Over the last few years, inflation, rising interest rates and high costs for just about everything have impacted nearly everyone – but for Gen Z, the economic environment has had a profound impact, a new U.S. Bank survey found.
Members of this generation, who range in age from 18 to 26, are overwhelmed by recent economic news, are unsure how to start investing, compare their financial progress to others – including their parents, people they see on social media, and people better off than they are – and are highly motivated by experiences and the pursuit of personal interests and opportunities. Members of the Millennial generation, aged 27-42, share many of these same feelings.
“Younger generations are dealing with inflation, high interest rates, and high prices, but they also inherited a much different world than older generations: since 1980, college tuition has increased by 169%; the average price of a home is up 540%; and average student-loan debt now sits at $37,000,” said Gunjan Kedia, vice chair of Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking at U.S. Bank. “It’s no wonder they are unsure about beginning an investing journey. But despite these headwinds, they are passionate about investing in causes they believe in and are seeking financial guidance.
“We did this survey to better understand the challenges the younger generation is facing, how they are (or aren’t) investing and why, and how we can help them start investing before they lose too much time. Some of the findings that really stood out for me are that financial worries and decision fatigue are impacting young investors’ confidence, they are overwhelmed and unsure how to begin investing, and nearly 80% of investors responded to the economic climate by changing their investment strategies in some way in the past three months.”
Among the highlights of the report are the search for a better quality of life, personal interests and new experiences drive the investment decisions of younger generations.
In addition, Gen Zers view wealth differently than older generations and will sacrifice returns to invest in causes they believe in.
Finally, younger generations compare themselves to others and social networks.
The new data is from a proprietary U.S. Bank survey of 3,000 active investors and 1,000 aspiring investors of all generations. The survey was conducted May 12-24, 2023.
To read the full report, please click on the following link.
