If you feel like you’re putting off major life milestones—like buying a house, getting married, or even just buying a car—you’re not alone.

Generation Z is facing a financial reality that’s very different from what their parents and grandparents experienced. From soaring housing prices to massive student debt and inflation, it’s no wonder many are redefining the timeline for adulthood.

Here are the top five life milestones Gen Z is hitting the pause button on—and what you can do to stay financially strong while taking a different path.

1. Buying a Home

Buying a house used to be considered a rite of passage. Today, it feels out of reach for many young adults.

• A recent survey found that 60–96% of Gen Z worry they’ll never own a home, mostly due to sky-high pricesand interest rates over 7%.
• 54% of Gen Zers cite affordability as the main barrier, and 31% say high mortgage rates are the problem.
• A LendingTree survey revealed 48% are putting off having kids, and 36% are delaying marriage until after homeownership.

💬 Reddit user: “We make decent money but can’t afford a starter home unless we move 50 miles away. It’s wild how different things are from our parents’ time.”

✅ What You Can Do:

• Look into first-time homebuyer programs in your state or city
• Consider house hacking—buying a multi-unit home and renting out a portion
• Build a realistic savings plan for a down payment, even if it takes longer

2. Getting Married

Weddings are beautiful—but also brutally expensive.

• 56% of 18–34-year-olds are delaying marriage for financial reasons.
• According to a 2023 CNBC survey, 75% of Gen Z and millennials say weddings are too expensive in today’s economy.
• The average U.S. wedding now costs over $30,000.

For many, it’s not that they don’t want to get married—it’s that the price tag doesn’t fit the moment.

✅ What You Can Do:

• Consider a small ceremony, elopement, or city hall wedding followed by a future celebration
• Create a joint financial plan with your partner to work toward your ideal wedding over time
• Focus on your relationship and long-term goals first—love doesn’t expire

3. Having Children

Raising kids has always been expensive—but Gen Z is entering adulthood in a time when the cost of parenting feels impossible.

• A 2024 study shows that 86% of Gen Z and millennials cite financial instability as the top reason they’re not having kids yet.
• 29% of Gen Z list “starting a family” as a top financial concern—nearly twice as many as millennials.
• The estimated cost of raising a child to age 18 is now over $310,000.

With that kind of sticker shock, it’s no surprise Gen Z is rethinking the timing—or even the possibility—of parenthood.

✅ What You Can Do:

• Focus on financial building blocks first: emergency savings, health insurance, and housing stability
• If you want children later, consider long-term family planning options
• Know that delaying parenthood can give you more time to prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially

4. Buying a Car

Cars are more expensive than ever—and not just the sticker price.

• Nearly 46% of Gen Z say they’re delaying car purchases due to student debt.
• Monthly car payments are averaging $729 for new vehicles in 2025.
• Auto insurance has skyrocketed too—especially for drivers under 25, averaging $2,500+ per year.

💬 Reddit user: “I spend more on my car than my rent. I wish I lived in a city where I didn’t need one.”

✅ What You Can Do:

• Explore public transit, e-bikes, or car-sharing apps like Turo or Zipcar
• Buy used instead of new to save thousands
• Shop around for the best insurance rate—especially if you qualify for student or safe driver discounts

5. Advancing Careers & Education

It’s not just personal milestones Gen Z is pushing back—career advancement and education are also on pause for many.

• 55% of Gen Z are delaying career moves due to financial anxiety or lack of stability.
• Many are holding off on grad school or certifications because of existing student debt and unclear ROI.
• 66% haven’t started saving for retirement, even though they know they should.

💬 Reddit user: “I want to go back to school, but I can’t take on more debt just to make the same money I’m making now.”

✅ What You Can Do:

• Seek out free online certifications (e.g., Google Career Certificates, Coursera, edX)
• Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement or internal promotion paths
• Start small with retirement: $25/month in a Roth IRA is better than nothing

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Failing—You’re Adapting

If you’re delaying these milestones, it doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re paying attention.

The world has changed, and Gen Z is smart enough to pause, reassess, and move intentionally.

Don’t let social media pressure trick you into rushing milestones before you’re financially or emotionally ready. Your life is not on a timer.

Remember:

• It’s okay to delay.
• It’s smart to adapt.
• And your future is still completely in your hands.