I Asked Gen Z What ‘Wealth’ Means—Their Answers Surprised Me
June 26, 2025
7 min read
I was in line at my favorite local coffee shop—half-distracted, scrolling my phone, waiting for my almond milk latte—when I heard it. A twenty-something in a beanie, talking to her friend behind me, laughed and said, "I'm rich in experiences, not dollars."
I smirked. But then I paused. That line stuck in my head like a catchy song lyric. What does that even mean? And why did it hit me harder than I expected?
That overheard moment set off a curiosity spiral that I didn’t see coming. As someone who grew up equating success with promotions, square footage, and a 401(k), I suddenly wondered: is there a new definition of wealth being written right under our noses? One latte line later, I was on a mission to find out.
What I discovered challenged a lot of my old assumptions about money, success, and what it means to “make it.” Spoiler alert: Gen Z has a lot to teach us—and not just about TikTok trends.
Why I Started This Wealth Investigation
According to McKinsey & Company, about 70% of Gen Z respondents say they define success by having a job that aligns with their values, not just income potential. That stat echoed what I was already sensing around me—and it’s exactly what made me start paying closer attention.
Let’s start at home—literally. It was the generational chatter at my own dinner table that first opened my eyes to how differently Gen Z views money. From there, I got curious, asked questions, and dove into some seriously enlightening conversations.
1. The Generational Money Conversations in My Family
Money has always been a hot topic at our family gatherings. My parents—boomers through and through—talk about retirement savings and rising mortgage rates like it's their side hustle.
My brother (a millennial like me) focuses on passive income and FIRE goals. But my Gen Z cousins? They talk about boundaries, burnout, and wanting to live near water. It’s less “how do I get rich?” and more “how do I live well?”
2. How My Younger Cousins Talk About Goals
One cousin told me she wants to work part-time and live in a tiny house so she can travel more. Another said his goal was to make "just enough" to support a creative lifestyle. They weren’t lazy or aimless—they were strategic and intentional. And they were defining success on their own terms, which felt… revolutionary.
3. How I Collected Gen Z Money Stories
I decided to go full tip-finder mode. Over a few weeks, I asked questions on Instagram Stories, struck up conversations with Gen Z coworkers, and even lingered at cafes longer than usual (yes, I became that person). I talked to over 40 Gen Zers about money, wealth, and what really matters.
The Traditional Wealth Playbook (And Why Gen Z Isn't Following It)
Before we get into what Gen Z is doing, let’s talk about what they’re leaving behind. The old-school markers of success—house, car, corner office—just aren’t the endgame anymore. And honestly? I get it.
1. What 'Making It' Used to Mean
For my parents, “making it” meant homeownership, a steady job, and saving for retirement. It was a clear, linear path. They climbed ladders. They collected promotions. They invested in mutual funds. That was the gold standard.
2. My Journey with Traditional Wealth Goals
I followed the script too. Got the degree. Took the job. Bought the house. But I also burned out, felt trapped by lifestyle creep, and questioned whether the hustle was worth it. I had the checklist, but something was missing.
3. Gen Z's Shift Away from Materialism
Gen Z, on the other hand, is flipping the script. They’re not chasing the corner office or the McMansion. They’re chasing alignment. Many said they'd rather earn less if it means more freedom, more time, or more joy. One 24-year-old told me, "I don’t want to live to work. I want to work to live."
What Gen Z Actually Told Me About Wealth
When I asked Gen Z to define wealth, their answers weren’t about dollar signs—they were about quality of life. Here's what they value most, and why it matters.
1. Time Freedom over Big Salaries
Over and over, I heard this phrase: time freedom. The ability to wake up without an alarm, take a mental health day without guilt, or work from anywhere. It’s not about laziness—it’s about agency. One young graphic designer said, “I’ll take $60K and autonomy over $100K and burnout any day.”
