Gen Z is rewriting adulthood by measuring success through financial independence instead of outdated milestones.

For older generations, buying a house was the ultimate marker of adulthood. But for Gen Z, rising housing costs and shifting priorities have pushed them to celebrate different money wins that actually reflect stability and growth. These new milestones feel more realistic and empowering, and they reflect how this generation defines maturity on its own terms.
It’s not about following tradition—it’s about creating financial freedom that makes sense today.