21/04/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | APR 21, 2026 22 I do or I do not F OR generations, marriage has been seen as a natural next step, a milestone that follows education, career and a certain stage of adulthood. But for Gen Z in Malaysia, that timeline is no longer fixed. Instead, it is being reshaped by something far less romantic but deeply influential – the rising cost of living. o How rising costs redefine marriage for Gen Z Ű BY ASHIQIN AHMAD

whether and when to get married. Even within this shared concern, experiences differ. Higher-income households report less intense financial stress, while those in the middle-income group often feel the squeeze most acutely. For many, this creates a sense of being caught between aspiration and reality, wanting to move forward with life plans, but feeling held back by practical constraints. Rethinking timeline This shift is reflected in how Gen Z views traditional milestones. Compared with Gen Y, they are noticeably less decided about marriage and children, signalling a move away from fixed timelines towards more flexible, conditional choices. Marriage is no longer tied to a certain age or stage, but to a set of circumstances. It becomes less about when you should and more about when you can. This recalibration also extends to parenthood. While seven in 10 Gen Y respondents say they have or plan to have children, only one in two Gen Z respondents feel the same. The difference is telling. For many young people today, having children is not just an emotional decision but a financial and lifestyle one. The costs of childcare, education and housing all factor into whether parenthood feels feasible. In this context, delaying or even opting out of having children becomes less of a deviation and more of a rational choice. Prioritising wellbeing first Beyond finances, Gen Z is also placing a greater emphasis on personal wellbeing. Mental health, work-life balance and overall quality of life are increasingly seen as priorities that should come before major commitments. “I think our generation is more aware of

Insights from Vodus Research, Malaysian Gen Z and Gen Y Attitude Study 2026 reveal a generation that is not rejecting marriage outright, but approaching it with more caution, intention and realism. When love meets living costs Today’s young adults are coming of age in an economic climate defined by inflation, housing pressures and increasing financial responsibilities. It is no surprise, then, that more than eight in 10 Gen Z and Gen Y respondents say they are worried about rising living costs. For Gen Z, this anxiety does not just affect daily spending habits, it shapes life decisions. Marriage, once considered a given, is now something to be carefully planned around financial stability. Unlike previous generations who may have embraced the idea of figuring it out along the way, Gen Z tends to think in terms of readiness. For a 25-year-old couple, Muhd Zaki and Nur Alisa, the decision was easy. “We both agreed early on that we didn’t want to rush into marriage just because it felt like the ‘next step’. We want to be stable first, at least have some savings and feel secure in our jobs before making that commitment,” Zaki told theSun . Questions around savings, job security and long-term affordability are no longer afterthoughts, but central to the decision of

Zaki (left) and Alisa agree marriage is not something to rush, choosing instead to focus on individual stability first. – PIC COURTESY OF ZAKI

burnout and mental health. It’s not just about being able to afford a wedding, it’s about being emotionally ready for everything that comes after,” said Zaki. This does not mean relationships are less important. Rather, there is a growing belief that a stable, healthy partnership is built on individual stability first. The idea of entering marriage while financially or emotionally unprepared feels less acceptable to a generation that values self-awareness and long-term sustainability. In this sense, waiting is not seen as falling behind, but as making a more informed choice. Digital influence At the same time, the digital landscape continues to shape how Gen Z approaches relationships and the future. Access to information, financial advice and lifestyle content can influence expectations

around marriage, from what a wedding should look like to what kind of life should follow. However, not everyone navigates this space equally. The study highlights a digital divide that affects access to opportunities and knowledge, which in turn can influence how confidently individuals plan for long-term commitments. “Sometimes you see all these perfect weddings and lifestyles online and it makes you feel like you’re behind. But at the same time, it also makes you more aware of how expensive everything is, so you end up thinking twice,” said Alisa. For some, greater exposure leads to more informed decision-making. For others, limited access can reinforce uncertainty, further delaying milestones like marriage. What commitment looks like Taken together, these shifts point to a broader cultural change. Gen Z is not abandoning the idea of marriage, but redefining it on their own terms. Love is still central, but it is no longer the only factor. Financial readiness, emotional wellbeing and life goals all play a role in determining when or if marriage happens. In a way, this reflects a more pragmatic form of romanticism. The desire for partnership remains, but it is grounded in the realities of modern life. As living costs continue to rise, this cautious approach is likely to persist. While it may challenge traditional expectations, it also signals a generation that is thoughtful, self-aware and determined to build a future that is not just meaningful but sustainable.

For many Gen Z couples, tying the knot is no longer just about romance but a decision shaped by financial readiness and long-term stability.

Love, tradition and timing intersect as young couples rethink when to take the next step amid rising financial pressures. – PICS FROM 123RF