Generation Z – people born roughly between 1997 and 2012 – is the first generation to grow up in a world fully connected by digital technology. How this group approaches finances is therefore markedly different from their parents or older colleagues. Instead of the traditional approach of hard work, saving, and buying a home, Gen Z is looking for new paths – ones that are above all digital, flexible, and more in line with their outlook on life.
Well-being instead of the chase for wealth
While older generations often put financial success first, Gen Z has different priorities. According to a 2025 survey by Intuit, 64% of young people would choose psychological well-being over wealth itself. And more than half would be willing to settle for a lower income if it meant a better work-life balance (Investopedia).
In other words, Gen Z doesn't want to work at any cost. Satisfaction matters more to them than a job title or a luxury car.
9-to-5 is no longer the dream — it's a trap
Young people also realize that a classic nine-to-five job may not guarantee them stability. 60% of Gen Z don't believe a traditional job will cover their financial goals, and half of them say that sitting in an office every day isn't necessary for success (MarketWatch).
Instead, they look for other paths: entrepreneurship, investing, or side projects. It's therefore no surprise that 72% of Gen Z rely on financial apps, and a large share draw inspiration from social media.
A house? More like stocks and apps
Another big difference from previous generations is their relationship to ownership. Gen Z accounted for just 3% of home buyers in 2024 (New York Post) – mainly due to high prices and unaffordable mortgages. On top of that, young people mostly save with a short-term horizon in mind. Retirement or owning a home feels too far away.
So young people turn elsewhere: they invest in stocks or funds, often through simple mobile apps. Compared with older generations, they start investing much earlier — already in their twenties. They also feel they understand investing better than their parents, because the internet is their main source of information. At the same time, almost half of Generation Z admit they've already been burned when choosing an investment product and lost money (Ipsos).
Savings, uncertainty, and the family safety net
Although Gen Z is technologically confident, they don't feel financially secure. According to data from HSBC and Young Enterprise, only 42% of young people feel confident about their finances, compared to over 50% among the population as a whole. What's more — 63% feel judged for how they handle money (FT Adviser). No wonder — almost two-thirds of them face criticism for how they manage money (HSBC). Yet this generation is known for higher spending on restaurants, electronics, or drugstore items.
When problems arise, they turn mainly to family or friends. In their view, school financial literacy education is failing them — only 13% believe school actually helped them.
Meet Gen Z halfway
From all of this, it's clear that Gen Z is looking for flexibility, control, and instant access. And that's exactly where a solution like Earned Wage Access from Advanto comes in.
This benefit lets employees access part of their already earned wages at any time — without waiting for the standard payday. For a generation that can't stand restrictions and wants to keep things under control, this is a huge advantage:
- Less stress – when an unexpected expense comes up, they don't have to rely on loans.
- Digital simplicity – the money is available in the app, just a few clicks and it's done.
- More freedom – Gen Z can split up their income however they need it at the moment.
Generation Z brings a breath of fresh air to the financial scene. They're not chasing traditional symbols of success — instead, they're looking for balance, freedom, and digital convenience. And that's exactly why it's crucial for them to have tools in hand that support these values.
Earned Wage Access from Advanto is one such tool — offering flexibility and security at a time when the financial world is changing faster than ever. Find out more about Earned Wage Access.
