Generation X is a unique generation, and while experts have different opinions on the exact years that qualify the generation, generally speaking it encompasses today’s younger adults in their late 20’s through their 30’s. Most people have likely heard a great deal about the Baby Boomers recently as this year defines the point where the first Boomers turned 60. This is important because unlike the generation before them their ideas on retirement have changed significantly and many financial institutions are trying to capitalize on the milestone.
With this large shift of that generation moving towards retirement in the coming years, it leaves our generation with a changing financial landscape. Our parents are retiring on pensions and social security, both which may be underfunded. This could leave us with some important issues to consider in order to achieve the financial independence that the generation before us has. We don’t know how social security will play out. Will it be fine? Will our leaders find a way to reform the system so it can last another generation? Or will we be left with nothing? Only time will tell, and it is important to be prepared for any outcome.
Retirement aside, we are faced with many other unique financial issues that past generations did not have to deal with. We are riddled with debt, and a lot of it. Credit cards, mortgages, home equity loans, auto loans, student loans, and much more. Our parents were brought up primarily in a “pay as you go” way of living. If you didn’t have the cash, you didn’t buy it. That is a far cry from what happens today now that credit is so easy to obtain.
We must work to educate and find ways to help our generation navigate through these new financial issues. That is what this site is for, to help our generation learn and understand the financial issues that we are faced with. We will cover everything from personal finance, credit, investing, real estate, insurance, the economy, and any other issue that is important to achieving financial independence. Together we can help others make the right decisions with their money so we can enjoy a more stress-free lifestyle and sleep easier knowing we are doing the right things with our money.
Author: Jeremy Vohwinkle
My name is Jeremy Vohwinkle, and I’ve spent a number of years working in the finance industry providing financial advice to regular investors and those participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans.