Edward Jones advisor: Gen-Z doesn’t want an office happy hour. They want financial security

Gen Z is among the most financially anxious and financially proactive generations. They hold “admin nights” to check things off their to-do lists, track every dollar and have even turned 401(k)s into ironic status symbols. Despite their efforts, many still feel they’re falling behind. They’ve weathered market volatility, a pandemic and rising living costs — and fixed expenses often hit before their first paycheck even settles. As a financial advisor, I’ve never seen a generation so eager to build a future, yet so unsure whether that future is attainable. According to 2025 research from Edward Jones and Morning Consult, nearly a third of Americans have their first investment experience through their jobs. Yet nearly four in five Gen Z-ers still don’t contribute to a workplace retirement plan — a gap that represents both a crisis and an opportunity. This generation craves a future worth preparing for, and employers have a unique opportunity to provide financial access and education that can help get them there. 401(k)s are “in.” Retirement plans — often an investor’s first experience with wealth building — have become prized for a generation where stability is a status symbol. “Soft saving” — prioritizing stability and wellbeing now while saving modestly — is a rational response to frequent shocks and high living costs. Even starting small but consistently saving can help create financial stability and the freedom to pursue other goals with confidence. Gen Z is looking to employers to help them make smart financial decisions the easy default and reduce decision fatigue. Employers can better support Gen Z by offering ways to automate savings and gradually increase contributions as income grows. Edward Jones and Morning Consult found that 66% of Gen Z-ers say they’d be more likely to participate in a workplace retirement plan if enrollment were easier. More than a benefit, a 401(k) plan is a retention strategy: according to a 2025 Deloitte survey, by o