The Money Saving Habits of America’s Young Adults

Saving for life’s big moments is one of the best ways to improve and maintain one’s financial well-being. But many young people have already lived through one economic recession and now face a second. How has this impacted their savings? When we surveyed 1,879 Millennials and Generation Zers, 99% said that saving money is important to them. But those are just words – we wanted to know what steps they’re actually taking to secure their financial future.

On average, respondents began saving at the age of 19 and 90% have taken the first step and opened a dedicated savings account. While men have more saved than women on average ($16,631 and $11,649, respectively), over half of all respondents add to their savings on a monthly basis.

90% have a savings account. $14,140 average amount saved.

How often do you contribute to your savings?
Monthly (52%). Weekly (21%). A few times per year (16%). Never (8%). Yearly (3%). 

What are you saving for? 
A home (30%). Retirement (26%). Travel (11%). A car (8%). Education (8%). A wedding (2%). Other (15%). 

66% say they're on track to hit their goal. 

54% aren't satisfied with their savings. 

1 in 10 don't have a savings account. 

Why don't you have a savings account?
I don't have enough or make enough money to save (77%). 
I don't know where to save my money (13%). 
I don't know how to save my money (10%).

In a culture that places emphasis on work-life balance, it’s no surprise that 1 in 4 say that the most important thing they’re planning for is retirement. Building a nest egg for that phase of life is no small feat, and just over half have a savings account dedicated to their retirement goals. The most popular type of retirement account? 401(k) (34%), followed by a Roth IRA (20%) and separate personal savings account (20%).

Even with good saving habits in place, 8 out of 10 respondents say that they’ve felt stress or anxiety when it comes to saving money. That’s no surprise, given the current economic climate - but they’ve learned to plan for times like these. In addition to a nest egg, 2 in 5 have and work to maintain an emergency fund. When asked what they are preparing for, many said potential job loss (33%), while others cited family emergencies (32%), medical emergencies (27%), and major home or car repair (8%).

64% have an emergency fund. $23,950 average amount saved. 

Respondents could survive an average of 4.5 months with their emergency savings. 

39% have had to use their savings during Covid-19. 33% average amount of savings used. 

What were your savings used for during Covid-19?
Food (70%). Utilities (48%). Mortgage or rent (41%). Credit card debt (25%). Student loans (22%). Car payment (22%). Health care costs (19%). 

73% say Covid-19 will shape their financial habits. Here's how: 
I'll curb my spending and better manage my money (45%). 
I'll contribute more to my general savings (43%). 
I'll build an emergency fund (39%). 
I'll contribute more to accounts like a 401(k) (28%).

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic recession, Millennials and Gen Zers are learning the importance of having these funds tucked away for a rainy day. Three out of four say that the impact of coronavirus has changed their saving habits and that it will continue to shape their financial habits going forward.

This is not the first time a crisis has changed young adults’ relationship with money. Many point to the 2008 economic recession as a financial influence, and one in three say it changed how they approach their saving habits. When asked, 42% said they began saving sooner, 21% became more aware of their spending, 19% began saving for retirement earlier than planned, and 18% pursued a career with job security.

Nonetheless, 46% remain satisfied with their savings and 3 in 4 respondents said they consider themselves optimistic about their financial future.

Personal Banking


Methodology: Between May 18 and 20, 2020, we surveyed 1,879 people who identify as Millennials and Generation Z (born between 1981 and 2012). Of respondents, 51% were male and 49% were female; the average age was 28.

For media inquiries, contact [email protected].

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