20% of all respondents received no financial guidance from their parents
Generational Differences in Education
Many of today’s financial struggles may stem from early gaps in education but it looks like things may be improving. One-fifth (20%) of all respondents received no financial guidance from their parents, and nearly one-third (31%) received no financial guidance in school. Among Baby Boomers, one-third (35%) report their parents never taught them about money, compared to just one-fifth (20%) of Gen Z. This may suggest a slow but encouraging shift in how financial habits are passed down.
Generational Differences in Mindset
Generational differences also emerge in mindset. Gen Z is the most optimistic, with three-in-five (59%) strongly agreeing they’re actively working to set themselves up for success. At the same time, they’re the most focused on the here and now, with one-quarter (27%) prioritizing “what’s best in the moment,” more than double the rate of Boomers (10%). Boomers and the Silent Generation lean toward a more measured approach with two-thirds (64%) saying they consider both short- and long-term goals in their planning.
Women are from Venus
There are some interesting differences between men and women as well. Almost three-quarters (72%) of women indicate they manage the bulk of their household’s finances themselves, compared to fewer men who say the same. However, slightly less than half (49%) of women say they have “a lot” of trust in their ability to manage finances and slightly more than half (52%) of men express the same level of confidence. Women are also show more balance in their financial approach as three-in-five (59%) women focus equally on short- and long-term outcomes, compared to 54% of men have the same balanced approach.
Read More
New Survey Reveals Americans Unprepared for Current Economic Uncertainty
Research Publisher
Beyond Finance is one of the nation’s largest debt consolidation organizations. Beyond Finance helps consumers lower their monthly payments, reduce the impact of interest, and reach a debt-free life sooner with customized proprietary tools allowing for ease-of-use and transparency.
Methodology
This survey was commissioned by Beyond Finance and conducted by Talker Research, a third-party research company. Data from a survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Beyond Finance from April 4 – April 7, 2025, with a sample of 2,000 Americans.
