I’m an Investing Expert: 5 Investments That Could Set Gen Z Up for a Comfortable Retirement
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Gen Z is entering the workforce in droves, and they’re already thinking about retirement. With decades ahead of them, this generation has time on their side — but knowing where to put their money can be overwhelming.
GOBankingRates spoke with two investment experts to get their top picks for helping Gen Z set up a comfortable retirement.
Global Equities Through Index Funds and ETFs
Thomas J. Brock, CFA, CPA, expert at Annuity.org, emphasized the importance of taking advantage of Gen Z’s long time horizon.
“The Gen Z cohort has a very long investing time horizon. These individuals need to be cognizant of this and embrace investment strategies that reflect a high tolerance for risk,” he explained. He recommended “investing heavily in global equities via highly diversified and low-cost investment vehicles, such as index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).”
Roth IRAs: The Tax-Savvy Choice
Author and investor Dutch Mendenhall is particularly enthusiastic about Roth IRAs.
“This is an absolute no-brainer with tax-free growth,” he said. “You pay your taxes now, when you’re still young and making less cash, then withdraw when you’re retired without Uncle Sam clipping tickets. That’s the MVP of retirement accounts.”
401(k) Plans: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Both experts stressed the importance of employer-sponsored retirement accounts.
As Mendenhall put it, “If you are not taking the company match, you leave money on the table. That is free cash, plain and simple. Contribute enough to get that full match and max this thing out.”
Real Estate: The Long Game Winner
“Real estate is your long-game strategy,” Mendenhall said. “It might not be the flashiest asset in the short term, but it’s a beast regarding long-term wealth. Buy a property, rent it out, let someone else cover your mortgage and watch your equity build.”
Brock agreed, suggesting Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as an accessible way to invest in real estate.
Cryptocurrency: The Wild Card
Cryptocurrency is definitely tempting for Gen Z investors, but Mendenhall thinks it calls for some skepticism.
“Okay, I know you’re hyped on crypto,” he said. “And hey, it’s cool. It’s like playing offense. It can give you huge gains in record time. But here’s the thing: Don’t go all-in on crypto. Make it your wild card: max 5%-10% of your portfolio.”
The Key to Success: Diversification and Time
Both experts think that diversification and taking advantage of Gen Z’s long investment timelines are the right moves. As Brock said, this generation “has the ability to endure near-term market volatility and should favor growth assets to accumulate wealth and position themselves for a comfortable retirement.”
Investing for retirement isn’t about getting rich quick — it’s about making smart, consistent choices over time. By starting early and spreading investments across different asset classes, Gen Z can set themselves up for a comfortable retirement.
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