“Why chase the clock when you can own your time? Gen Z’s new success mantra: more freedom, less burnout.”
2. Mental Health as a Luxury
Unlike past generations who might've pushed through anxiety and stress in silence, Gen Z is putting mental health front and center. Several people said they factor therapy, rest days, and even job flexibility into their definition of wealth. To them, peace is priceless.
3. Sustainability as a Wealth Signal
From low-waste lifestyles to upcycled fashion, Gen Z links sustainability with success. One 21-year-old said, “If I can afford to live sustainably, I know I’m doing well.” That floored me. It reframes consumption entirely—from having more to consuming better.
4. Relationships as True Wealth
Gone are the solo success narratives. This generation sees wealth as shared. Whether it’s community housing, shared resources, or simply prioritizing close friendships over career moves, Gen Z values connection more than accumulation. Their wealth isn’t in bank accounts—it’s in people.
The Money Strategies Gen Z Shared That Actually Work
Gen Z isn’t just dreaming differently—they’re doing money differently, too. I took notes, tested a few things, and found out some of their hacks are surprisingly powerful.
1. The Experience Budget I Tried
One Gen Z interviewee told me she sets aside 15% of her monthly income for experiences—no exceptions. I tried it for a month: dinners with friends, a weekend road trip, a pottery class. Not only did I feel more fulfilled, but I spent less overall. Planning joy on purpose? Revolutionary.
2. Automated Saving and Investing
Nearly everyone I spoke with mentioned using apps like Acorns, Stash, or even just automated transfers to build savings in the background. The trick? Making wealth-building invisible. “If I don’t see it, I don’t spend it,” one said. I’ve since automated my own savings, and wow—it works.
3. Side Hustles with Purpose
I expected to hear about side hustles for extra cash. But what I heard was deeper: art commissions, tutoring, dog-walking—all with a twist of passion. Gen Z isn’t just side-hustling for survival—they’re doing it to explore purpose and build skills they like.
4. Avoiding Lifestyle Inflation
This one humbled me. While my generation often “leveled up” spending with income, Gen Z holds steady. One interviewee said, “Just because I got a raise doesn’t mean I need a new car.” Instead, they bank the difference or invest it. Genius.
How This Changed My Own Money Mindset
After this journey, I wasn’t the same. Gen Z’s wealth wisdom left a mark—and changed how I think about money, success, and what it means to live a rich life.
1. My Gen Z-Inspired Money Makeover
After weeks of listening, learning, and letting go of old money narratives, I made changes. Big ones. I re-evaluated subscriptions, shifted savings goals, and stopped chasing the idea of "more" as inherently better. I even downsized a few things—emotionally and materially.
2. Real Changes I Made to My Spending
I now set experience budgets. I shop secondhand more. I ask, “Does this add ease, joy, or meaning?” before buying. My grocery bills are down, my weekends feel richer, and—wildly enough—so do I.
3. What I Gained by Thinking Differently
Here’s the kicker: I’m saving more. Spending less. Stressing way less. And feeling more aligned than I have in years. Turns out, when you chase what matters, your money follows in smarter ways.
Tip-Off!
- Schedule a monthly “experience budget” date—it’s joy with a receipt.
- Automate your savings to make wealth-building frictionless.
- Ask yourself: is this purchase for status or satisfaction?
- Side hustle for purpose, not just profit—passion compounds.
- Don’t inflate your lifestyle just because your paycheck did.
Ready to Rethink Wealth? Lock In!
I walked into that coffee shop thinking I was just grabbing a latte. Instead, I walked out with a total mindset shift—straight from the Gen Z playbook. Their definition of wealth? Less about stacking cash, more about living with purpose, peace, and freedom. Honestly? Big W!
So the next time someone says, “I’m rich in experiences, not dollars,” don’t roll your eyes—lean in. There’s more wisdom there than we give credit for.
Sometimes the biggest wins don’t come from a paycheck—they come from perspective.
