Earn & Invest 664. Gen X and Their Money w/ Kerry Hannon and Janna Herron
9 snips
Sep 15, 2025 Join Kerry Hannon, a leading authority on retirement and personal finance, and Janna Herron, an award-winning finance journalist, as they dive into the unique financial struggles faced by Generation X. They discuss the legacy of the Great Recession and its impact on retirement savings and financial literacy. The conversation also touches on work flexibility through gig jobs, the balance of caring for aging parents while supporting adult children, and the importance of planning for an uncertain future. Their insights from the book 'Reality Bites' are invaluable!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Economic Bumps Shaped Gen X Wealth
- Gen X faced multiple economic shocks (dot-com bust, Great Recession) that interrupted wealth building and investing trajectories.
- Those interruptions plus late 401(k) adoption reduced early compounding and left many behind on retirement savings.
401(k) Transition Left Many Without Playbook
- The shift from pensions to 401(k)s forced individuals to take responsibility for retirement without financial literacy.
- Lack of guidance and limited early contribution options kept many Gen Xers from getting an early savings on-ramp.
Home Equity And Late Earnings Offer Leverage
- Homeownership and recovered home equity give many Gen Xers a bridge to close retirement gaps.
- Prime-earning years and catch-up contributions create a late opportunity to boost savings.
