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Generation Z appears to be redefining prosperity by prioritizing well-being and autonomy over financial gain. According to recent polling, nearly two-thirds of Gen Zers say they prioritize peace of mind and personal time over accumulating wealth.
This shift reflects a generation, born from 1997 to 2012, grappling with mounting financial pressures, combined with increased awareness of mental health.
Key Takeaways
- Gen Z reports valuing quality of life and peace of mind over wealth.
- Surveys indicate that high costs and economic uncertainty have contributed to the trend, as long-term planning feels out of reach for many young adults.
- Concerns about their long-term financial future are a top factor in feelings of anxiety and stress for Gen Z.
Gen Z Priorities
Having seen their millennial predecessors experience burnout while still struggling with housing affordability and student debt, Gen Z appears to be pragmatically recalibrating their expectations, choosing to prioritize personal satisfaction over lofty financial benchmarks.
For Gen Z, financial success is increasingly about stability, flexibility, and personal well-being. According to a March 2025 survey by Intuit (INTU), 64% of Gen Z said peace of mind matters more than building wealth, and 60% of Gen Z and millennials would rather have a better quality of life than a bigger bank account.
Gen Z is leading the trend, with 58% saying they will prioritize personal time and balance even if it means earning less money.
What Gen Z Needs to Know
Despite their values-first approach, Gen Z faces formidable financial obstacles. Amid soaring inflation and volatile markets, planning even a few years ahead can feel like guessing at tomorrow’s weather. And 75% of Gen Z and 68% of Millennials say economic uncertainty is making it harder to plan. In a 2024 survey by Deloitte, half of Gen Z said their longer-term financial future is a top contributor to feelings of anxiety and stress.
In the face of that uncertainty, financial advisors say it’s important for Gen Z to try to save for retirement and make smart financial decisions wherever possible. Marnie Bonner, an associate financial planner at WealthChoice who focuses on Gen Z clientele, points out that “people may be prioritizing their quality of life, but they are also often acting as if they have the higher-paying jobs and overextending themselves.” That further complicates the state of young people’s finances.
Recognizing these challenges, Gen Z is seeking concrete solutions:
- 60% want more financial education, outpacing other age groups.
- 71% want more employer-provided guidance on reaching retirement goals.
Recent trends—from “loud budgeting” to “no-buy 2025“—show that many young people are trying to combat spending on non-essential expenses and promote budgeting. In the face of financial anxiety, experts say Gen Z can start by maintaining a budget, building an emergency fund, and beginning to save for retirement as early as possible.
The Bottom Line
While Gen Z’s shift away from the hustle underscores their values, lasting financial security doesn’t have to be off the table. Through long-term planning, skill-building, and strategic use of DIY finance technologies, Gen Zers can set themselves up for financial success even while prioritizing peace of mind and quality of life in the short term.
