When Do People Start Investing? A Generational Guide (2025 Data)
Investing early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow. But when do most people actually begin?
Recent data shows a huge shift—younger generations are investing earlier than ever before. Gen Z starts at 19, Millennials at 25, Gen X at 32, and Boomers at 35.
Why does this matter? Because starting just 10 years earlier could mean the difference between retiring with 2.3millionvs . 869,000.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ When each generation starts investing
✅ Why Gen Z is ahead of the game
✅ How starting early can make you a millionaire
✅ Simple steps to begin investing today
Let’s dive in.
How Early Do People Start Investing? (2025 Data)
According to Charles Schwab’s 2024 Modern Wealth When Do People Start Investing? A Generational Guide (2025 Data)
Investing early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow. But when do most people actually begin?
Recent data shows a huge shift—younger generations are investing earlier than ever before. Gen Z starts at 19, Millennials at 25, Gen X at 32, and Boomers at 35.
Why does this matter? Because starting just 10 years earlier could mean the difference between retiring with 2.3million vs. 869,000.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ When each generation starts investing
✅ Why Gen Z is ahead of the game
✅ How starting early can make you a millionaire
✅ Simple steps to begin investing today
Let’s dive in.
How Early Do People Start Investing? (2025 Data)
According to Charles Schwab’s 2024 Modern Wealth Survey, the average American now starts investing at 30—but younger generations are way ahead.
| Generation | Birth Years | Avg. Age They Start Investing |
|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 1997-2012 | 19 |
| Millennials | 1981-1996 | 25 |
| Gen X | 1965-1980 | 32 |
| Boomers | 1946-1964 | 35 |
Key Takeaway:
- Gen Z starts investing earlier than any other generation (at 19!)
- Millennials begin at 25—much earlier than their parents
- Boomers started late (35), missing decades of growth
Why Is Gen Z Investing So Early?
Gen Z isn’t waiting—they’re jumping into stocks, crypto, and ETFs while still in their teens. Here’s why:
1. Financial Education in Schools
- 28% of Gen Z learned about investing in school (vs. only 12% of Gen X).
- Apps like Robinhood and Acorns make investing simple.
2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
- Social media (TikTok, Reddit) spreads success stories.
- Meme stocks (like GameStop) and crypto hype got them interested early.
3. Lower Barriers to Entry
- Zero-commission trading (no fees per trade).
- Fractional shares let them invest with just $1.
4. Economic Uncertainty
- Many Gen Zers don’t trust pensions or Social Security.
- They know they need to build wealth themselves.
The Power of Starting Early (How a 20-Year-Old Can Retire a Millionaire)
Here’s the biggest reason to start investing as early as possible: compound interest.
The $10,000-a-Year Example
Two people invest $10,000 per year with a 6% average return:
| Investor | Starts At | Total by Age 65 | Investment Gains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim | 20 | $2.32 million | $1.86 million |
| Lisa | 35 | $869,529 | $559,529 |
Difference?
- Kim (started at 20) has $1.45 million MORE than Lisa.
- Waiting just 15 years cost Lisa over a million dollars.
How to Start Investing (Even If You’re Late)
If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond—don’t panic. It’s never too late to start. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open an Investment Account
- Best for beginners:
- Robinhood (easy app, free trades)
- Fidelity / Vanguard (great for retirement)
- Acorns (automatically invests spare change)
Step 2: Pick Simple Investments
- ETFs (e.g., SPY, VOO) – Low-risk, tracks the stock market.
- Index Funds – Spreads risk across many companies.
- Roth IRA – Tax-free growth for retirement.
Step 3: Invest Consistently
- Even 100/month can grow into 300,000+ over 30 years.
- Set up auto-deposits so you never forget.
Step 4: Don’t Panic During Dips
- The market always goes up long-term.
- Time in the market > Timing the market.
Final Thoughts: Start Now, Retire Rich
The data is clear: the earlier you invest, the richer you’ll be.
- Gen Z is winning by starting at 19.
- Millennials are doing better than their parents (25 vs. 35).
- Boomers missed out on millions by waiting.
Your move?
✅ Open an account today (even with $10).
✅ Invest regularly (set it and forget it).
✅ Let compound interest work its magic.
The best time to start investing was yesterday. The second-best time? Right now.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Q: What’s the best age to start investing?
A: As early as possible—even teens can start with apps like Robinhood.
Q: How much do I need to start?
A: $1 (thanks to fractional shares).
Q: Is it too late if I’m 40+?
A: No! You can still build wealth—just invest more per month.
Q: What’s the safest investment?
A: ETFs like SPY or VOO (they follow the whole market).h Survey, the average American now starts investing at 30—but younger generations are way ahead.