Finance Trends Among Young People: How They Save, Spend, and Invest
Finance Trends Among Young People: How They Save, Spend, and Invest
Finance is a topic that affects everyone, especially young people who are entering adulthood and facing new challenges and opportunities. How do young people manage their money, and what are the trends that shape their financial behavior and goals? In this article, we will explore some of the key finance trends among young people, based on recent research and data.
Soft saving: A new way of saving for the future
Saving money is a traditional and important financial habit, but it can also be difficult and boring for many young people. That’s why some of them are adopting a new way of saving, called soft saving1. Soft saving is the practice of saving money by spending less on things that are not essential, such as eating out, traveling, or buying new clothes. Instead of putting the money in a bank account, soft savers use it to pay off debt, invest in education, or buy assets that can appreciate in value, such as a house or a car.
Soft saving is a flexible and creative way of saving, that allows young people to enjoy their lives while also preparing for the future. It also reflects their desire to break free from restrictive financial constraints. Three in four Gen Z would rather have a better quality of life than extra money in their banks, according to a report by Intuit1.
Financial independence: A goal and a challenge for young adults
Financial independence is a goal that many young adults aspire to, but not everyone achieves. Financial independence means being able to cover your own expenses without relying on your parents or anyone else. According to a survey by Pew Research Center2, 45% of young adults say they are completely financially independent from their parents. Among those in their early 30s, that share rises to 67%, compared with 44% of those ages 25 to 29 and 16% of those ages 18 to 24.
Financial independence can be a challenge for young adults, especially in times of economic uncertainty and instability. Many young adults face financial precarity, meaning that they are unable to make ends meet each month, or have a financial situation that changes significantly from month to month. According to another survey by the RSA3, 47% of young people are financially precarious, and this proportion rises to 57% among 22-24-year-olds. Some of the factors that contribute to financial precarity are low wages, high living costs, student debt, and lack of savings.
To achieve financial independence, young adults need to develop financial skills and habits, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. They also need to seek and accept support from their parents, mentors, or professionals, when necessary.
Investing: A growing interest and opportunity for young people
Investing is a way of putting your money to work, by buying assets that can generate income or increase in value over time, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. Investing can help young people grow their wealth, achieve their financial goals, and secure their future.
Investing is a growing interest and opportunity for young people, thanks to the availability of online platforms, apps, and tools that make investing easier, cheaper, and more accessible. According to a report by Investopedia4, millennials are more likely than older generations to invest in alternative assets, such as cryptocurrencies, peer-to-peer lending, or crowdfunding. They are also more likely to use robo-advisors, which are automated services that provide investment advice and management.
Investing can also be risky and complex, and requires knowledge, research, and discipline. Young investors need to be aware of the potential pitfalls and challenges of investing, such as market volatility, scams, fees, taxes, and diversification. They also need to have a clear and realistic investment plan, that matches their risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives.
Conclusion
Finance is a vital and exciting topic for young people, who are shaping and being shaped by the current and future trends in money management. By learning and applying the best practices and strategies in saving, spending, and investing, young people can improve their financial situation, achieve their financial independence, and secure their financial future.
Komentar
Posting Komentar