Generation Z, the youngest generation of American adults, are struggling in an era of high inflation and expensive housing, with more than half of them living with their parents in an uncertain economic environment.
The Gen Zers now in adulthood and who are seeking to become independent from their families are starting to have trouble remaining financially afloat, as the cost of everyday items goes up.
Out of all of the respondents polled, 80 percent of Gen Z say that they expect the U.S. economy to remain the same or decline through next year.
This youngest American age cohort started to enter the workforce in the midst of a pandemic and increasing political instability at home and abroad.
Unlike the previous millennial generation, which came of age during the “War on Terror” and the Great Recession, American Gen Z have grown up in an era of relative peace.
However, for most of this year, inflation has remained around 8 percent, a 40-year high, pushing up prices across the board, as the Federal Reserve raises borrowing rates to control rising prices.
Gen Z Is Facing an Initial Disadvantage Entering the Workforce
Much like the millennials over a decade ago, many of these young Americans are very concerned about their long-term financial prospects, according to the survey.“Between COVID, inflation, and a looming recession, Gen Z has kicked off adulthood in the most uncertain of times,” Jeanniey Walden, chief innovation and marketing officer at DailyPay, told FOX Business.
“So it’s no surprise that many say current economic conditions are keeping them living at home and/or worrying about paying bills on time.”
Only 28 of those surveyed between the ages of 18–25 said that they were regularly able to pay off their bills on time.
The study also found that rising costs have greatly affected the ability of many of these young people to save.
“Potentially most concerning is that Gen Z does not feel they are able to save for the future,” said Walden.
Young Adults Remain Optimistic About the Future
However, many of the Gen Z are less pessimistic about their long-term economic future, with only 33 percent worrying about finding a house due to high prices, while only 20 percent of them are finding it difficult to pay for health care for family members.
Nearly 72 percent of Gen Z in the workforce said that having their salaries delivered directly to their accounts at the end of the day, instead of waiting for their regular payday, would aid them in paying bills on time.
The survey recommended that employers could better assist their workforce by applying these changes to help their younger workers take care of their monthly expenses.