Who are Millennials?
Millennials are a generation born between 1981 and 1996 but are divided into two categories.
The early millenials born between 1981 and 1986 and recessionists born between 1987 and 1996.
Rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes are now today’s world’s definition.
Millennials are leveraging these to find unique ways to help them navigate the complex world of personal finance.
This is especially true with the unfavorable economic situations anyone born between 1981 and 1996 may have faced in their lifetime.
Millennials across the world have suffered significant economic disruption since starting their working lives; many faced high levels of youth unemployment during their early years in the job market in the wake of the Great Recession in 2008.They also suffered another recession in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Source: Wikipedia)
Delayed career progress, student loans with accrued interest, the high cost of living, stagnant wages have made this generation lag behind in building wealth.
However, in pursuit of financial success, millennials are carving out their path, drawing inspiration from contemporary strategies.
These strategies may include financial planning while embracing the digital transformation space.
A tech-savvy nature is the main characteristic of millennials.
Their desire for purpose-driven investment options is currently reshaping the investment landscape.
In this article, we shall explore the distinctive approaches to how millennials are finding ways of building wealth.
That is from making money, their spending habits, and investing.
We shall do so by drawing inspiration from relevant Bible verses that provide timeless wisdom on financial success.
But Firstly,
What is the Millennial Gen known for?
i)Experience motivates them more than material possessions.
ii)They believe in sharing their opinion when decisions are being made.
iii)Building rapport with their managers at work, where they call their boss by name and not boss.
iv)quickly embrace technological changes.
v)Adapt to economic changes easily since this has comprised most of their adult life.
vi)They appreciate acknowledgement for their contributions.
vii)believe in teamwork and social interaction.
viii)They have more influence because they possess a lot of information, which is their bargaining power.
How are Millennials Finding Ways of Building Wealth?
a) Embracing Entrepreneurship and Innovation:
When it comes to entrepreneurial spirit, give it to Millennials.
They leverage technology and innovation to create new income streams.
Millennials are diligent and industrious.
They use their technological prowess to create businesses and ventures that contribute to their wealth accumulation.
Proverbs 14:23 (NIV)
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
b) Side Hustles and the Gig Economy
The gig economy has become a prominent feature of the millennial work landscape.
Whether through freelance work, gig platforms, or side hustles.
It’s now the norm for millennials to diversify their income sources.
Ecclesiastes 11:6(NIV)
“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening, let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
c) Investing in knowledge and skills:
Continuous learning is a hallmark of the millennial generation.
Millennials recognize the value of investing in their education and skills.
They understand that personal and financial growth go hand in hand.
Proverbs 19:8(NIV)
“He who gets wisdom loves his soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.”
d) Sustainable and Ethical Investments:
Many millennials prioritize investments that align with their values.
They opt for sustainable and socially responsible alternatives.
Socially responsible investing reflects the biblical call to steward wealth with integrity and compassion.
Millennials care about impactful investments that will help them make a difference.
They are not only going for investments that generate financial returns but also those that contribute to positive social and environmental impacts.
Proverbs 22:9(NIV)
“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”
e)Balancing Immediate gratification and Long-Term Planning:
Striking a balance between enjoying the present and planning for the future is a common theme in this generation.
James 4:13-15(NIV)
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. what is your life? you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if it the lords will,we will live and do this or that.”
While planning for the future is crucial,millennial must remain humble and acknowledge the uncertainty of the future.
f) Embracing Financial Planning and wisdom:
Millennials are actively engaging in their financial planning,
They are utilizing budgeting apps, investment platforms, and other tools to manage their money wisely.
This proactive approach reflects the biblical principle of diligent planning for financial success.
Most millennials understand the importance of financial literacy.
They are seeking to build their wealth on a solid foundation of better knowledge and understanding.
Budgeting and financial discipline is critical in their money management.
Millennials have embraced technology to democratize investing.
They prefer online platforms and apps that provide easy access to financial markets and useful financial information.
Proverbs 24:3–4 (NIV)
“By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
g) Investing in a Diverse Portfolio:
Millennials can take and manage the risks that come with investment.
They are diversifying their investments across various assets like stocks and more recently, cryptocurrencies.
This approach aligns with the biblical principle of prudently spreading one’s resources for long-term financial stability.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NIV)
“Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.”
h) Prioritizing Financial Stewardship:
Millennials recognize the responsibility that comes with wealth; hence, they prioritize financial stewardship.
They are actively managing their resources to align with biblical principles, i.e., from budgeting to charitable giving.
Travel, relationships, and personal growth are more valuable than material possessions.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NIV)
“That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
Millennials find joy in the blessings of their labor.
They appreciate the gift of life when they prioritize meaningful experiences.
1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV)
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
i) Financial Education and Informed Decision-Making:
Studies have shown that financial education has led to increased knowledge of financial products.
This has enhanced decision-making among people who have followed the right financial practices.
Millennials are more cautious about what they consume.
This, in the long run, has made money markets come up with products that suit their financial needs. e.g., ETFs for micro investments.
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!”
Conclusion:
Millennials are weaving a unique narrative in the world of investing.
More so by incorporating modern trends and values into their financial strategies.
They channel their spending power to support businesses that align with their values, fulfilling their stewardship responsibilities.
Drawing inspiration from timeless biblical principles, they can navigate the complexities of the financial world.
They can do it with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to responsible stewardship.
By integrating these principles into their financial journey, millennials are forging a path toward success that aligns with their values and aspirations.
There are so many tiny revolutions in a life, a million ways we have to circle around ourselves to grow and change and be okay.” Adunola Adeshola
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