For many young people, financial security currently seems far away. High rents, rising prices, and uncertain jobs shape everyday life. But this is where a contradiction begins that could hardly be greater.
Gen Z: No Ownership, No Money – But Richest Generation of All Time
25-03-2026, 05:03
Little money, high rents, hardly any chances of ownership: For many young people, the future feels uncertain. Yet, according to analysis, this generation is set to become wealthier than any before.
Because according to the Bank of America analysis, this very generation could accumulate more wealth in the coming decades than any before.
Life is getting more expensive
For many members of Generation Z, there is hardly any money left at the end of the month. Even with regular income, the funds are often not enough to cover ongoing costs.
According to analysis, expenses in some markets can amount to up to 146 percent of the minimum wage. Rents, energy, and food are rising faster than incomes.
At the same time, temporary jobs and insecure employment conditions make it difficult to build up savings. Ownership remains unattainable for many.
Billions in the making
Parallel to this development, the data shows a completely different picture. Generation Z has already built up around 9,000 billion US dollars in wealth worldwide.
And this wealth is expected to grow significantly:
- Bis 2030: rund 36.000 Milliarden US-Dollar
- Bis 2040: etwa 74.000 Milliarden US-Dollar
This could make them the financially strongest generation in history.
84,000 billion inheritance
The central driver of this development is not income, but a global wealth transfer.
By around 2045, approximately 84 trillion US dollars are expected to be passed on worldwide from older generations. A portion of this will also reach Generation Z. According to analysis, around 38 percent could benefit from it.
This primarily involves real estate, business investments, and securities.
Paradox of the Present
The fact that many young people today feel financially pressured while at the same time enormous wealth increases are being forecasted has several reasons.
Many are just starting their professional lives, while living costs have already risen significantly. The expected wealth increase, on the other hand, lies in the future and depends significantly on inheritances.
Moreover, this wealth is unequally distributed. Not everyone will benefit equally.
New Power of the Young
With growing wealth, Generation Z could play a central role in the economy in the future.
According to analysis, consumer behavior is already changing. Spending is shifting more towards experiences, travel, and personal needs.
In the long term, this development could sustainably influence markets, companies, and societal structures.
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article .
