

In 2024, women controlled as much as $31.8 trillion in spending and made decisions on 70-80% of all consumer spending.

— NielsenIQ DataNielsenIQ data on women's global spending control.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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