How different age groups treat money, marriage, work and children

By Cameron Micallef

May 27 2019
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Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials have revealed how they approach life’s biggest decisions – money moves, marriage, work and children.

How different age groups treat money, marriage, work and children

What is the proper age to get married?

According to comparison site Porch, all three generations believe that 25 is the right age to tie the knot. However, Baby Boomers indicated that their parents’ age of 23 was also a good age to get married.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average age to get married in Australia hovers around the age of 32 for both sexes, and has been steadily increasing.

Career goals

Porch suggested that Gen Xers feel the most under pressure to hold down a job. Despite a job at 18 not necessarily being a long-term career, 29 per cent of Gen Xers interviewed believe there’s a need to have a job by 18.

Work: Is it a passion or a chore?

Seventy-three per cent of Baby Boomers said they view their jobs as a career, while 70 per cent of Gen Xers believe the traditional nine-to-five is an obligation. Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are much more likely than Millennials to think their job offers a path to a successful retirement.

Only 50 per cent of Millennials believe a job is a means to an end, with the other believing in the long-term view when it comes to careers.

Buying a home

The generational divide is apparent when it comes to the right age to purchase a property.

Millennials thought 30 was a good age to enter into a mortgage, while Gen Xers believe it’s 28 and the Baby Boomers think 27 is an appropriate age to sign on the dotted line.

However, all three generations noted that desire and financial ability might not match.

Having children

Millennials and Gen Xers that participated in Porch’s survey believe that 28 is the correct age for a couple to have their first child.

The survey further suggested that Baby Boomers make life decisions slightly earlier, with 26 the suggested age to have children.

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About the author

Cameron Micallef

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

About the author

Cameron Micallef

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

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Retirement