Photo of a group of millennials in a park.

Are Millennials the Greatest Generation of Savers?

Despite their reputation for being the #treatyoself generation, studies show that millennials are capable of strong financial discipline.

Millennials Started Out Behind Gen Xers

$72,000: The debt level of the average millennial in 2016 vs. $67,000 for Gen Xers in 2001.

$90,000:  The average net worth of millennial households in 2016 vs. $130,000 for Gen Xers in 2001.
 

But They’re Saving

10%: The retirement savings rate of surveyed millennial parents in 2017, double that of boomers.

24: The age millennials started saving for retirement, 11 years earlier than boomers.

39% of millennials put more than 10% of their income toward retirement.
  

They’re Wary of Debt

$43,000: Typical mortgage debt among millennials, $6,000 less than Gen Xers at that age.

$1,800: The average millennial credit card debt in 2016, 1/3 less than Gen X in 2001.
 

They Value Education

1 in 4 millennials are saving for their own continued education.

68% of millennial parents are saving for their kids’ college.
 

They’re Jumping Into the Home Market in a Big Way

36%: The share of homes purchased by millennials each year.

30% of millennial homebuyers spent more than $300,000 on a home.

 

Artwork by Kyle Bean.
 

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James Thorne

James Thorne is a freelance journalist who has written for CNBC and Reuters, among other publications.

*The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.