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42% of Young Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck

10/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Goldman Sachs study finds 42% of younger Americans (Gen Z, millennials, Gen X) live paycheck to paycheck, constraining retirement savings.
By 2033, this share could reach 55%, driven by housing costs at 51% of income and healthcare at 16%.
Proposed policies could expand access to non-traditional 401(k) investments. Nearly half of private-sector workers still lack retirement-plan access.

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Story summary

A Goldman Sachs study finds 42% of younger Americans (Gen Z, millennials, Gen X) live paycheck to paycheck, constraining retirement savings.
By 2033, this share could reach 55%, driven by housing costs at 51% of income and healthcare at 16%.
Proposed policies could expand access to non-traditional 401(k) investments. Nearly half of private-sector workers still lack retirement-plan access.