72% of Gen Z say they depend on their parents financially
A Northwestern Mutual study found most Gen Z adults in the US are delaying major life milestones because of financial pressure. The findings show rising costs and AI anxiety are reshaping how young adults plan their futures.
Financial pressures are increasingly changing how young Americans plan their futures, with a large majority of Gen Z adults saying money concerns have forced them to delay major life decisions.
According to Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study, 72% of Gen Z adults said financial challenges have caused them to postpone at least one significant financial life milestone. The findings show how rising costs are influencing decisions around homeownership, marriage, parenthood, and education.
HOMEBUYING AND MARRIAGE TAKE A BACK SEAT
Buying a home is among the biggest milestones being pushed back. The study found that 31% of Gen Z adults have delayed buying a house because of financial concerns. Meanwhile, 20% said they have postponed getting married.
The concerns go beyond simply delaying these plans. Around 34% of Gen Z adults said they worry they may never be able to afford a home, while 14% fear they may never be able to afford marriage.
Financial uncertainty is also affecting decisions about starting a family. According to the study, 24% of Gen Z adults said they have delayed having children because of financial constraints.
Another 20% said they worry they may never be able to afford to become parents.
The cost of raising children is also weighing on those who have already become parents. Among Gen Z and Millennial parents, more than seven in 10 said they spend as much or more on their children each month as they do on rent or their mortgage.
The financial strain is not limited to housing and family plans. About 26% of Gen Z adults said they have postponed paying for their own college or higher education due to financial challenges.
Around 17% also said they worry they may never be able to afford higher education for themselves.
AI IS ADDING TO CAREER UNCERTAINTY
Money is not the only concern shaping Gen Z's outlook. The study found that 46% of Gen Z adults are pessimistic about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on their careers.
With AI reshaping workplaces and raising questions about future employment and earning potential, younger workers are facing uncertainty on both their financial and professional fronts.
GEN Z IS STILL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Despite these concerns, the report also highlights a more positive trend. Gen Z adults are beginning to save for retirement earlier than older generations.
On average, Gen Z respondents said they started saving for retirement at age 22, compared with 28 for Millennials. They also said they hope to retire at 61, three years earlier than the average target for Millennials.
The findings suggest that while financial pressures are forcing Gen Z to rethink traditional milestones, many are also taking steps to build greater financial security for the future.
Financial pressures are increasingly changing how young Americans plan their futures, with a large majority of Gen Z adults saying money concerns have forced them to delay major life decisions.
According to Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study, 72% of Gen Z adults said financial challenges have caused them to postpone at least one significant financial life milestone. The findings show how rising costs are influencing decisions around homeownership, marriage, parenthood, and education.
HOMEBUYING AND MARRIAGE TAKE A BACK SEAT
Buying a home is among the biggest milestones being pushed back. The study found that 31% of Gen Z adults have delayed buying a house because of financial concerns. Meanwhile, 20% said they have postponed getting married.
The concerns go beyond simply delaying these plans. Around 34% of Gen Z adults said they worry they may never be able to afford a home, while 14% fear they may never be able to afford marriage.
Financial uncertainty is also affecting decisions about starting a family. According to the study, 24% of Gen Z adults said they have delayed having children because of financial constraints.
Another 20% said they worry they may never be able to afford to become parents.
The cost of raising children is also weighing on those who have already become parents. Among Gen Z and Millennial parents, more than seven in 10 said they spend as much or more on their children each month as they do on rent or their mortgage.
The financial strain is not limited to housing and family plans. About 26% of Gen Z adults said they have postponed paying for their own college or higher education due to financial challenges.
Around 17% also said they worry they may never be able to afford higher education for themselves.
AI IS ADDING TO CAREER UNCERTAINTY
Money is not the only concern shaping Gen Z's outlook. The study found that 46% of Gen Z adults are pessimistic about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on their careers.
With AI reshaping workplaces and raising questions about future employment and earning potential, younger workers are facing uncertainty on both their financial and professional fronts.
GEN Z IS STILL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Despite these concerns, the report also highlights a more positive trend. Gen Z adults are beginning to save for retirement earlier than older generations.
On average, Gen Z respondents said they started saving for retirement at age 22, compared with 28 for Millennials. They also said they hope to retire at 61, three years earlier than the average target for Millennials.
The findings suggest that while financial pressures are forcing Gen Z to rethink traditional milestones, many are also taking steps to build greater financial security for the future.
Financial pressures are increasingly changing how young Americans plan their futures, with a large majority of Gen Z adults saying money concerns have forced them to delay major life decisions.
According to Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study, 72% of Gen Z adults said financial challenges have caused them to postpone at least one significant financial life milestone. The findings show how rising costs are influencing decisions around homeownership, marriage, parenthood, and education.
HOMEBUYING AND MARRIAGE TAKE A BACK SEAT
Buying a home is among the biggest milestones being pushed back. The study found that 31% of Gen Z adults have delayed buying a house because of financial concerns. Meanwhile, 20% said they have postponed getting married.
The concerns go beyond simply delaying these plans. Around 34% of Gen Z adults said they worry they may never be able to afford a home, while 14% fear they may never be able to afford marriage.
Financial uncertainty is also affecting decisions about starting a family. According to the study, 24% of Gen Z adults said they have delayed having children because of financial constraints.
Another 20% said they worry they may never be able to afford to become parents.
The cost of raising children is also weighing on those who have already become parents. Among Gen Z and Millennial parents, more than seven in 10 said they spend as much or more on their children each month as they do on rent or their mortgage.
The financial strain is not limited to housing and family plans. About 26% of Gen Z adults said they have postponed paying for their own college or higher education due to financial challenges.
Around 17% also said they worry they may never be able to afford higher education for themselves.
AI IS ADDING TO CAREER UNCERTAINTY
Money is not the only concern shaping Gen Z's outlook. The study found that 46% of Gen Z adults are pessimistic about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on their careers.
With AI reshaping workplaces and raising questions about future employment and earning potential, younger workers are facing uncertainty on both their financial and professional fronts.
GEN Z IS STILL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Despite these concerns, the report also highlights a more positive trend. Gen Z adults are beginning to save for retirement earlier than older generations.
On average, Gen Z respondents said they started saving for retirement at age 22, compared with 28 for Millennials. They also said they hope to retire at 61, three years earlier than the average target for Millennials.
The findings suggest that while financial pressures are forcing Gen Z to rethink traditional milestones, many are also taking steps to build greater financial security for the future.
