Gen Z is often stereotyped as frivolous spenders, but new data reveals a far more sobering reality. Nearly half have already dipped into their retirement savings-not for luxuries, but to pay down debt and cover emergencies. Many are also skipping meals, delaying medical care, and selling belongings just to make rent. Despite being the most active 401(k) contributors, Gen Z is being forced to choose between financial responsibility and basic survival.
For too long, insufficient transparency and accountability structures have allowed U.S. universities to saddle students with enormous debt loads without paying enough attention to whether their own graduates are truly prepared to succeed in the labor market.