2020s:
Student loan debt crisis: Gen Z will continue to grapple with hefty student loan debts, impacting their ability to invest, save, and make major life purchases.
Housing affordability: skyrocketing housing prices may make homeownership increasingly unattainable for Gen Z, leading to long-term renting or living with family for an extended period.
Rapid technological changes: constant technological advancements could lead to job displacement, requiring Gen Z to continuously upskill to remain relevant in the job market.
Inflation vs. wages: inflation could outpace wage growth, making it challenging for Gen Z to maintain their standard of living.
Subscription Fatigue: Gen Z might find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of subscription services available, struggling to keep up with the financial burden of multiple streaming, gaming, and software subscriptions.
Andy Cooper, Financial Analyst at CouponBirds, shares his take on how the 2020s are financially affecting Gen Zs: “We’re already seeing the ways in which Gen Zers are struggling this decade, managing debt and continuously having to react to a difficult market. Student loans and the affordability of housing are hot topics, especially when you take into consideration that inflation is outstripping wages. The AI here is bang on about the problems young people are facing this decade, which bodes well for its analysis of the decades to come.”
2030s:
Climate change costs: dealing with the financial aftermath of climate-related disasters and the shift to sustainable practices could strain Gen Z’s finances.
Healthcare expenses: rising healthcare costs, especially with the aging population, might burden Gen Z, especially if they’re caring for aging parents or dealing with their healthcare needs.
Gig economy challenges: reliance on gig work might offer flexibility but lack stability and benefits like healthcare and retirement plans.
Virtual reality addiction: spending on virtual reality experiences and gadgets could become a significant expense, impacting Gen Z’s financial priorities.
Cryptocurrency craze: with the rise of cryptocurrency, Gen Z might find themselves enticed by the volatility of digital currencies, navigating the financial risks and rewards of investing in this new asset class.
Andy’s take on the 2030s: “Rising healthcare costs seems likely, especially if we see increased privatisation in that sector. The costs of caring for aging parents has always been present, but as costs generally get more expensive, how much of an impact is this going to have on the current younger generation? Saving money with half an eye on this will be tricky but may pay off in the future.
“Climate change having an impact on personal finances isn’t something that is typically discussed, but it absolutely could be a big part of the future for young people the world over. We already see that costs for natural disasters are not always covered in home insurance policies, and as these become increasingly important, young people need to make sure they’re getting the right policies for them.
“An addiction to virtual reality, and costs that might come with it, could also be feasible. We already see talk of game addiction and the increase in micro-transactions in gaming is a trend that doesn’t look like it’s going to subside any time soon. Young generations could look after their financial future by getting into positive habits now, such as limiting spend and upgrading tech only when needed.”
2040s:
Automation displacement: increased automation could lead to widespread job loss, forcing Gen Z to adapt to new industries or rely on a universal basic income.
Space tourism temptations: the allure of space tourism might lead to extravagant spending among Gen Z, especially with the rise of affordable space travel options.
Genetic modification costs: advances in genetic modification could come with hefty price tags for enhancements or treatments, creating financial disparities within Gen Z.
Rising oceanfront property costs: with sea levels rising, prime oceanfront properties might become prohibitively expensive, affecting Gen Z’s housing options and investment opportunities.
NFT frenzy: Gen Z might get caught up in the non-fungible token (NFT) craze, splurging on digital artwork and collectibles, navigating the complexities of digital ownership and authenticity.
Andy’s shares his thoughts for the predictions of 2040s: “Automation displacing jobs is a serious concern for many, which is especially ironic when an AI is predicting that future. Gen Zers who want a more secure financial future could look into markets that feel more AI proof, or ensure they have multiple skills to allow them to diversify their work if needed.
“Genetic modification costs all sound very Cyberpunk, but if they become a real consideration they’re likely to be expensive, especially at first. It’s difficult to give advice on this other than to say that serious research and consideration needs to be done before paying for any modifications.
“The NFT craze seems to have largely come and gone, so AI might have missed the mark here. Perhaps there will be another wave, but as always they come with a risk and all investments have a chance of losing money as well as making it.”
2050s:
Resource scarcity: dealing with dwindling resources and environmental degradation might lead to increased costs for essentials like water and food, impacting Gen Z’s budget.
Artificial intelligence governance costs: managing the ethical and legal implications of AI might require significant financial resources from Gen Z, especially if they’re involved in shaping AI policies.
Personalised space colonisation: personalised space colonies could become a status symbol, with exorbitant costs associated, creating societal divides within Gen Z.
Time travel tourism: the advent of time travel tourism might tempt Gen Z to splurge on trips to historical epochs, adding a whimsical yet costly dimension to their financial struggles.
Mindful spending movement: as a response to the excesses of previous generations, Gen Z might spearhead a movement towards mindful spending, prioritising experiences over material possessions and seeking financial independence through minimalism.
Andy shares his thoughts on 2050’s and says: “Food is getting expensive as it is, and with the prospect of resource scarcity on the table, AI believes this is only going to get worse. Budgeting, as always, is the first step to make sure you’re covered, but this will clearly vary person-to-person and family-to-family.
“Apart from that, the AI feels a little fanciful here. Governance of AI would not impact the personal finances of most people, except maybe through taxes, and personalised space colonisation sounds like a more expensive house move. If you’re looking to save for that move to Mars, perhaps it’s best to start putting away the pennies now.
“Time travel … well, that will be expensive! My advice here would be to travel back in time and invest in some stock you know will do well … which will solve the financial problems all round! But, in reality, this doesn’t seem something that will be a financial problem for the majority of Gen Zers in the 2050s, especially as they’ll be in their 80s by then.”
To conclude, tough financial times are ahead for Gen Z based on AI predictions spanning the next fifty years. Each decade poses its own set of challenges, from student debt to emerging tech trends. Financial expert Andy Cooper has shared his top-tier advice on smart financial decisions and mindful spending. Despite the challenges, there’s hope for Gen Z to navigate these obstacles with adaptability and informed choices, ensuring a more secure financial future.
