Struggling to support 4 generations with their financial well-being? Here’s where to start

Published Updated 3 Min Read

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When employees are financially insecure, everything from mental wellness to work productivity can suffer. While benefits around saving and retirement can help everyone, employers should also recognize that each generation may need more specific support.    

Support needs to start with education: The average American loses more than $1,500 per year due to lack of financial understanding, and just over half are considered financially literate, according to a report from research company MarketWatch. When it comes to saving and investing, their research found more than 40% of people — and over half of Gen Z — are not familiar with Roth IRA’s, money market accounts and high-yield savings accounts, and 70% of those who have access to a 401(k) don’t use this benefit. 

For those just starting out or still early-on in their careers, encouraging a jumpstart on savings can help them achieve financial goals much sooner and plan for the far-off future simultaneously.

“The big thing with people who are younger is understanding compound interest — even if you’re just saving $10 out of every paycheck, it adds up and sets the stage for later in life,” Straughan says. “For people who are young and who are new to having a salary, budgeting is the foundation of smart decisions.” 

Lee Hafner
Editor

Lee joined the EBN team in 2022, and covers areas including caregiving, employee health and wellness, healthcare innovation, and company culture. She created EBN's popular Benefits in Action and … Read full bio


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