Millennial optimism is tempered by anxiety in new life stage known as “emerging adulthood.” Millennials feel as though they should be launching independent adult lives but haven’t been able to set sail. A Clark University survey finds many of them feeling anxiety (56%), uncertainty (65%), and depression (33%). Though 18-29 years old, most feel adulthood lay ahead of them and that it must surely be better than the intermediate stage they’re in (60%). There’s still more than a glimmer of optimism as 82% say it “still seems like anything is possible.” Millennials are riding out this tough stage by remaining… Read More
Categories: Generations, Recession EconomyWe’ve noted here that Millennials have a different attitude towards cars than previous generations and they have a different approach to retail and buying, as well. An analysis by MSN Autos explains how Millennials are changing the way we buy and sell cars. Dealers and sales associates should take note because Millennials will account for 75% of car purchases by 2205. They currently account for almost 40%. Some of the characteristics of Millennials in the market for a car: They don’t like to haggle. They know what they want and what it’s supposed to cost. They do detailed research on… Read More
Categories: Automotive, Blog, GenerationsWhat do you think? Please go to the YouTube page (http://youtu.be/0NgSdaRJYJk) and weigh in w your thoughts. Cam
Categories: Baby Boomers, Generations, Matures, WorkplaceThe Baby Boomers are the generation with the optimistic and “forever young” attitudes. Perhaps that’s why they don’t feel so bad about getting old, according to a survey conducted by the National Council on Aging. More than 75% of Boomers and Matures over 60 surveyed are optimistic that the best is still yet to come and expect to maintain or improve their quality of life over the next decade. Senior Boomers do worry about money. About half of those surveyed are concerned about covering their bills in the future. And about a third are worried about paying for long-term care… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Recession EconomyIn one of the first signs of the coming economic sunset of the Baby Boomers, Generation X has surpassed the Baby Boomers in few key indicators of credit card activity. According to Cardbeat, Xers now exceed Boomers in card use, balance transfers, and premium card ownership, among other key indices. While this transition was expected eventually, credit card industry observers are surprised it has come so soon. In fact, observers say, card issuers have not completely understood how to market to and serve the Gen X cohort. It’s an issue that is “in-progress” for most of them. Industry experts are… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, BlogMillennials are gradually awakening to the need to plan for retirement and the financial industry is gradually awakening to the importance of reaching out to Millennials. The generation and the industry may have found a meeting place in age-based and Roth funds, according to an analysis by Fidelity. According to the study, about two thirds of Millennials are choosing funds organized around age-based asset allocation. Among all participants, only about 45% choose that option. About half chose target-date funds compared with 30% among investors at large. Millennials also choose Roth savings options 50% more than other Generations. About 9% of… Read More
Categories: Blog, Financial Services, WorkAs Millennials enter the work force in large numbers, the perception has been that they are demanding or “entitled” as a group. In spite of the complaints of older generations of managers and executives along these lines, many substantial firms are making adjustments to accommodate the youngest generation in the workforce, according to an analysis by the Wall Street Journal this week. Millennials will comprise nearly half the workforce by the end of the decade so many firms are choosing to meet them where they are rather than risk alienating a generation of employees. A few of the case studies… Read More
Categories: WorkplaceMillennials are more likely to have a job in retail than in any other field, according to a PayScale analysis of 500 thousand Millennials in the workforce. Retail jobs are typically low-paying (average of about $19k per year), entry-level jobs. While that might seem a natural starting point for a generation entering the workforce, many are finding that such work does not match their qualifications or financial needs.For example, 83% of Millennials who work in clothing sales report having a bachelor’s degree. College educated Millennials typically have tens of thousands of dollars of student loan and other debt so retail… Read More
Categories: Generations, Workplacehttp://www.newgeography.com/content/002960-are-millennials-screwed-generation Wonderful column on the plight of the Millennials in this time of “new normal.” Worth the read. What the author doesn’t mention is that the Millennials were raised to follow agenda and rules. They have. And now this. Bitterness? You’d better believe it. How will their bitterness manifest itself in ten, fifteen, or twenty years? No one knows. It could be a whole new level of activism to change their status quo. It could be reverting to their Boomer parent’s days of “tune in, turn on, and drop out.” When confronted with this size of an uphill battle, fight… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Generations, Recession EconomyThe generation currently most likely to shop for groceries and cook at home, the Baby Boomers, will be spending less and cooking less. Meanwhile, the Boomers’ demographic replacements, the Millennials, don’t cook at home nearly as much. When they do, they are primarily interested in value (i.e., price) and convenience. That adds up to a tectonic generational shift for the grocery industry, according to a joint study by Jefferies and AlixPartners. Boomers, currently the leading grocery shoppers, are headed for retirement and fixed incomes and decreased demographic significance. They’ll be spending less when they do grocery shop, they’ll be cooking… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Blog