Language
English (en)
Publication Date
7-24-2026
Summary
The economic uncertainty Gen Z is facing as they enter adulthood is in some ways familiar and in some ways unprecedented. Like millennials, who came of age during the Great Recession, today’s young adults have experienced a major economic disruption early in their financial lives. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by inflation, interest rate volatility, and affordability pressures, has shaped the conditions under which Gen Z is beginning to earn, save, borrow, and invest. Yet, Gen Z is entering adulthood in a financial environment that looks very different from the one earlier generations encountered. This brief draws on three complementary datasets to examine financial product usage and financial capability across age cohorts, with a particular interest in trends related to Gen Z. The authors present eight key findings and discuss their implications.
Document Type
Research Brief
Category
Financial Inclusion
Subarea
Income Policy
Original Citation
Roll, S., Liu, J., & Zhang, G. (2026). Connected, confident, and cautious: Gen Z’s emerging financial life (CSD Research Brief No. 26-45). Washington University, Center for Social Development.
Project
Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM)
Keywords
Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM); policy; financial capability; Gen Z;
Recommended Citation
Roll, S., Liu, J., & Zhang, G. (2026). Connected, confident, and cautious: Gen Z’s emerging financial life (CSD Research Brief No. 26-45). Washington University, Center for Social Development.