All Generations Are Financially 'Traumatized' But Gen X — America's Forgotten Middle Child — Bears The Heaviest Load

Relatives pass down more than genes and heirlooms; they also transmit mannerisms, beliefs and financial attitudes that shape individual identities. This invisible inheritance, encompassing views and the handling of money, silently influences financial decisions. Among all generations grappling with inherited financial perspectives, Generation X, the latchkey generation, stands out as profoundly impacted by this legacy of financial trauma.

Don't Miss:

• Average retirement income in America has been revealed – Will you make enough each month?
• The average American has $65,100 in their savings account — How do you compare?

Findings derived from a comprehensive survey conducted by Experian reveal a striking prevalence of financial trauma among Americans, affecting 68% of over 2,000 surveyed adults. 

Financial trauma, as defined by Chantel Chapman, co-founder of Trauma of Money, refers to emotional distress directly linked to monetary concerns, shaping individuals' relationships, family dynamics and overall perspectives on wealth as they age. The burden of financial trauma appears to be unevenly distributed across generations, with Generation X bearing the heaviest load.

Generation X, the cohort born between the early 1960s and late 1970s, leads in experiencing financial trauma, with 74% reporting challenges, closely followed by millennials at 71%, Generation Z at 64%, Baby Boomers at 63% and the Silent Generation at 60%. This generational disparity is not only a reflection of the unique economic conditions each group has faced but also underscores the lasting impact of generational attitudes toward money. 

The Silent Generation, known for enduring the Great Depression and adopting a traditionalist, stoic approach to economic hardship, has inadvertently influenced subsequent generations, particularly Generation X. This influence is evident in the prevalent silence around financial discussions within families, contributing to a lack of financial literacy and preparedness among many.

— 

Trending: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved? The percentage may shock you.

—

The reluctance to engage in conversations about money has significant consequences, as highlighted by the survey findings. Over half of Generation X respondents reported that their families never or rarely discussed finances, a trend that aligns with the broader "money is taboo" sentiment pervasive among older generations. This silence around financial matters has left a notable portion of adults feeling ill-equipped to manage their finances, with 43% expressing a lack of understanding of financial planning and credit building.

Generation X faces its unique set of economic challenges, including the aftermath of student loans, the financial strains of the Great Recession, and the dual pressures of caring for children and aging parents. This combination of factors has led to increased financial stress and anxiety among Gen Xers, with 60% indicating that money negatively impacts their mental health, a significant increase from the previous year.

As the ripple effects of financial trauma continue to be felt across generations, the spotlight now turns to Generation Z, the children of Generation X, who may inherit these financial burdens and attitudes. The ongoing cycle underscores the importance of addressing and breaking the silence around financial discussions, fostering a more open and informed approach to money management for future generations.

The role of financial advisers becomes crucial in changing the narrative and breaking the cycle of financial trauma. By encouraging openness about money, providing personalized advice and developing strategic financial plans, these professionals can help individuals and families navigate their financial landscapes more effectively. 

Financial advisers can offer support in understanding complex financial products, making informed investment decisions and planning for retirement, thereby alleviating some of the financial stress and anxiety that plague many Gen Xers. Engaging a financial adviser can empower individuals to take control of their financial future, promoting a healthier relationship with money and potentially preventing the transmission of financial trauma to the next generation.

Read Next:

• How to turn a $100,000 investment into $1 Million — and retire a millionaire.
• If the average American household is a millionaire, why do people feel so broke?

*This information is not financial advice, and personalized guidance from a financial adviser is recommended for making well-informed decisions.

Jeannine Mancini has written about personal finance and investment for the past 13 years in a variety of publications including Zacks, The Nest and eHow. She is not a licensed financial adviser, and the content herein is for information purposes only and is not, and does not constitute or intend to constitute, investment advice or any investment service. While Mancini believes the information contained herein is reliable and derived from reliable sources, there is no representation, warranty or undertaking, stated or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information.