Gen Z’s Guide to Crypto and Investment Funds

Gen Z has changed many aspects of the global landscape — and finance is no exception. See how young people is changing this.

How Gen Z Sees Investments in 2025

Generation Z — made up of young people born between 1997 and 2012 — is redefining the way we think about money, investing, and financial independence.

Instead of relying solely on savings accounts or traditional retirement plans, many are turning their attention to cryptocurrencies and investment funds.

Discover how Gen Z is transforming the world of investing. Photo by Freepik.

But why is this generation so interested in these assets? And what are the risks and opportunities behind this shift?

A new type of investor

Traditionally, previous generations didn’t start investing until after the age of 30. In contrast, many Gen Zers are already putting their money to work before the age of 25.

That’s largely thanks to easier access to information and financial tools through social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit, and apps like Robinhood, Coinbase, and Fidelity.

This new investor values autonomy, wants to understand where their money is going, and above all, wants to feel like they’re part of something meaningful.

Cryptocurrencies: more than just a trend

Gen Z’s comfort with digital life makes their interest in crypto assets a natural fit. Options like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana aren’t just digital currencies —

They’re seen as symbols of a new financial system: decentralized, transparent, and beyond the control of big banks.

Additionally, projects like NFTs, blockchain-based games, and DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) have captured the imagination of this generation, which values innovation, personalization, and independence.

The idea of “owning” your own money and participating in collaborative digital ecosystems holds strong appeal.

What are the risks?

The crypto market also carries significant risks. Price volatility, online scams, and the lack of strong regulation in the U.S. still require serious caution.

Many young investors have lost money in sudden downturns or by buying into “promising” projects that turned out to be unsustainable.

That’s why financial experts generally recommend that crypto assets make up only a small and strategic portion of an investment portfolio.

Investment funds: diversification and security

Investment funds remain a relevant option — especially for those who want to build long-term wealth with lower risk.

There are plenty of fund options available to young investors in the U.S., including ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which allow people to invest in a basket of assets (stocks, bonds, or specific sectors) with low costs and high liquidity.

Funds like the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) or the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) are popular among young people looking for broad exposure to the U.S. stock market.

Another advantage is the ability to invest automatically through monthly contributions, with accessible amounts, using platforms like Betterment or Acorns, which build diversified portfolios based on the investor’s profile.

Financial education: Gen Z’s advantage

While this generation is more exposed to risk, they also have greater access to financial education from an early age.

Public and private schools in several U.S. states have started including topics like budgeting, investing, and credit in their basic curriculum.

In addition, digital influencers and specialized content creators have helped make financial education more accessible and less intimidating.

Platforms like Investopedia, NerdWallet, and Morningstar offer free guides for beginners, while podcasts such as The Financial Confessions or The Dave Ramsey Show have gained loyal young audiences.

The role of technology

Technology hasn’t just made market access easier — it’s completely transforming the investment experience.

User-friendly apps, AI-powered portfolio suggestions, and even gamified investing are among the features attracting young investors, in stark contrast to how things worked in the past.

Apps like Robinhood and SoFi use social media–inspired design elements to make investing more engaging.

Platforms like Stash and Greenlight help teens take their first steps into investing under parental supervision.

Additionally, the use of digital wallets and the ability to invest in fractional shares make investing more democratic and aligned with the financial reality of young people just starting their careers.

Balancing boldness with responsibility

Gen Z is already changing the investment game, with a mindset more open to risk and a deep connection to the digital world.

Still, the key to long-term success remains balance.

Combining the growth potential of cryptocurrencies with the stability of investment funds can be a smart strategy.

Understanding personal goals, staying disciplined with regular contributions, and seeking information from trustworthy sources are essential habits for taking advantage of opportunities while avoiding pitfalls.