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

Julia Bartak CFP, Edward Jones.

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.

Retirement plans — often an investor’s first experience with wealth building — have become prized for a generation where stability is a........

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