Why are so many young people not feeling financially secure?

Young adults are facing a unique set of economic challenges that are making it harder to achieve financial security. Sky-high housing costs, student loan debt, and stagnant wages are all contributing to a sense of anxiety and uncertainty about the future.

A recent NPR poll found that 68% of adults under 30 are worried about their financial future. This is significantly higher than older generations,with only 47% of those 65 and older expressing the same concern.

“Young people today are facing a really different economic landscape than their parents or grandparents did,” says Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst at Bankrate. “they’re starting their careers with more debt and facing higher costs for essential things like housing and healthcare.”

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

* Housing Costs: The cost of buying or renting a home has skyrocketed in recent years, making it difficult for young people to afford a place to live. This is especially true in major cities, where competition for housing is fierce.
* Student Loan Debt: Millions of young adults are saddled with student loan debt,which can take years or even decades to pay off. This debt can delay other financial goals, such as buying a home or starting a family.
* Stagnant Wages: While the cost of living has increased, wages for young workers have not kept pace. This means that young people have less disposable income and are struggling to make ends meet.
* Inflation: Recent surges in inflation have further eroded the purchasing power of young people, making it even harder to afford basic necessities.
* Lack of Financial Literacy: Many young people lack the financial literacy skills they need to make informed decisions about their money. This can lead to poor financial habits and increased debt.

What can be done?

Experts say that addressing these challenges will require a multi-pronged approach. This includes policies to increase the supply of affordable housing, reduce student loan debt, and raise wages. It also includes efforts to improve financial literacy and empower young people to take control of their finances.

“It’s vital for young people to be proactive about their finances,” says Hamrick. “This means creating a budget, saving regularly, and investing for the future.”

Despite the challenges, many young people remain optimistic about their financial future. But it’s clear that they need support and resources to navigate the current economic landscape and achieve their financial goals.

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CDC Advisers Recommend Narrowing Hepatitis B Immunization Guidance for Newborns

Members of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are seen during a meeting at CDC headquarters on December 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Ga.

Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

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Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

in a historic vote, the Centers for Disease control and Prevention’s vaccine advisers recommended narrowing the agency’s hepatitis B immunization guidance for newborns.

The result, if approved by the CDC’s acting director, will be a rollback of a worldwide recommendation to start hepatitis B immunization at birth, a standard practice in the U.S. for more than 30