The average age for Generation Z in the United States to start accumulating wealth is 19, with nearly half paying more attention to cryptocurrency

The 2026 Wealth Survey by U.S. Bank shows that the average American Generation Z starts accumulating wealth at 19 years old, significantly earlier than previous generations. The survey covered 5,000 American adults aged 18 and older. Generation Z consciously begins to build wealth on average at 19, including investing, saving for retirement, or long-term savings, which is 6 years earlier than the average age of 25 for Millennials, 10 years earlier than 29 for Generation X, and 13 years earlier than 32 for Baby Boomers.

Despite starting earlier, 56% of Generation Z believe they are doing everything right but have not achieved their expected financial situation, 62% report difficulty in making financial progress, and 49% have paused or plan to pause their investments. 62% of Generation Z and 61% of Millennials believe that the stock market is a more realistic path to wealth than buying a home, with the percentages for Generation X and Baby Boomers being 51% and 45%, respectively. About 47% of Generation Z obtain financial information through social media, and nearly half of young people are more interested in emerging options like cryptocurrency, but most still believe that traditional investments are the best way to achieve long-term goals. About 70% of parents have provided or plan to provide assistance for their children's significant milestones.