Bar chart: Gen Z respondents — Aspiration vs Action, Bank of America 2025

Gen Z respondents: Aspiration vs Action

% of Gen Z adults (ages 18–28) who said each statement applies to them

42% see retirement as financial independence symbol; 25% contributed to retirement account. 35% see investing as financial independence symbol; 21% invested in stock market.

Source: Bank of America Better Money Habits Study, 2025

Symbol of financial independence Actually did it in the past year