A growing number of young Americans are voicing serious concerns about their financial situations, with nearly 40% of individuals under 30 saying they’re either “struggling to make ends meet” or simply “getting by with limited security.”
This insight comes from a recent poll by Harvard’s Institute of Politics, which surveyed 2,096 adults between the ages of 18 and 29 from March 14 to March 25, 2025. The results revealed that financial hardship is more prevalent among women, Hispanic individuals, and those who have not earned a college degree.
The data highlights a clear connection between education and financial well-being. Half of those without a degree and not currently enrolled in school reported struggling. That number drops to 35% for those in college and to just 29% for college graduates.
One explanation for this trend is that college graduates often move into full-time jobs with better salaries, whereas students still in school may be working part-time or not at all.
These findings from Harvard mirror trends reported in other recent studies focused on Generation Z, which typically includes those between the ages of 18 and 28.
In a separate report conducted by Credit One Bank in January 2025, 39% of Gen Z respondents said they were overwhelmed by financial stress — more than any other generation surveyed. This group also reported the lowest levels of financial confidence and control.
Although the Harvard poll didn’t dive into exact reasons for the anxiety, factors like ongoing inflation and the return of student loan repayments are likely contributors — particularly for younger workers still establishing themselves in their careers.
“It’s very expensive to pay for the basics today that everyone needs — food, shelter and a mode of transportation,” says John Bell, a certified financial planner based in Maryland.
Bell adds that “many young people [are] graduating with high levels of college debt,” and in many cases, the jobs they secure aren’t offering salaries that are sufficient to cover both their loan payments and essential living expenses.
{Matzav.com}