Are Gen Z worried about money?
Less than a third of Gen Z (31%) feel financially secure, with more than half (52%) saying they are very or extremely worried about not having enough money.
Roughly three-quarters of Gen Z Americans said today's economy makes them hesitant to set up long-term financial goals and two-thirds said they might never have enough money to retire, another recent Prosperity Index study by Intuit found.
A Deloitte survey this year found that over half of Gen Z and millennials were living paycheck-to-paycheck with both generations ranking finances as their top concern. The survey also found that Gen Z and millennials largely believe that goals like home ownership and starting a family were out of reach or impossible.
Gun violence, as well as general crime and violence, and climate change rank for the biggest issue according to each age group, showing their awareness for national and international issues.
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.
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.
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.
“My studies have shown that being happy and fulfilled, and making enough to live comfortably top the most important features in Gen Z's ideal careers – not being rich and travelling the world.” So, it's not necessarily that Gen Z are greedy or money-grabbing; the majority, say experts, just want to cover their costs.
Gen Z spend most of their money on household bills expenses, with 52.3% saying they spent the most money on these costs. The estimated average amount Gen Z spends on socializing is $166.75 per month, totaling $2,000 a year.
What bothers Gen Z?
According to Morning Consult, 63% of Gen Z respondents said they were bothered by the person beside them taking up too much space, compared to 86% of boomers. The most significant generational gap the survey found was related to intoxication.
Compared with older generations today, members of Gen Z are much more likely to report experiencing negative emotions such as stress, anxiety and loneliness, according to a new study.
“That's biologically implausible.” So, no, Gen Z definitely aren't ageing faster. But why do so many people think they are? It's possible that a small minority of celebrities or influencers may appear much sleeker and 'put-together' – and therefore more older.
However, Gen Z has certain weaknesses. They have a rather indifferent attitude towards security and prioritize convenience over security . They also experience a low perceived behavioral control and lack education on how to behave securely online .
Two factors were heavily correlated with Gen Z happiness: how much time they got for weekend sleep and relaxation, and even more important was their sense of purpose, he said. Happiness was most predicted by a feeling of waking up each day and feeling like work or school is interesting and important, Hrynowski said.
Younger people have higher stress related to the pressure to succeed. 60% of 18-24-year-olds and 41% of 25-34-year-olds cited this, compared to 17% of 45-54s and 6% of over 55s).
Many Gen Z and millennials grew up watching their parents lose large parts of their net worth to stock market crashes and home equities drying up, Bryan-Podvin said, and this increases the fear of financial instability.
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.
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.
Older millennials, aged 35 to 44, are the least likely to say they feel “financially well,” according to Bank of America's 2023 Workplace Benefits Report, which surveyed more than 1,300 employees and 800 employers across the country. A full 80% report feeling stressed out by their financial situations.
Can Gen Z afford to retire?
While the average member of Gen Z said they'll need $1.63 million to retire comfortably, according to Northwestern Mutual, some advisors say the real number eventually could exceed $2 million. Even more striking: Northwestern Mutual's survey finds 32% of respondents of all ages haven't started saving at all.
Gen Z's Philanthropic Potential
The good news, however, is that this limitation doesn't deter them from contributing to causes they care about however they can. “[I]n 2022, Gen Z adults made an average of 5.3 donations — notably more than the 4.8 made by millennials and 4.7 made by Generation X.”
Gen Z spending habits show they care the most about fashion, makeup and beauty products, technology, and their pets. This is perhaps due to their young age and few major bills.
Previous studies have revealed that Gen Zs are less materialistic and hedonic-oriented than previous generations (Bulut et al., 2017) and are highly environmentally and socially conscious (Chaturvedi et al., 2020; Grénman, Räikkönen, et al., 2023).
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.
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