Younger Generations Start Building Wealth Earlier, But Homeownership Slips Out Of Reach
By CU Today Staff —
MINNEAPOLIS—Gen Z and Millennials are beginning to build wealth years earlier than older generations did, but many feel they are falling behind financially and are increasingly looking beyond homeownership to the stock market and other investments, according to the 2026 U.S. Bank Wealth Survey.
Gen Z respondents said they began building wealth at age 19 on average, compared with age 25 for Millennials, 29 for Gen X and 32 for Baby Boomers. Despite that head start, 56% of Gen Z said they have done everything “right” but are not where they hoped to be financially, while 62% said they struggle to make financial progress. Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials also said they have taken or plan to take a break from investing.
"Many younger Americans aren't abandoning traditional financial goals – they're adapting how they pursue them," said Scott Ford, president of U.S. Bank Wealth Management. "They're starting earlier, actively seeking information and exploring multiple ways to build wealth, with families increasingly providing support for major financial milestones along the way."
That family support is becoming increasingly important, with 68% of parents saying they have provided or plan to provide financial help for major milestones such as buying a home, starting a family or launching a business. The survey, conducted June 15-July 1 among 5,000 U.S. adults, also found 72% of Americans believe investing has become more complicated, while 75% want more guidance on where to invest.
Originally reported by CU Today.