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US Gen Z and Millennials Feel Financially Failed, Driving Risky Investing and New Saving Habits
A 2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study found that 80% of Generation Z and 75% of Millennials in the United States feel they are financially behind. CEO Mariano Sardáns of wealth‑management firm FDI says the frustration is prompting many young people to chase quick gains through high‑risk assets such as cryptocurrencies, meme stocks, options and sports betting, a pattern that is also being noticed in parts of Latin America. At the same time, a trend dubbed “soft saving” is gaining traction among younger adults, encouraging a flexible balance between modest saving and spending on experiences, travel and hobbies to cope with rising living costs. Separately, shared‑living arrangements are helping young professionals cut housing expenses, which can free up funds for savings, investing and debt repayment, potentially accelerating long‑term wealth building.
The combined findings highlight a shift in how the younger generation approaches money: from heightened anxiety about traditional wealth‑building pathways to experimenting with alternative financial strategies while also seeking more sustainable, experience‑focused saving habits.
Entities
FDI · Generation Z · Mariano Sardán · Mariano Sardáns · Millennials · Northwestern Mutual · Preply
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The financial frustration trend observed in the United States is also appearing in parts of Latin America. comercioyjusticia.info
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The “soft saving” trend encourages young adults to save modestly while allocating money for experiences, travel and hobbies. www.aztecajalisco.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shared living arrangements reduce housing costs for young professionals, helping them accelerate wealth accumulation. tfetimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mariano Sardáns advises disciplined saving, diversified investing and long‑term market participation as the sound path to wealth. comercioyjusticia.info
- [● 2 SOURCES] 80% of Generation Z in the United States feel financially failed or behind. comercioyjusticia.info
- [● 2 SOURCES] 75% of Millennials in the United States feel financially failed or behind. comercioyjusticia.info
- [● 2 SOURCES] Financial frustration is leading many young people to pursue risky investments such as cryptocurrencies, meme stocks, options and sports betting. comercioyjusticia.info