Are the kids saving? Like, Duh!

Author: / 16 Jul 2012 / Retirement Trends & News

I’m way too young to talk about what the “kids” are doing these days. But I’m far too old to think that those same “kids” today had the same upbringing as I did. The new generation seems much more prepared in the realm of technology, strategy, and the idea of long-term savings and retirement. I get worried that folks aren’t saving enough. Then, I’m contradicted.

You think I’m wrong? Is your “kid” not ambitious?

Think again. Here’s why we’re both wrong.

I was most inspired to craft this blog in response to a recent article in USA Today. It’s easy to be from a different generation and judge the ones following us. Perhaps we should think again about tossing that rock in your pretty glass house.

Hindsight is 20/20

For the baby boom generation, many did not have much money growing up. Things were hard for them. What did they do? Worked hard to make a better life for the next generation. Remember how much fun the 80’s were? Now that they’re older, the kids who grew up on that middle-class upbringing are affirming themselves as contributing members of society. And sounding a lot like their parents:

“You have it so much easier than I did.”

“The internet? We had to look it up in the Library.”

“My video games had one button. ONE!”

With the economic uncertainty of a few years ago, Generation Y was busy in college and/or spending countless hours playing strategy games like Farmville and World of Warcraft. At the same time, they’re learning about real-life ways to earn gold (err – money) and level up (err – graduate or get a job).

The game[ification] of life

Taking a look at the site referred above, Gen Y’s actually do think about the future. Wouldn’t it be amazing to know that the teachings of saving in economics class actually lead to the application within video games. While playing World of Warcraft/Farmville/real life, they’re thinking why they should spend the money on this soul-eating sword/new barn/expensive car if they save it up and get an even better one down the road.

A Gen Y-er called herself realistic. I believe it’s more strategy and thinking of the long term. Not wanting to fail/lose a life/end up in economic unease, they will prevent that.

When judging that next generation, we should wonder if we’re possibly not just projecting our own concerns on them. So, we may be the ones that lost a bit more in the recent economic crash, but we need to step it up! It’s a game to them and we’re losing.

Take the next step – Let me help you.

Contact Jay Jacob, Sr. Retirement Plan Consultant

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© 2024 Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
44 Montgomery Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94104