Gen Z gets a lot of flak. Most recently a survey found that one in four execs wouldn’t consider hiring an entry-level grad from that age group. Why? Their supposed lack of “soft skills,” like communication and collaboration. We could debate whether younger workers are generationally limited in these areas, but you have to admit that something about this sounds familiar.
Flashback to the early 2010’s, when millennials were new to the workforce. There was endless fretting about how needy and entitled this “me, me, me” generation was, expecting promotions every two years, asking questions all the time, and insisting that work have purpose. Later, we were of course revealed to be hardworking, goal-oriented, and a joy to have in class.
Here’s the thing: Working across generations is always tricky. But Gen Z brings plenty of strengths to the office: flexibility, fortitude — this is the group that navigated college during COVID. They’re known to be outspoken and willing to challenge the status quo, plus they care about work-life balance. They also radiate creativity — so much so that their out-of-the-box, social-first thinking can intimidate their higher-ups.
Being young means making mistakes and learning from them. At my first job, I had all my apartment furniture delivered to the office. I even called out sick once due to “sangria poisoning.” We all stepped in it when we were starting out. Maybe it’s time we learn to give the new kids the grace we used to need — and trust they’ll rise to the occasion.
— Just Shipping My Bed to the Office, Anna Davies, writer
PS: We’re off next week. Enjoy the holidays, and we’ll be back in your inbox on Jan 6, 2025.
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Money Management
Leaned too heavily on your credit card during the holiday sprint to the finish? You’re not alone. A NerdWallet survey from September found that nearly 3 in 10 Americans were still paying off last year’s holiday debt, nearly nine months later. Another survey this season found that 65% of people were stressed about holiday spending. To get out from under both the debt and the stress, the trick is to use debt to your advantage:
Let go of the guilt. Debt can be a tool that allows you to unlock an opportunity or experience while paying for it. Just look at mortgages as an example. By the same logic, your credit card is a tool that made your holiday purchases possible. Now you just have to pay it off.
Know your options. If holiday spending went off the rails, take back control. Transfer your credit card balance to a card with a 0% interest rate. Cut back on spending in January so you can put more money toward your credit card bill. Look into tools like debt consolidation loans to simplify your payments and lower your interest rates. Use an hour of your holiday downtime to research which solutions fit your situation.
Build a budget. Laying the groundwork now gives you the freedom to spend smartly in the future. And your holiday fund is not the same as your emergency fund. Keep them separate, start saving, and consider that a gift to future you.
Use the letters below to identify the financial word or phrase. Then, click to reveal the answer.
Clue: A private investment fund that uses a mix of strategies and complex financial instruments to generate high returns. Typically for wealthy investors or institutions, these funds aren’t required to follow as many regulations as traditional investment funds, meaning they can take on more risk (and ideally generate higher returns).
Considering how expensive adult life is, we aren’t all that surprised. But before you panic about your own future, check out investment accounts for kids from Fabric by Gerber Life. Starting with as little as $20, you can give your children a financial head start while they’re still young. Benefits include penalty-free withdrawals for current child-related expenses, zero hidden fees, and the reassurance that you’re taking steps today to set your favorite little humans up for financial success down the line. (The account is all theirs once they become an adult.) Plus, if you sign up by Dec 31, Fabric will match your first contribution up to $50†. Go, go, go.
Found a recipe that wows you, only to realize at checkout that making it will cost more than eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant? Enter Budget Bytes. A Skimm Money staff favorite, this site breaks down the price per serving for every recipe, so you can whip up food that’s delicious and budget-friendly. Chef’s kiss.
What we love:
Easy and inexpensive giftables. Check out these cute chocolate cookiesthat cost 13 cents each.
Recipes to make your vegan cousin happy, like a 47 cents per serving apple walnut stuffing.
Meal plan options where $12 gets you four weeks of recipe ideas, as well as grocery lists, menus, and access to a social media group to talk through recipes, swaps, and hacks.
Skimm Picks
Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.
Don't let your remaining healthcare funds go to waste. Before the year is out, pick up these personal care items that are secretly HSA/FSA-eligible.
Free T-shirt, anyone? Through December 31, new customers can get Universal Standard’s cult-favorite tee for free with code FREETEE-SKIMM.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
No Notes
Have a money question you want us to answer? Email us at money@theskimm.com.
Written by Anna Davies; edited by Jordan Mamone and Margaret Wheeler Johnson; fact-checked by Jordan Mamone and Sara Tardiff.
Design: theSkimm | Photos: theSkimm
†Terms and conditions apply. This is a paid ad for Fabric by Gerber Life’s UGMA (Uniform Gift For Minors Act) Offering and not a paid endorsement for advisory services. Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. Age of Majority varies by state. Please read the offering circular atmeetfabric.com/UGMA.
