How To Help Younger Employees Tackle Money Worries
Younger Americans are disproportionately worried about money, compared to their parents’ and grandparents’ generations. According to an American Psychological Association study, over 60% of Gen Z and Millennials say they feel overwhelmed by their financial woes, compared to 13% of Americans 65 and older. And for younger employees, their financial worries extend far into the future.
According to Georgetown and Bank of America’s study, most Gen Z and Millennial employees (64%) don’t foresee themselves being able to retire at 65, due to their lack of financial security. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that 44% of younger workers report outstanding student loans or other consumer debt.
Today, more than half of the U.S. student loan debt belongs to borrowers under 40 years old, totaling over $800 billion, per the Education Data Initiative. Credit card delinquencies have also risen this year. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, most of these missed payments are driven by Gen Z and Millennials.
Learn more about the unique financial challenges facing younger employees, along with three ways companies can support their younger employees.
1. Offer debt management resources and tools
Not only is debt management support needed by younger employees, but it’s a highly sought-after benefit. Nearly 1 in 5 say they’d like their employer to offer debt management benefits, according to a Georgetown University and Bank of America study, And when it comes to younger employees with outstanding debt, 1 in 3 say they’d like their employer to offer debt management benefits.
With budgeting tools and other debt management resources, younger employees can get the individualized support they need for their financial situation.
2. Provide younger employees with personalized financial guidance.
By investing in money coaching, younger employees can learn how to address their short-term and long-term money goals. Instead of getting generic cookie-cutter advice, money coaching can provide Gen Z and Millennials with the personally tailored support they need for their financial situation.
For instance, 1 in 2 younger employees with outstanding debt say they’d rather pay off their consumer or student debt than invest for retirement, per Georgetown and Bank of America’s study. Alongside a money coach, younger employees can develop a strategic plan to pay off their debt, while preparing for retirement.
3. Take a digital-first approach to financial wellness benefits.
Today, younger employees use their phones for more than just streaming and social media. Many use online resources and applications for banking and managing their finances.
Whether it be viewing an account statement or transferring money, more than 95% of Gen Z and Millennials use mobile banking apps to manage their money, according to CNBC’s Digital Banking Attitudes study.
Given younger employees’ comfort with technology and online banking, take a digital-first approach to financial wellness benefits. Younger employees are more likely to engage with an online financial wellness program, especially if it can be accessed from their phone.
Best Money Moves is a mobile-first financial wellness solution designed to help dial down employees’ most top-of-mind financial stresses. As an easy-to-use financial well-being solution, Best Money Moves offers comprehensive support toward any money-related goal. With 1:1 money coaching, budgeting tools and other resources, our AI platform is designed to help improve employee financial well-being.
Whether it be retirement planning or securing a mortgage, Best Money Moves can guide employees through the most difficult financial times and topics. We have robust benefits options for employers, regardless of their benefits budget.
Our dedicated resources, partner offerings and 1000+ article library make Best Money Moves a leading benefit in bettering employee financial wellness.
To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.