Updated: February 25, 2025
In this episode of The Catholic Money Show, hosts Jonathan and Amanda break down a shocking study: Gen Z believes they need $587,797 per year and a $9.5 million net worth to feel financially successful. But is this just youthful ambition, or a sign of deeper cultural and economic shifts?
They explore the real forces shaping Gen Z’s financial expectations, including social media, economic instability, and shifting generational perspectives on wealth. More importantly, they unpack what Catholic financial stewardship teaches about true success—and how young Catholics can align their financial goals with faith and purpose.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on money, security, and the real meaning of financial success—plus practical steps for discerning how much is enough in your own life.
🔗 Show Notes & Resources
📊 Study Referenced in This Episode:https://www.empower.com/the-currency/money/secret-success-research
💰 Join Our Free Live Workshop:How to Make a Lenten Money Reset – 40 Days to Revitalize Your Family’s Finances 📅 Date: Thursday, February 27th @ 2 PM ET 🎟️ Register Here:walletwin.com/webinar
Music in this episode is by Dylan Gardner – check out his album Almost Real on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to great music.
In a world where financial success is often measured by wealth, a recent study revealed that Gen Z believes they need an annual salary of $587,797 and a net worth of $9.5 million to feel financially successful. These numbers are staggering—far beyond the median U.S. household income and deep into the top 1% of earners. But what’s driving these sky-high aspirations? And more importantly, how can young Catholics navigate their financial goals in a way that aligns with faith and purpose?
The Perfect Storm: Why Does Gen Z Expect So Much?
Gen Z’s financial expectations didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Several factors contribute to their outlook:
1. Economic Uncertainty & Instability
Many Gen Zers were children during the 2008 financial crisis, witnessing their parents struggle with job losses and foreclosures. Fast forward to their early careers, and they’re stepping into the workforce in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted industries and increased inflation rates. Housing costs, student loans, and job market uncertainty make financial security feel like a moving target.
2. The Social Media Effect
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z grew up immersed in social media, where influencers flaunt luxurious lifestyles and “get rich quick” schemes. The rise of entrepreneurial influencers sharing their six-figure earnings and lavish purchases has made extreme wealth seem not only aspirational but expected. The curated highlight reels of financial success on Instagram and TikTok often distort reality, making it easy to feel behind if you’re not making six figures by age 25.
3. Inflation & Cost of Living
While baby boomers could afford homes for $50,000-$100,000, today’s average home prices are well over $400,000. Combine that with the student loan crisis and soaring rental prices, and it’s no wonder Gen Z feels like they need a financial fortress just to get by.
Does More Money Really Equal More Happiness?
The age-old debate: Can money buy happiness? Studies suggest that income can improve happiness up to a certain point—enough to cover necessities, reduce financial stress, and create opportunities. Some researchers say this number was around $75,000 a decade ago, while newer studies suggest it may be closer to $500,000.
However, true fulfillment doesn’t come from net worth alone. Many saints, religious leaders, and even financially successful people have testified that meaning, purpose, and relationships—not wealth—lead to lasting joy. So how can Catholics balance financial ambition with faith?
Finding “Enough”: The Concept of Maximum Fruitfulness
Rather than chasing an arbitrary number, a Catholic approach to financial success focuses on stewardship, generosity, and purpose. One way to determine how much money is “enough” is through Maximum Fruitfulness—the idea that your income should align with your vocation and ability to serve others, without becoming a burden or idol.
How to Determine Your Maximum Fruitfulness:
✅ Pray and Reflect – Ask God what He is calling you to do with your finances. What responsibilities has He entrusted to you?
✅ Cover Your Needs – Ensure your income provides for housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essential living expenses.
✅ Support Your Vocation – If you’re married with kids, your finances should sustain your family’s well-being. If you’re single, your budget might reflect other priorities, like ministry or mission work.
✅ Give Generously – Tithing and charitable giving should be a natural part of your budget, allowing you to bless others.
✅ Avoid Financial Anxiety or Greed – If money is keeping you up at night—either from having too little or hoarding too much—it’s time to reassess.
Final Thoughts: What Gen Z (and All of Us) Can Learn About Financial Success
While financial security is important, money should never replace faith, relationships, and trust in God. Instead of chasing extreme wealth, Gen Z can focus on:
- Achieving financial stability without idolizing money
- Developing skills and work ethic that align with their vocation
- Giving back and living generously
- Trusting God to provide, rather than seeking security in wealth alone
At the end of the day, eternal success is ending up in heaven—not just in the top 1% of earners. By focusing on faith-based financial stewardship, young Catholics can build wealth without losing sight of their ultimate purpose.
Family life is meant to be messy. And it, it’s meant to build virtue.
God is the actual source of contentment, and at the end of the day, he is all we need. Even if the other things are gone, even if there are other sufferings, when we are connected in one with him, we can still be happy.
