It’s tough being young and financially savvy today. In the current economic climate, Gen Z faces a unique perfect storm of challenges from soaring costs of living, lower wages, and obscene property prices, that paint a grim outlook for financial wellbeing.
Gen Z’s Financial Wake-Up Call
A new survey from Bank of America reveals a growing concern among young people about their finances.
More than half of the respondents see the high cost of living as a major hurdle to financial stability.
Adapting Spending Habits
Interestingly, 73% of young adults have altered their spending patterns due to inflation.
These changes range from cooking at home to shopping less for clothing.
Buckling Down
Bank of America’s AJ Barkley says this cost-cutting behavior as “good news.”
He describes Gen Z as “buckling down,” or becoming more cautious with their expenses.
The Home-Cooking Trend
Among the changes, 43% have started cooking at home more frequently. This not only saves money but also offers healthier food options.
Cutting Back on Fashion
Another 40% have reduced their clothing expenses. It’s a step towards both minimalism and financial prudence.
Grocery Shopping Gets Streamlined
Interestingly, 33% are focusing only on essential items while grocery shopping. This reduces unnecessary expenditure.
A Year-Long Plan
Most of the surveyed young adults plan to stick with these money-saving habits for at least the next year. They’re playing the long game.
Financial Setbacks
However, more than a third of Gen Z has faced financial setbacks in the past year.
This has resulted in less saving and sometimes accumulating more debt.
Earning Less Than Parents
In stark contrast to older generations, Gen Z college graduates are earning 10% less than their parents did at their age. This adds to the financial strain.
A Global Concern
This isn’t just a U.S. problem. A Deloitte survey shows that living paycheck to paycheck is a global concern for Gen Z, affecting about half of the respondents.
Side Jobs and Cost of Living
The same Deloitte survey also revealed that 46% might take on a side job and 35% were concerned about the cost of living. Multiple income streams are becoming the norm.
Day-to-Day Versus Long-Term
On the bright side, most young adults feel they can manage daily expenses. However, they lack confidence in long-term financial planning like saving for retirement.
Expert Advice: Make Saving a Habit
More than half of Gen Z lacks enough savings to cover three months’ worth of expenses.
Financial planner Douglas Boneparth suggests making saving a consistent habit.
Retirement Planning
AJ Barkley emphasizes that young adults should think about retirement now. Money invested today can grow substantially over time.
Social Pressures and FOMO
The fear of missing out, especially among Gen Z women, is real. A sizable 41% admit that social media feeds induce them to spend more on nonessentials.
Checking Credit Scores
Keeping tabs on your credit score can also provide a sense of financial security.
Ted Jenkin, a certified financial planner, advises this along with avoiding unnecessary debt.
Critical Financial Literacy
For Gen Z, financial literacy is not just a choice but a necessity. Being proactive and informed can make all the difference in navigating the complex financial landscape that lies ahead.
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The post Gen Z’s Financial Struggles: Paying More and Earning Less – Are They Really Worse Off Than Older Generations? first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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