Different generations value different things, like America’s largest generation, the Millennials. Since 2020, Millennials (ages 27-42) have been America’s population at 72.2 million, surpassing Baby Boomers (ages 59-77). Since that year, many things have risen in price. In that time, Americans have encountered inflation, the cost of living, and global conflict–all have contributed.
The most surprising item to go up in cost is the price of happiness. A recent Empower survey researched this, covered by MarketWatch. The national study showed they believed they needed $525,000 to achieve financial wellness, annually.
According to the survey, Millennials require more of their salaries. Those were triple the demands of Generation X (43-58), which were the next highest in the poll. Considering where Millennials are situated in their lives. They buy a home, work on starting a family, and pay all those “big person” bills. Happiness would mean paying for it all without overwhelming the stress.
Among the experts MarketWatch asked about the growing demands of Millennials was Beyond Finance’s Dr. Erika Rasure, CFT.
Millennials are the generation of those who encountered the harsh reality of the American Dream myth. Those dwindled hopes of escaping debt are the aftermath of economic conditions that shaped their outlook as they came of age in the mid-2000s.
Our Chief Financial Wellness Officer discusses several obstacles that have altered their views on “financial happiness.”
The Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, rising student loan debt, lowered salaries, and the housing market have impacted how these Americans define safety. Happiness and protection for Millennials come in the form of cash to create the comfort and security they seek.
For more of Dr. Erika’s insight and other topics related to holiday shopping and other topics, please read the Beyond Finance blog.