Gen Z trends toward early retirement planning through retirement-maxxing

Gen Z is increasingly adopting a trend known as ‘retirement-maxxing,’ focusing on early financial planning and investment. Data indicates this generation is starting to build wealth earlier than previous cohorts.

A 2025 Vanguard study shows that 47% of workers aged 24 to 28 are projected to have sufficient funds to maintain their current lifestyle during retirement, the highest percentage among all generations. Additionally, the Investment Company Institute reported that the share of Gen Z households with retirement accounts is three times higher than that of Gen Xers at the same age.

According to the Charles Schwab 2024 Modern Wealth Survey, Gen Z members begin investing at an average age of 19, significantly earlier than Millennials (25), Gen X (32), and Baby Boomers (35). Experts suggest that starting with small, consistent contributions through online brokerages can leverage time to maximize long-term growth.