Summer Doesn’t Mean Fun for Gen Z: 3 Reasons Young People are Filled With Financial Anxiety — and How to Help

When I think of summertime, I think back to 17-year-old me — driving my car, windows down, not enough sunscreen on, listening to music. Summer always meant less noise, fewer worries about school and not being held hostage by alarms.These memories have always evoked especially carefree feelings. Until now.Today’s (slightly older than 17) me is struck by the fear that for Gen Z (those born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s), summers aren’t as insulated from the noise, especially from the echo chamber of social media. And that is causing distress.Gen Z is inundated with content about the best clothes, the worst places to go to school, the “right” look. They are also exposed to endless financial content, almost daily, and I believe it is causing anxiety. These young people are under extraordinary pressure to look like they have it all figured out — and it’s preventing them from asking for help.This article looks to quiet a bit of that noise and shine a light on some fundamental financial building blocks. About Adviser IntelThe author of this article is a participant in Kiplinger’s Adviser Intel program, a curated network of trusted financial professionals who share expert insights on wealth building and preservation. Contributors, including fiduciary financial planners, wealth managers, CEOs and attorneys, provide actionable advice about retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies and more. Experts are invited to contribute and do not pay to be included, so you can trust their advice is honest and valuable.I’ll also discuss where Gen Zers can find trusted, competent advisers to complement their knowledge and provide an appropriate level of support, and how they can create a life for themselves based on financial stability and security.But first, a few recent examples of “noise.” Side hustles build wealth, but jobs are boringOne common narrative on social media involves downplaying the benefits that come from a traditional, 9-to-5 job. It romanticizes a version of entrepreneurship, which more closely resembles a side hustle that someone should be doing for joy and extra cash rather than to build wealth. Entrepreneurial spirit and drive are important and can be great, but placing too much emphasis on these themes can make Gen Zers feel bad about not monetizing hobbies. Instead, I think it’s more important to think about how to create wealth from your career.Take workplace benefits, for example. These are a largely invisible form of compensation. A company matching a 401(k) contribution, access to health and disability insurance, or the ability to save into a health savings account or flexible spending account can be incredibly valuable when life takes an ugly turn.Simply having a predictable cash flow itself is a huge benefit for someone looking to build wealth. It means you can automate savings, anticipate how much you can invest and plan for the future.Girl/boy math and ‘no-spend’ monthsSome catchphrases are funny — for example, using the term “girl/boy math” to justify unnecessary spending (if you return a shirt that costs $50, you made $50). “No-spend months,” on the other hand, create a restrictive mindset more akin to dieting.Both can lead to unhealthy financial behavior because they turn budgeting into a game or punishment.In reality, budgeting is an exercise where you look at your cash inflow and determine how much you can spend on necessary costs, such as rent or a car payment, and discretionary costs, such as dining out, taking that vacation or bulking up savings.By creating short- and long-term goals, you can create a meaningful, attainable budget that is sustainable for your overall financial health. Looking for expert tips to grow and preserve your wealth? Sign up for Adviser Intel, our free, twice-weekly newsletter.Be your own financial adviser — it’s easy No. It’s not. While I appreciate the spirit of independence, it’s risky to think you shouldn’t ask a professional for help because you should be able to do it on your own using “facts” available on the internet.There’s a big difference between being able to access financial information and being able to understand it. Having the ability to sift through what is fact or fiction and apply it to your situation can be incredibly complex — and that’s where professional help is useful.Gen Zers seem to select financial advisers with a decent amount of skepticism and due diligence — and this is a good thing.But those who hire professionals know the good ones can help educate and coach them to make their own financial decisions, accept new ideas and keep them on track to achieve their financial goals.Setting the right foundationsThis is just a sample of the noise that Gen Z constantly hears. There are plenty more examples and some can be pretty insidious, promising dreams of getting rich quick.If we can do one thing for our Gen Z friends and family, it’s to give them a foundation that helps them feel great about their own choices now and in future. Then maybe they can get back to what young people should be doing this summer — having some fun. Related Content7 of the Best Budgeting Apps for 2026’Drivers License’: A Wealth Strategist Helps Gen Z Hit the RoadGen Z’s Biggest Money Mistakes (Plus, Small Wins That Fix Them)A Matter of Trustees: Is Your Spouse the Best Person to Manage the Kids’ Trusts?Tending to Your Estate Plan This Spring? Don’t Forget to Give Your IRA Some LoveThis article is for general information only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale of any financial product, service or other professional advice. Wilmington Trust does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Professional advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances.Wilmington Trust is not responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this article.All information is provided “as is,” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied.Wilmington Trust is not liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on any information in this article. Opinions are subject to change without notice.Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark used in connection with various fiduciary and non-fiduciary services offered by certain subsidiaries of M&T Bank Corp.This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.