NY Times: Younger Generations Lag Parents in Wealth-Building

New York Times:  Younger Generations Lag Parents in Wealth-Building, by Annie Lowrey:

A new study from the Urban Institute finds that [Americans] up to roughly age 40 have accrued less wealth than their parents did at the same age, even as the average wealth of Americans has doubled over the last quarter-century.

Because wealth compounds over long periods of time — a dollar saved 10 years ago is worth much more than a dollar saved today — young adults probably face less secure futures for decades down the road, and even shakier retirements.

“In this country, the expectation is that every generation does better than the previous generation,” said Caroline Ratcliffe, an author of the study. “This is no longer the case. This generation might have less.” The authors said the situation facing young Americans might be unprecedented.

A broad range of economic factors has conspired to suppress wealth-building for younger American workers; the trend predates the Great Recession. Younger Americans are facing stagnant pay — the median income, when adjusted for inflation, has declined since its 1999 peak — as well as a housing collapse and soaring student loan debt.

• CNBC, Younger Generations Lag Parents in Wealth-Building
• Matt Leichter, If You Wonder Why I Keep Saying Henry George Was Right…
• Matt Leichter, Assets Are Not Income

(Hat Tip: Mike Talbert.)