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Gen Z's Pursuit of Well-Being Over Wealth: A Rising Trend

Klaus Vedfelt/Getty ImagesGeneration Z appears to be redefining prosperity by prioritizing well-being and autonomy over financial gain. According to recent polling, nearly two-thirds of Gen Zers say they prioritize peace of mind and personal time over accumulating wealth.This shift reflects a generation, born from 1997 to 2012, grappling with mounting financial pressures, combined with increased awareness of mental health.Key TakeawaysGen Z reports valuing quality of life and peace of mind over wealth.Surveys indicate that high costs and economic uncertainty have contributed to the trend, as long-term planning feels out of reach for many young adults.Concerns about their long-term financial future are a top factor in feelings of anxiety and stress for Gen Z.Gen Z PrioritiesHaving seen their millennial predecessors experience burnout while still struggling with housing affordability and student debt, Gen Z appears to be pragmatically recalibrating their expectations, choosing to prioritize personal satisfaction over lofty financial benchmarks.For Gen Z, financial success is increasingly about stability, flexibility, and personal well-being. According to a March 2025 survey by Intuit (INTU), 64% of Gen Z said peace of mind matters more than building wealth, and 60% of Gen Z and millennials would rather have a better quality of life than a bigger bank account.Gen Z is leading the trend, with 58% saying they will prioritize personal time and balance even if it means earning less money.What Gen Z Needs to KnowDespite their values-first approach, Gen Z faces formidable financial obstacles. Amid soaring inflation and volatile markets, planning even a few years ahead can feel like guessing at tomorrow’s weather. And 75% of Gen Z and 68% of Millennials say economic uncertainty is making it harder to plan. In a 2024 survey by Deloitte, half of Gen Z said their longer-term financial future is a top contributor to feelings of anxiety and stress.In the face of that uncertainty, financial advisors say it's important for Gen Z to try to save for retirement and make smart financial decisions wherever possible. Marnie Bonner, an associate financial planner at WealthChoice who focuses on Gen Z clientele, points out that "people may be prioritizing their quality of life, but they are also often acting as if they have the higher-paying jobs and overextending themselves." That further complicates the state of young people's finances.Recognizing these challenges, Gen Z is seeking concrete solutions:60% want more financial education, outpacing other age groups.71% want more employer-provided guidance on reaching retirement goals.Recent trends—from "loud budgeting" to "no-buy 2025"—show that many young people are trying to combat spending on non-essential expenses and promote budgeting. In the face of financial anxiety, experts say Gen Z can start by maintaining a budget, building an emergency fund, and beginning to save for retirement as early as possible.The Bottom LineWhile Gen Z's shift away from the hustle underscores their values, lasting financial security doesn’t have to be off the table. Through long-term planning, skill-building, and strategic use of DIY finance technologies, Gen Zers can set themselves up for financial success even while prioritizing peace of mind and quality of life in the short term.
Love Your Low Mortgage Rate? Here's How You May Keep It When You Move

Getty Images / ridvan_celikIf you were able to land a mortgage rate of 4% or less a few years ago, you may be reluctant to give it up now that rates are topping 7%. But what if you want or need to sell your home and buy another one? That's where mortgage porting might come in. While this practice is relatively common in Canada and the U.K., it is more rare in the U.S. Still, there is no harm in asking your current lender. If it doesn't offer porting, it may be able to suggest other ways to lower your rate on a new mortgage.Key TakeawaysMortgage porting allows you to transfer your existing mortgage to a new home.It is still relatively rare in the U.S.If your lender won't let you port your mortgage, there may be other ways to reduce your rate on a new one.How Mortgage Porting WorksMortgage porting allows you to finance a new home using your current mortgage and retain your existing rate. You will need to reapply for the mortgage and qualify just as you did initially. So if your financial situation has changed for the worse in the meantime, that may be difficult.In porting a mortgage, you use the proceeds from selling your current home to pay off your remaining loan balance. Then the lender will essentially re-lend you the money for your new home at your existing rate.If the new home requires a larger loan amount than your old one, the lender may offer you an additional loan (at a different, and likely higher, rate) to cover the difference.Alternatives to Mortgage PortingAs mentioned, if you're a U.S. homeowner your lender most likely doesn't offer the option of porting your mortgage. However, there may be other ways to obtain a more attractive mortgage rate. Among