How does Gen Z feel about finances?
Additionally, 53% of Gen Zers say higher costs are a barrier to their financial success, a separate survey from Bank of America found. And 73% of Gen Z respondents said today's economy makes them hesitant to set up long-term financial goals, according to a recent Prosperity Index study by Intuit.
The study's Gen Z respondents reported an obsession with being rich at 44 percent, while millennials were just a tad more likely to be obsessed at 46 percent. This is compared to just 27 percent of the larger American population obsessed with being rich.
In addition to soaring food and housing expenses, millennials and Gen Z face other financial challenges their parents did not as young adults. Not only are their wages lower than their parents' earnings when they were in their 20s and 30s, but they are also carrying larger student loan balances.
Gen Z's Unique Financial Perspective: As digital natives, Gen Z views money as a means to connect with others and share experiences, rather than solely for earning and spending.
Gen Z'ers, the youngest of young adults, are the most likely to be at least partially financially dependent on their parents — 16 percent said they are completely financially independent. Meanwhile, 44 percent of young adults aged 25 to 29 told Pew they are completely financially independent of their parents.
According to recent data from a 2023 Pew Research Centre survey, Gen Z is more financially independent at a younger age than prior generations. While still in school, a sizeable proportion of Gen Zers work part-time, freelance, or have side hustles.
For example, a new study by the Investment Company Institute (ICI) finds that “Gen Z households have nearly three times more assets in the [retirement] plan accounts (adjusted for inflation) that Gen X households did at the same age.” More Gen Z-ers have retirement plans set up and they've saved more in those accounts.
Gen-Z feels substantial anxiety and stress about jobs, long-term financial stability and major life steps, such as buying a home and starting a family. The current economy and job market are primary sources of uncertainty for this generation, according to EY's 2023 Gen-Z Segmentation Study.
Gen Zers feel "financially vulnerable," per the report, with economic circ*mstances forcing many to live paycheck to paycheck. Less than one-third of the generation said they are in good financial condition. US inflation rates are double what they were 10 years ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A new survey of 2,000 Gen Zers from the writing platform EduBirdie reveals that while work-life balance and enjoyment are important goals, cash remains king. A full 31% of respondents said their main career aim is to make lots of money.
Why is Gen Z struggling financially?
Gen Z faces unique financial challenges compared to older generations. College graduates earn 10% less compared to their parents, recent research found. High inflation — and affordability concerns among Gen Zers — extend beyond U.S. borders.
Gen Zers are known for their social responsibility, dedication to social and political issues, and their demand for authenticity when it comes to brands and advertising. 53% of US Gen Zers want brands they shop at to support mental health, more than any other cause, according to a survey from ICSC and Big Village.
McKinsey research indicates that Gen Z is willing to spend on experiences that enrich their daily lives (though how they determine what enriches their lives, like spending on wellness and self-care, differs from previous generations).
With that said, Gen Z is a credit-friendly generation--they're just careful about falling into debt traps. Sixty-five percent of Gen Z is credit active and half have a credit score of 661 or above. (Only 39% of Millennials had the same score or higher!)
How Gen Z and Millennials Differ With Money Habits. Even though both generations value saving money, Gen Z is far ahead of millennials in terms of how much they're putting away. According to Finder's Consumer Confidence Index, Gen Z saves an average of $857 per month, while millennials save $294.
A prime culprit: higher expenses that have limited their ability to put money aside for savings and investments. Only 11% have enough savings to cover the cost of living for more than a year if they had no income, while 48% cannot cover more than two months' worth of expenses, according to the report.
A staggering 75% of Gen Z high-net-worth individuals expect to see their wealth increase in 2024. Of that group, 43% even expect to see "significant growth." What's more, Gen Zers aren't just feeling confident about their financial game in 2024—they stand out as the most self-assured generation of all.
Intuit's most recent Prosperity Index Study explains how Gen Z is leading the wave with this “softer” approach to life and finances. According to the study, 3 out of 4 Gen Zers say they'd rather have a better quality of life than extra money in the bank.
Millennials set to be the 'richest generation in history' thanks to $90 trillion wealth transfer.
Statistically broken down into generations, Gen Z (ages 18-25) saves an average of 14% while millennials (26-42), Gen Xers (43-55) and baby boomers (56-75) save an average of 12%, per CNBC. This difference is likely a result of three causes.
How does Gen Z feel about banks?
Gen Z attitudes toward money and finances are sometimes aligned with and sometimes starkly different from those of older generations. Research suggests that Gen Z trusts traditional banks more to secure their data and needs digital services to be exceptional to retain their customers.
While Americans of all ages are grappling with higher balances, Gen Z and millennials are seeing the largest average increases in total debt and the steepest decline in credit scores, according to data provided to Fortune by personal finance company Credit Karma on tens of millions of member accounts.
It is a known fact that lifespan increases with each generation. For baby boomers, the average life expectancy is 70 years, for Gen X its 85, and newer generations like Gen Z and Alpha will likely exceed the 100-year mark.
Gen Z is known for being resourceful, independent learners who value diversity and inclusive culture and place a priority on well-being and mental health in the workplace. They are fiscally conservative with a keen focus on investing and income.
Plus, when Gen Zers do actually have fun, it tends to lean towards more wholesome activities, like house parties (sometimes even themes house parties) and crocheting. Lots and lots crocheting apparently. Grocery stores are the new clubs. Love that self care is considered entertainment these days.
