Millennials vs. Economy: Who's Really Winning?

What we have for you today!

A millennial couple who make $250,000 say they can't find a home in their budget: 'We refuse to become house-poor'
Jacob Zinkula, Business Insider

OPINION
So, here’s the deal: Laura and Samuel, both 36, are pulling in a pretty sweet $250,000 a year between them. You’d think that kind of income would have them sipping lattes on their dream home’s porch by now, right? But nope. Instead, they’re stuck in the Portland housing market, where finding a home that doesn’t break the bank is like trying to find a unicorn at a used car lot.

Here’s the kicker—they’re doing everything right. They want to keep their mortgage between $3,000 and $3,500 a month, which is about 30% of their take-home pay, a textbook example of financial responsibility. But with home prices and mortgage rates climbing like they’re trying to set a world record, even that budget seems to be cutting it close.

So what’s their solution? They’re sticking to their guns and staying in their two-bedroom apartment, shelling out $2,700 a month in rent, and waiting for the housing market to come back down to Earth. And honestly, can you blame them? Who wants to pour all their hard-earned cash into a house that’s going to leave them eating ramen noodles for the next decade?

But let’s be real here—it’s pretty ridiculous that a couple making $250K a year can’t comfortably afford a home. This isn’t about splurging on a mansion with a butler and a pool; it’s about finding a decent place to live without sacrificing your entire lifestyle. Yet, somehow, even with a six-figure income, the dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach.

Sure, they could pack up and move somewhere cheaper, but they’ve already been there, done that. Plus, their careers are tied to Portland, and uprooting their lives for the second time isn’t exactly appealing. They’re not looking for a bargain-bin life in a random town—they want to stay where they’ve built their lives and careers. And who can blame them for that?

So, Laura and Samuel, I get it. You’re not willing to go house-poor just to own a piece of the American Dream. And honestly, I think that’s pretty damn smart. It’s high time we stop judging people for not owning homes and start questioning why, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the basic act of buying a house has become a luxury that even those with solid incomes can barely afford.

In the meantime, maybe we should all start getting cozy in our rentals and perfect the art of making small spaces work. Who knows, by the time the housing market becomes reasonable again, we might just be too comfy to even bother with all that homeowner hassle. #MillennialLife #HomeSweetApartment

Nearly 6 out of 10 gamblers betting $500 or more per month online are millennials, says study
According to a TransUnion report

OPINION
Millennials are dominating the online betting scene, with nearly 6 out of 10 high-rollers dropping $500+ a month. We grew up online, so it’s no shock we’ve taken our gaming skills to the next level. But let’s be real—some of us are playing with fire, balancing fun and financial risk. Regulators are watching closely, so here’s hoping they can keep the party going without killing the vibe. We’re here for the thrill, but let’s make sure it doesn’t turn into a gamble we can’t afford. #MillennialBetting #MillennialBetting #GameSmartWinSmart

Millennials have 'phantom wealth' hidden in their homes and 401(k)s — but they don't feel rich
by Katie Notopoulos, AOL.

OPINION
Here’s the deal with us millennials: we might seem loaded with our home equity and growing 401(k)s, but that so-called “phantom wealth” doesn’t exactly help when it’s time to pay for brunch. Sure, we’re doing better than expected financially, but let’s be real—it’s hard to feel rich when most of your money is tied up in assets you can’t touch. It’s like being rich in Monopoly—looks good on paper, but try buying a coffee with it!

5 ways leaders can keep Gen Z and millennials engaged in the workplace
Donald Thompson, WRAL TechWire

OPINION
Here’s the thing: If you want to keep us millennials and Gen Zers engaged at work, it’s not rocket science. We’re looking for more than just a paycheck—we want to see a future where we can grow, learn, and actually enjoy what we do. We need leaders who are willing to invest in us, not just as workers, but as people with ambitions, dreams, and, yes, a desire for some work-life balance.

Give us a roadmap to success, pair us with mentors who actually care, and let us work in our own way—whether that’s from a desk, a couch, or even in our pajamas. Throw in some variety, like job swaps or cross-training, to keep things interesting. We’re not asking for the moon here, just a little recognition that we’re not cogs in a machine. We need leaders who are curious about our potential, authentic in their support, and flexible enough to understand that life happens outside of work too.

And let’s be real—if we don’t feel valued, if we’re not growing or being challenged, we won’t stick around. We’ll find somewhere else that gets it. So, if you want to keep us on board, show us that you’re invested in our well-being, our growth, and our happiness. Because at the end of the day, retaining top talent isn’t just about numbers; it’s about nurturing the future of your entire organization.

Millennials Are At a Financial Crossroads, And Banks Must Understand Their Mindset
by Lilah Raynor, CEO & Founder, Logica Research

OPINION
As a millennial, I can tell you we’re at a crucial point in our financial lives. We've been shaped by economic challenges like the 2008 financial crisis, the pandemic, and recent inflation, so financial security is top of mind for us now more than ever. We’re all about using tech tools like robo-advisors and cryptocurrency for investing, but let’s be real—we still really value personalized financial advice, especially when things get uncertain. As we start thinking seriously about retirement and managing our finances, we're looking to financial institutions and our employers to step up and provide the support we need with tailored advice and innovative products.

