U.S. Bank's 2026 wealth survey found that U.S. Gen Z respondents began consciously building wealth at an average age of 19, earlier than millennials at 25, Gen X at 29, and baby boomers at 32. According to Odaily, the survey covered 5,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

The survey also found that 62% of Gen Z respondents viewed the stock market as a more realistic path to wealth than buying a home, while about 47% said they get financial information from social media. Nearly half of younger respondents said they were more interested in emerging investment options such as cryptocurrencies, although most respondents still said traditional investments are the best way to reach long-term financial goals.