Dominican millennials are the most optimistic about the future of their finances

The majority (76%) of Dominicans were optimistic about their household finances for the coming year, with Millennials being the most optimistic (77%). In addition, 81% of all consumers surveyed indicated that they expected their income to increase in the next 12 months, 89% within Generation Z.

Here are some of the findings from TransUnion's Consumer Pulse Study for the second quarter of 2025, which explores how consumer household finances have changed and what's expected for the future.

38% of respondents indicated that they planned to increase discretionary spending (e.g., eating out, traveling, entertainment) in the next three months, and 36% expected their spending on purchases in physical stores or online to also increase. Positively, the percentage of respondents who expected their discretionary spending to decrease (35%) was slightly lower than those who planned to increase it. In addition, 36% indicated that they anticipated higher spending on large purchases over the next three months.

Despite optimism about the future, in the second quarter of 2025, 45% of consumers indicated that their household finances were worse than planned, and 44% indicated that they expected to be unable to pay at least one of their obligations in full. Of these, 24% indicated that they would pay at least a partial amount of their obligations. One in five (21%, four percentage points less than in the first quarter) indicated that they would use capital from their savings, while another 23% planned to borrow from a friend or family member. Only 5% of consumers indicated that they did not know how they would pay their current obligations.

Regarding spending behavior, 53% of the surveyed consumers indicated that they reduced discretionary spending (eating out, travel, entertainment) in the last three months, 12% increased it, 26% canceled subscriptions or memberships, and 23% canceled or reduced digital services. Furthermore, in the second quarter of 2025, most Dominicans expressed concern about macroeconomic dynamics. "Dominican consumers are optimistic, in line with the projected economic growth of 5% for the country, although they are aware that macroeconomic challenges persist," said Danilda Almanzar, Country Manager of TransUnion Dominican Republic. "According to the results of our study, 59% of the consumers surveyed stated that inflation was one of their top three concerns, followed by employment (51%) and housing prices (50%)." Interest in monitoring credit reports is growing

In the second quarter of 2025, 82% of surveyed Dominican consumers considered monitoring credit history to be at least moderately important, and almost half (49%) indicated that they review their credit report at least once a month. Millennials and Generation Z (84%) were more likely to consider monitoring credit history to be at least moderately important, and Generation Z had the highest percentage (60%) of respondents who review their credit report at least monthly.

The most common reasons consumers gave for reviewing their credit reports included: trying to improve their credit scores (39%), protecting themselves against fraud (32%), and learning about credit offers for which they might qualify (22%). Also, almost 6 out of 10 consumers believe their credit scores would increase if entities used information not in the standard credit report, such as rent payments, gym membership payments, among others. "Taking the time to learn more about their credit history and credit score empowers Dominicans with the knowledge they need to access financial services that allow them to achieve their life goals," added Almanzar. "Credit reports also help identify fraudulent activities, providing consumers with the information they need to protect their personal data and act quickly in situations that compromise the security of their credit products." About Consumer Pulse TransUnion's quarterly survey explores how the finances of consumer households have changed and what changes they expect in the future. The study measures changing consumer attitudes and behaviors based on income dynamics, obligations, and identity fraud. The online survey was conducted between May 5 and May 19, 2025, by TransUnion in partnership with the external research provider Dynata, with a sample of 601 Dominicans over 18 years of age, in English and Spanish. Definition of generations: Generation Z: from 18 to 28 years old; Millennials, from 29 to 44 years old; Generation X, from 45 to 60 years old; and Baby Boomers, 61 years old and over. About TransUnion in the Dominican Republic TransUnion is a global information and insights company with more than 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries, including the Dominican Republic. We make trust possible by ensuring that each person is reliably represented in the market. We do this by providing a multidimensional view of consumers, managed with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments, we have developed innovative solutions in areas such as marketing, fraud, risk, and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good®, generating economic opportunities, great experiences, and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.