For companies out there, this is your chance to really connect with us. Understand our specific needs, leverage technology to offer personalized services, and don’t underestimate how much we appreciate good, solid financial advice. Even though we love using tech, many of us are still seeking out that personal touch when it comes to financial planning, especially as we aim to hit those retirement goals. We’re also looking to our employers to provide access to financial advice and programs because as we hit our peak earning years, retirement planning is becoming a reality. By getting where we’ve been and where we’re headed, financial institutions can create products and services that really resonate with us and help us manage our money effectively.

Empowering Millennials and Gen X families with Financial Education with Shari Rash
Judith Heft & Associates

OPINION
Loved this episode! Shari Rash really breaks down financial challenges in such a relatable way. The part about the pitfalls of traditional budgeting hit home—finally, someone who gets that life isn't a neat spreadsheet! Her tips on creating a spending strategy that includes fun goals like vacations are a game-changer. Also, understanding money personalities? Genius! It's amazing how knowing this can improve financial decisions and relationships. And the bit about teaching kids about money is so crucial for setting them up with good habits early on. Definitely worth a watch for anyone feeling the pressures of adulting financially. Great job, Shari and Judy!

Generation Z and Millennials: The Pioneers of Cryptocurrency Investment
minandovoy

According to this article, Generation Z and millennials are diving into the world of cryptocurrencies, driven by their natural comfort with technology and a growing distrust of traditional financial institutions. Having grown up with the internet, they find it easy to adopt new digital innovations, and cryptocurrencies offer them a decentralized, user-controlled alternative to the systems they’ve seen falter during economic crises.

What makes cryptocurrencies even more appealing to these younger generations is the potential for big returns, despite the risks, and the fact that getting started doesn’t require a ton of money—just a smartphone and internet connection. This accessibility, combined with the promise of growth, is why so many Gen Z and millennials are leading the charge in embracing this new digital financial landscape.

OPINION
So, apparently, we millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge into the wild world of cryptocurrencies. I mean, why wouldn’t we? We’ve already survived economic meltdowns, student debt, and being told that we’re killing every industry known to mankind. At this point, jumping into something as volatile as crypto feels like just another Tuesday.

But seriously, after seeing how well traditional financial systems have "worked out" for us, it's no wonder we're all about decentralization and digital currencies. If trusting a bunch of algorithms over Wall Street brokers makes us "reckless," then sure, we’ll take that label. At least with crypto, we feel like we're in control (well, except when Elon tweets).

And hey, the fact that we can start investing with just a smartphone? Sign us up. Who needs a stockbroker when you’ve got an app? Whether we end up as crypto millionaires or just owners of some really expensive digital tokens, at least we’re doing it our way—because apparently, traditional finance wasn’t exactly knocking it out of the park for us anyway.

Are Millennials Rich or Poor? 7 Reasons No One Seems To Agree
by Laura Beck, GoBanking

The article explores the contentious debate surrounding the financial status of millennials, highlighting why opinions vary so widely on whether this generation is rich or poor. One key reason is the wide age range within the millennial cohort, with older millennials having had more time to build wealth and younger ones still early in their careers. Real estate timing plays a crucial role, as those who bought homes before market surges have seen significant property appreciation, while others missed out.

Economic timing also impacts wealth disparities, with older millennials facing the 2008 financial crisis early in their careers and younger ones grappling with rising student debt and housing costs. Geographic location further complicates the picture, with millennials in high-cost urban areas often struggling despite higher salaries, while those in more affordable regions may find it easier to accumulate wealth. The diversity in career paths, changing consumer behaviors, and challenges like debt and inflation add to the complexity, leading to a wide range of financial experiences among millennials. As a result, the debate over whether millennials are rich or poor remains unresolved, influenced by these varied factors.

OPINION
Ah, the eternal question: Are millennials rich or poor? Honestly, it feels like we’re stuck in some bizarre financial limbo. One minute, we’re being praised for buying condos that somehow appreciate 35% overnight (if only we all got that lucky), and the next, we’re drowning in student loans while trying to figure out how to buy a house that now costs six times the median income.

Let’s not even talk about the geographic lottery. If you’re in a high-cost city, congrats—you get the privilege of paying ridiculous rent for a tiny apartment. Meanwhile, those in more affordable areas might actually afford, you know, a life. And don’t get me started on inflation. It’s like, "Oh, great, everything costs more, but my paycheck looks exactly the same."

And sure, we have more career options—corporate jobs, gig work, starting our own businesses—but that just means more ways to feel financially insecure, right? So, are we rich or poor? Depends on which day of the week you ask. Maybe the real answer is: we’re just tired of trying to figure it out.

Wealthier is a great resource for millennials who want to get a handle on their finances. It breaks down the investing process in a way that’s easy to understand and shows you how to stick to simple, effective strategies without getting caught up in all the noise from the industry and media. The book also dives into the psychological side of money, helping you tackle your financial anxieties. It's the perfect starting point for anyone looking to take control of their financial future with confidence.

"Financial independence is about having more choices." – Suze Orman