them:Take over the seller's mortgage: If the seller of the home you're buying has an assumable mortgage with a good rate, that could be more advantageous than taking out a new mortgage at today's rates. Opt for a shorter loan term: In mid-May of 2025, for example, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages were charging an average of 7.11%, according to Investopedia data, while 15-year fixed mortgages averaged 6.11%. Your monthly payments will be higher with a shorter term, but you'll not only save on interest month after month but over the long term as well.Check out an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM): ARMs sometimes have lower interest rates than fixed-rate ones, especially if they come with an introductory teaser rate for a period of time. This isn't always the case, however. In mid-May, for example, ARMs were charging rates slightly over 7.5%, compared with 7.11% on a 30-year fixed, again according to Investopedia data.Put more money down: A larger down payment will often get you a somewhat lower interest rate. Plus, because you're borrowing less money you'll pay less interest overall.Pay some points: Points are a form of prepaid interest, with each point equaling 1% of your loan amount. In return for points, lenders will typically offer you a lower monthly interest rate. For example, if the lender provides a reduction of 0.25% per point, two points would reduce your rate by 0.50%. TipImproving your credit score might also get you a better rate on a new mortgage.The Bottom LineMortgage porting isn't widely available in the U.S., at least at this point. But there are some other ways to secure a mortgage at less than the going rate. In addition to the options described above, be sure to shop around, because rates can vary significantly from one lender to another.
How To Rebalance Your Portfolio To Minimize Risk

Fact checked by Vikki VelasquezEliot Wyatt / Investopedia Keeping portfolios balanced across asset classes helps reduce risk during market swings.If you've ever opened your investment account and seen that your asset allocation differs from what you previously set, know this is normal. Over time, market movements naturally shift your asset mix, and the value of everything in your portfolio may change, drift, or take up a different percentage of your portfolio than intended. If you're experiencing this, it's time to rebalance your portfolio. By buying or selling, you're essentially realigning the weightings of assets to return to your desired asset allocation and level of risk exposure. Preventing portfolios from becoming too heavily weighted in one asset class or sector reduces vulnerability during market volatility.Key TakeawaysRebalancing maintains your desired risk level by preventing portfolio drift toward riskier or more conservative positions.Your risk tolerance should guide your rebalancing approach, and you should reassess it periodically.Effective rebalancing strategies include constant-mix approaches, portfolio insurance techniques, and tactical allocation methods.Your rebalancing frequency should align with your investment timeline.Here's what you need to know about rebalancing your portfolio to minimize risk and keep you on track.Factors To Consider To Assess Your Risk ToleranceDetermining your risk tolerance is key to long-term investment success. According to Kayla Rae Fernandez, CFP, who develops highly specialized financial plans for individuals and families with California Financial Advisors, it should be something folks focus on and continue to evaluate throughout their lifetime of investing. When rebalancing to minimize risk, consider: your financial stability (stable income and a big emergency fund can support more risk), your goals or when you need the money (shorter timeframes require less risk), and your age (younger investors can typically take more risk because there’s more time to recover).“Overestimating risk tolerance can lead to severe consequences, including missed profit-taking opportunities, or worse, panic-selling during downturns,” Fernandez said. “Investors who sell in a downturn not only lock in losses but also risk missing the swift rebounds that often follow market declines.” Another thing to consider is your personal experience in terms of investment knowledge and emotional and practical response to market fluctuations.NoteExperienced investors with time may better understand market cycles and maintain discipline during downturns. In contrast, newer investors might benefit from more conservative allocations until they develop confidence in their investment approach.Fernandez points out that difficult markets, especially extended bear markets, test people because it's easy to overestimate risk-taking tolerance when the market is strong. "In practice, I have found that presenting potential losses in tangible terms helps clients internalize potential risks and evaluate their capacity to remain invested during periods of market stress," she said. Strategies To Rebalance Your Portfolio1. Constant MixThe constant-mix approach maintains fixed percentage allocations to different asset classes. When market movements cause these percentages to drift, investors buy or sell assets to restore the target allocation.2. Investing in Long-Term Assets (Buy and Hold) Think of buy-and-hold as a non-rebalancing strategy. The focus is on purchasing quality investments with long-term growth potential and holding them through market fluctuations indefinitely. This passive approach minimizes transaction costs and timing errors, so it's an alternative to rebalancing.3. Constant Proportion Portfolio InsuranceConstant proportion portfolio insurance (CPPI) adjusts the allocation between risky and safe assets based on a predetermined floor value. As the portfolio value increases above this floor, exposure to risky assets increases. As the value approaches the floor, the allocation shifts toward safer assets. 