When it comes to life’s biggest choices, Americans are skipping spreadsheets and logic and leaning into gut feelings, prayers, and pure vibes.
A new study of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Life Happens reveals that seven in ten Americans base their major decisions on intuition, prayers, or simply the vibes.
✨ The vibe-based breakdown:
36% trust their gut
29% pray on it
19% follow the vibes
And here’s the kicker: 71% say they have zero regrets about letting instinct lead the way.
Generational Spin on Decision-Making
Gen Z is the most cosmic. Twenty-two percent check social media posts and 17% look for signs from the universe before making a move.
Millennials are vibe-heavy too, with some starting entire businesses based on cosmic nudges.
Baby Boomers are not left out either. Nearly one-third purchased a home based on intuition alone.
When it comes to the age-old battle between the head and the heart, Gen Z admits their heart rules in relationships, jobs, and even food decisions. Baby Boomers are more practical, yet still not immune to an “it just feels right” splurge.
What Are We Using Vibes to Decide?
Americans are letting intuition influence choices like:
Choosing a job – 32%
Deciding where to move – 26%
Ending a relationship – 26%
Quitting or switching careers – 24%
Getting a pet – 21%
What to invest in – 20%
Getting married – 20%
Basically, vibes are running the show from Tinder swipes to real estate deals.
Money Meets Intuition
Nearly half of Americans believe that if something feels right, it is worth the splurge, even if they figure out how to pay for it later. Millennials are the biggest believers in this YOLO-financial philosophy at 61%.
Before dropping more than $500, Americans admit to polling multiple people. Millennials consult seven people on average. Gen Z checks with six. Baby Boomers keep it simple and only consult three.
The funny part is that only 7% consult a financial professional. Instead, more people turn to Google at 15% and social media at 9%.
Kevin Mayeux, CEO of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, sums it up perfectly:
“Leading with your head, but informed by your heart, is a great way to make solid financial choices. If you are already consulting seven people, why not make sure one is a financial professional?”
The Bigger Picture
This vibes-first philosophy even extends to end-of-life planning. Nearly half of Americans admit they are not prepared financially for their later years, but many already have basics in place like life insurance, wills, or trusts.
Brian Steiner, Executive Director of Life Happens, adds:
“If a cosmic nudge is helpful, then consider this your sign from the universe to get the life insurance coverage you need.”
Bottom Line
Whether it is a career move, a relationship call, or a major purchase, Americans are officially trusting their vibes more than their calculators.
And since most say they have no regrets, maybe the universe really does know best.
Because in 2025, vibes are not just a mood. They are the new decision-making strategy.
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American adults split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers); the survey was commissioned by Life Happens and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 17 and July 23, 2025.
