Gen Z and millennials are facing a financial paradox: Despite higher wages and a rise in net worth, many still live paycheck to paycheck. Watch the video above to learn why traditional economic milestones like buying a home or starting a family feel out of reach and how instability, debt and housing costs are forcing young adults to rethink what "making it" really means in today's economy. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:39 Why having a good job isn’t always enough 5:36 The desire for stability 7:12 Budgeting Produced by: Charlotte Morabito Edited by: Andrea Miller Animation: Andrea Schmitz Senior Director of Video: Lindsey Jacobson Additional Footage: Getty Images » Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC » Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision » Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more. Do you want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling? Take CNBC’s new online course - How to Change Careers and Be Happier at Work. Pre-register today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025: https://cnb.cx/4igNyqZ Connect with CNBC News Online Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/ Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC #CNBC Why ‘Making It’ Feels Impossible In The U.S. Now