4. Using Management Strategies Stop-loss orders, dollar-cost averaging, and hedging are complementary risk management techniques.Stop-loss orders automatically sell securities when they fall to a specified price, limiting potential losses by removing emotion from selling decisions. However, temporary market disruptions can trigger them.Meanwhile, dollar-cost averaging involves systematically investing fixed amounts at regular intervals regardless of market conditions. According to David Rae, California-based financial planner and president of DRM Wealth Management, this approach mitigates risk by reducing the impact of market volatility. "When prices are high, fewer shares are purchased, and when prices are low, more shares are acquired," he said. "It may seem counterintuitive, but you will end up with more shares that aren't as good at the time of purchase, which over time should help you earn more on your investments." Dollar-cost averaging can help force you to see investments in your portfolio that have had the most significant increases in value, which may be leading them to an overhaul, Rae said. For broader portfolio protection, hedging strategies involve offsetting positions through options contracts or inverse ETFs to protect against adverse price movements. TipCombining these strategies creates multiple layers of protection and can be particularly valuable during periods of market volatility when emotional decision-making often leads to subpar outcomes.Fernandez noted, "An investor's rebalancing strategy should remain relatively consistent over time." Incorporating these risk management techniques can help maintain discipline regardless of market conditions. 5. Recalibrating Your PortfolioRecalibration is reassessing the asset weights and overall strategic allocation based on changing market conditions, personal circumstances, or the economic outlook. This more comprehensive approach ensures that the target allocation and the rebalancing thresholds remain appropriate as investment conditions evolve. "If nothing else has changed, you probably can let your financial plan run for a few years before making big changes," Rae said. "If you have major life changes like a job change, marriage or divorce, additions to the family, or perhaps an inheritance, you should review and adjust your current financial plan." What Kind of Investment Risks Are There?Investment risks include: Market risk (overall market movements)Interest rate risk (impact of changing rates on investments)Inflation risk (erosion of purchasing power)Credit risk (possibility of default)Liquidity risk (inability to sell quickly without significant loss)Concentration risk (overexposure to a single investment type or sector)What Is the 5/25 Rule for Rebalancing?This 5/25 rule suggests rebalancing when an asset class deviates 5 percentage points from its target allocation or 25% relative to its target.What Is the Best Frequency for Rebalancing a Portfolio?The optimal rebalancing frequency depends on transaction costs, tax implications, and market volatility. Common approaches include calendar-based rebalancing (quarterly, semi-annually, or annually) or threshold-based rebalancing (when allocations drift beyond predetermined percentages).Should I Rebalance My Portfolio When the Market Is Down?Rebalancing during market downturns can be psychologically challenging, but may present opportunities to purchase assets at lower valuations. Still, Fernandez noted, "rebalancing should be executed during periods of market strength to preserve long-term returns and prevent selling at inopportune times." Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term strategy rather than reacting to short-term volatility.How To Rebalance a Portfolio for Retirement?Retirement portfolio rebalancing typically involves gradually increasing allocation to income-generating and lower-volatility investments while maintaining some growth exposure to combat inflation. Critical considerations include required withdrawal rates, other income sources, and expected longevity. The Bottom LineEffective portfolio rebalancing is essential for maintaining appropriate risk levels and achieving long-term financial goals. By systematically realigning investments to match your target allocation, you can enhance returns while managing volatility. The most successful rebalancing approaches align with your personal risk tolerance, financial situation, and investment timeline.