Why $1 million doesn’t feel rich for Gen Z
From Reasonably Optimistic by The Washington Post
June 3, 2026 · 39 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the economic challenges faced by Gen Z, including wealth inequality and housing affordability.
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. Subscribe to The Washington Post here .
People in this episode
Host: Megan McArdle
Guest: Ed Elson
Topics covered
- wealth inequality
- housing affordability
- Gen Z
- economic future
- social media
- building wealth
Keywords
- Gen Z
- wealth inequality
- housing
- economic future
- social media
- building wealth
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Washington Post
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