Marvin OnumonuThe latest research from Flagstone found young adults are spending more than any other age group to buy back free time and tackle burnout heading into 2026.
The research found the group is losing the most leisure time, with Office for National Statistics data showing a 23% drop in daily time for entertainment, socialising, and free time over the past four years.
Stress-related absences have also increased most among this age group.
Most said they wanted this time back to relax and sleep, with others using it to see family, friends, or pursue hobbies.
68% of 25 to 34-year-olds would rather spend money if it saves time, compared to 36% of 45 to 54-year-olds and 32% of those aged 55 and over.
Childcare was the biggest contributor to ‘time debt’ for 25 to 34-year-olds, taking up two hours and 14 minutes a week.
77% bought back nearly two hours by paying for childcare services.
Travel takes up just over two hours a week, with 69% opting for express trains or taxis to reclaim an hour.
Cooking costs this group two hours a week, and 63% use meal prep services to reclaim over an hour.
Dr Daniel Glazer, clinical psychologist and co-founder of UK Therapy Rooms, said: “A lack of time can be one of the most significant sources of stress someone experiences.
“Reclaiming even brief intervals can be deeply restorative, ease the strain of constant multitasking, and help reinforce emotional resilience.
“The demands of life can pile up, so having someone or something to help relieve that pressure is an effective strategy.”
Glazer added: “Gen Z and millennials have a lot going on. They’re building careers, managing their social lives, and often starting families.
“Being able to juggle and manage these priorities can help justify the additional cost of time-saving services.
“This particular age group is also very comfortable with technology.”
He said: “Often, these time-saving services are managed through applications and online diaries, so being more tech-savvy often makes it easier to manage and integrate these into our daily lives.”
John Martin, chief product officer at Flagstone, said: “Time is precious – and young adults are increasingly happy to spend money to protect it.
“Our study shows that 25–34-year-olds experience some of the highest levels of ‘time debt’, losing hours each week to childcare, travelling, and cooking.
“This group has less leisure time on average than any other age bracket, so it’s unsurprising that they’re twice as likely to pay for services that help them reclaim their free time.”
Martin added: “But while it’s natural to want more time back, it’s important to balance these choices with long-term financial planning.
“Time is valuable, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of future financial security.
“Ultimately, true financial wellbeing should be about giving yourself the freedom to spend your time well – whatever that looks like for you.”
