Reasonably Optimistic
Reasonably Optimistic
The Washington Post
Why $1 million doesn’t feel rich for Gen Z
38 minutes Posted Jun 3, 2026 at 10:00 am.
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The average American household is now worth more than $1 million. Yet Gen Z is increasingly pessimistic about its economic future. Why does it feel like so many people are falling behind? Is homeownership out of reach? And how can young people build wealth in an economy that seems both richer and more uncertain than ever?
Megan McArdle talks with Ed Elson, co-host of Prof G Markets, about wealth inequality, housing affordability, social media and the frustrations shaping younger generations' outlook.