- A Pew survey shows most Americans believe young adults face greater financial challenges than their parents' generation, including buying a home, paying for college, saving for the future, covering basic expenses, and finding a job.
- The share of adults saying it's harder for young people to find a job rose sharply from 39% in 2021 to 64% in 2026, while buying a home was seen as harder by 87% in 2026, up from 70%.
- Young adults aged 18-29 are more likely than older age groups to perceive increased difficulty in achieving financial milestones like finding a job, buying a home, and paying for college.
- Data from 2023 shows fewer 21-year-olds in 2021 achieved financial independence, full-time employment, or living independently compared to 1980, with gaps narrowing by age 25.