Gen Z is often stereotyped as frivolous spenders , but new data reveals a far more sobering reality. Nearly half have already dipped into their retirement savings —not for luxuries, but to pay down debt and cover emergencies. Many are also skipping meals , delaying medical care, and selling belongings just to make rent. Despite being the most active 401(k) contributors , Gen Z is being forced to choose between financial responsibility and basic survival.

The generation that’s spending on the latest TikTok shop splurge or limited edition Labubu is the same one that’s also skipping meals and dipping into their retirement accounts just to survive.

A new report from Payroll Integrations 2025 Employee Financial Wellness found that while 38% of employees across all generations have

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