There’s a special kind of heartbreak that comes with checking your bank account after paying rent. One minute, you’re feeling responsible and on top of things, and the next, you’re wondering if groceries are really necessary this month. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—a new study confirms that Gen Z is the most financially stressed generation, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Nearly 60% of Gen Z report feeling stressed about their finances, compared to 51% of millennials when they were the same age. And honestly? It’s not hard to see why. The cost of living has increased 40% in the last decade, but wages haven’t kept up. Millennials already struggled with stagnant paychecks, but Gen Z is facing even tougher financial headwinds. Rent alone eats up 30% of their income, compared to 25% for millennials at the same stage of life. Homeownership feels just as out of reach—millennials were twice as likely to own a home in their 20s compared to Gen Z today. And while student debt has been a burden for multiple generations, it’s only getting worse, with Gen Z now graduating with even higher debt loads than millennials did.
Still, experts believe Gen Z has the opportunity to break the cycle. The study found they’re more open about money, more likely to discuss investing, and more willing to seek financial advice than older generations. And that openness could make all the difference.
“Younger generations are going to be more open, they’re going to talk about money without it being taboo,” said financial expert Ksenia Hubska. “Gen Z are going to teach the generations after them how to live with money instead of living for money.”
