The Burden of Shame: Exploring the Reliance of Gen Zers and Millennials on Parental Financial Support

Most Gen Zers and Millennials Rely on Parents for Money with Shifting Perspectives


A recent Experian survey reveals that over three-quarters of Gen Zers and millennials continue to depend on their parents for financial support. The economic challenges posed by recessions, massive student loan debts, and record-high inflation have significantly impacted the ability of young adults to achieve financial independence. Despite these difficulties, feelings of shame and societal narratives about frivolous spending persist. However, parental assistance is providing some relief, with young adults expressing a newfound sense of optimism for the future. While this reliance on parents may be viewed as a setback for Gen Zers and millennials, it highlights the ongoing economic struggles they face and the need for broader systemic changes to promote financial stability among younger generations.

A Shift in Perspectives: Overcoming Shame and Embracing Parental Support for Financial Stability


The financial struggles faced by Gen Zers and millennials have led to a significant reliance on parental support. An Experian survey reveals that more than three-quarters of young adults in these generations continue to depend on their parents for financial assistance. These challenges are a result of economic factors such as recessions, soaring student loan debts, and record-high inflation, which have severely hindered the ability of young adults to achieve financial independence.

Despite the difficult circumstances, feelings of shame and societal narratives surrounding frivolous spending persist. However, the survey also highlights that parental assistance is providing some relief. It shows that young adults are expressing a newfound sense of optimism for the future, thanks to the support they receive from their parents.

It is crucial to recognize that this reliance on parental support should not be viewed solely as a setback for Gen Zers and millennials. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing economic struggles they face and the need for broader systemic changes to promote financial stability among younger generations. The survey findings shed light on the economic realities faced by these young adults, emphasizing the imperative for societal and policy changes to address the underlying factors contributing to their financial hardships.

The differences between Gen Zers and millennials in terms of the reliance on parental support can be attributed to factors such as career stages and earning potentials. Gen Z, being at the beginning of their careers, may earn lower-level salaries compared to millennials who have had more time to make up for lost financial ground. However, the fact that a majority of both generations still require financial assistance reflects the significant impact of the economy on their lives.

While the survey highlights some poor spending habits among young adults, it is essential to consider the larger financial burdens they face. Factors like student loan debts and soaring housing costs make it challenging for them to achieve financial independence, despite their efforts to exercise self-control and cut down on discretionary spending. In the face of these obstacles, the assistance provided by parents offers some relief, enabling young adults to navigate through these challenging times.

Overall, the reliance on parents for financial support among Gen Zers and millennials underscores the need for society to address the economic struggles faced by younger generations. It calls for comprehensive reforms to alleviate student loan burdens, tackle soaring housing costs, and create more opportunities for financial stability. By implementing systemic changes, it is possible to foster an environment where the younger generation can achieve true financial independence and thrive.


The Experian survey reveals the stark reality that over three-quarters of Gen Zers and millennials rely on their parents for financial support. The economic challenges of recessions, high student loan debts, and record inflation have created significant barriers to achieving financial independence for young adults. Despite societal narratives about frivolous spending, parental assistance has provided much-needed relief and inspired a newfound sense of optimism in the face of adversity. This reliance on parents highlights the ongoing economic struggles faced by these generations and the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure financial stability.

The reliance on parental support should not be seen as a setback but as a reflection of the hardships young adults are enduring. Differences between Gen Z and millennials in reliance on parental assistance can be attributed to career stages and earning potential. However, the majority of both generations still require financial aid, illustrating the profound impact of the economy on their lives.

While some poor spending habits exist among young adults, it is crucial to recognize the larger financial burdens they face, such as soaring student loan debts and housing costs. In this context, parental support provides necessary relief, enabling young adults to navigate these challenges.

Addressing the economic struggles of Gen Zers and millennials necessitates comprehensive reforms, including alleviating student loan burdens, addressing housing affordability, and creating more opportunities for financial stability. By implementing these changes, society can empower the younger generation, fostering an environment where they can achieve true financial independence and thrive.