Many people wonder when they should start investing. Some think they must wait until they are older. Others think they must first earn a lot of money. But the truth is simple: people of all ages can invest. And today, more young people are starting earlier than ever before.
Let’s take a closer look at the average age people start investing in the USA, how this age has changed across generations, and what it means for you. We use clear facts, simple language, and helpful examples so you can understand everything with ease.
Why Does the Starting Age Matter?
The age you start investing can shape your money's future. When you invest early, your money has more time to grow. This happens because of compound growth, which means your money earns more money over time.
So knowing the average starting age helps us see how people think about money today. It also helps you compare your own age to other investors.
The Average Age People Start Investing in The USA
Today, the average age people in America start investing is around 30 years old.
But this number is changing fast. Young people, especially Gen Z, are starting much sooner.
A few years ago, many people waited until their mid-30s to invest. Now, teens and people in their early 20s are opening investment accounts. This shows a big shift in how people think about money, wealth, and their future.
Average Starting Age by Generation
Recent surveys from Charles Schwab and IPX1031 show us clear numbers about each generation. Here is the breakdown:
Gen Z (19–20 years old)
Gen Z is the youngest investing group. On average, they start at 19 years old. Some even start in high school.
Why so early?
They have more access to financial apps.
They learn about money from YouTube, TikTok, and online courses.
Many of them learn about investing in school.
Apart from investing, teens are making money in various niches. In short, Gen Zs are the smartest ones, when it comes to investing and savings.
Millennials (25–26 years old)
Millennials start investing at around 25 years old. This is still quite early.
Many millennials grew up with the internet, so online investing feels natural to them. Today, more than 54% of millennials invest in some form.
Gen X (28–32 years old)
Gen X started investing much later, at around 32 years old.
This generation did not grow up with smartphones or online investing apps. For many, investing felt harder or more confusing.
Baby Boomers (31–35 years old)
Baby Boomers started the latest. Their average starting age is 31–35 years old.
In their time, investing was not as simple. You often had to speak with a broker, pay high fees, or fill out long forms. This made the process slow and costly.
Why Are Younger Generations Starting Earlier?
Today, people have more tools and information than ever before. Let’s look at the key reasons why the average investing age is dropping.
1. Technology Makes Investing Easy
You no longer need a broker or thousands of dollars. With just a phone, an app, and a few dollars, you can start investing.
Apps like Robinhood, Webull, Fidelity, and Acorns make the process simple and friendly for beginners. This removes fear and stress. You can even start earning passive income as a college student. It will only grow in the future.
2. More Financial Education
Young people see money videos on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram every day. Many schools now teach basic money skills, too.
In fact:
28% of Gen Z say they learned investing in school
Only 19% of Millennials learned it
Only 12% of Gen X learned it
Young people simply know more earlier.
3. Better Awareness of Compounding
People now understand that starting early brings big rewards.
For example, if you start at 20 instead of 35, your money can grow 2–3 times more by the time you retire, even if you invest the same amount.
4. Cheaper Fees and More Choices
Years ago, buying stocks cost high fees. Today, many apps let you buy stocks for $0 commission. You can even buy fractional shares, which means you can buy a piece of a stock instead of the whole stock.
5. Changing Ideas About Wealth
Older generations believed you should wait until you are “settled” in life.
But today, young people:
start side hustles
Save money earlier
want to build wealth sooner
They do not want to wait for their 30s to begin.
Here’s When Each Generation Actually Started Investing
This chart from the 2024 Schwab Modern Wealth Survey shows the real starting ages:
Generation | Average Age Started Investing |
Gen Z | 19 years old |
Millennials | 25 years old |
Gen X | 32 years old |
Boomers | 35 years old |
U.S. Average | 30 years old |
Nearly 3 out of 5 Americans are investing today, a record high. More people understand how important it is to grow their money over time.
Why Starting Early Matters: A Simple Example
Let’s see how two people grow their money over time.
Kim Starts at Age 20
invests $10,000 each year
keeps investing until age 65
earns 6% average return
Kim ends up with $2.32 million.
Out of this, $1.86 million is pure growth.
Lisa Starts at Age 35
invests the same amount as Kim
invests at the same return
Lisa ends up with $869,529.
Her growth is only $559,529.
What Does This Mean?
Starting 15 years earlier gave Kim almost 3 times more money.
This is why experts say:
“Start as soon as you are financially ready.”
When Should You Start Investing?
The best time to start is when you can follow these simple steps:
1. You Can Pay Your Basic Bills
Make sure you can cover rent, food, and transport.
2. You Have a Small Emergency Fund
Even $500–$1,000 is enough to begin.
3. You Have No High-Interest Debt
Debt with very high interest (like credit cards) can slow you down.
4. You Can Spare Even $10 or $20
You do not need a lot. You only need to start.
If you check these boxes, you are ready to begin.
Remember:
The best day to start was yesterday. The second-best day is today.
Net Income Zone can also help to diversify your portfolio. Simple tips, clear steps, and beginner-friendly guides make it the perfect place to start your investing journey today.
How to Start Investing at Any Age
Here is an easy plan you can follow, no matter your age.
Step 1: Learn the Basics
Understand simple terms like:
stocks
bonds
ETFs
index funds
compounding
You do not need to be an expert. You only need the basics.
Step 2: Pick a Good Investing App
Choose a trusted platform such as:
Fidelity
Vanguard
Charles Schwab
Robinhood
Acorns
These apps are easy and beginner-friendly.
Step 3: Start Small
Begin with simple investments like:
index funds
ETFs
fractional shares
These are low-risk and easy to understand.
Step 4: Invest Every Month
Even small amounts, like $20 or $50, help your money grow.
Step 5: Stay in the Market
Do not panic when the market goes down.
Investing works best when you stay in for a long time.
Investing at Different Ages: What to Expect
If You Start in Your Teens or 20s
You have time on your side. You can take small risks and watch your money grow for decades.
If You Start in Your 30s
You still have many years to grow your money. Most Americans begin in this age group.
If You Start in Your 40s or 50s
You may focus more on stability, but you can still build a strong retirement plan.
If You Start in Your 60s
You can still invest in safe, steady options to support your retirement.
Common Myths About Starting Age
Myth 1: “I need a lot of money to invest.”
Truth: You can start with just a few dollars.
Myth 2: “Investing is too hard.”
Truth: Modern apps make it very easy.
Myth 3: “It’s too late for me to start.”
Truth: It is never too late to begin.
Myth 4: “Young people should wait until they make more money.”
Truth: Even small early investments grow over time.
Simple Tips to Start Today
Use an automatic monthly deposit
Invest in index funds
Avoid trying to “time” the market
Focus on long-term goals
Keep learning simple money skills
Track your progress once a month
These steps keep your journey easy and stress-free.
The Bottom Line
The average age people start investing in the U.S. is around 30. But the starting age is getting younger every year.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Gen Z starts at 19
Millennials at 25
Gen X at 32
Boomers at 35
Younger people start early because of better technology, more financial education, and stronger awareness of compounding.
Experts agree:
The best time to start investing is as soon as you are financially ready.
You do not need a lot of money. You only need to take the first step.
With simple tools and small steps, you can grow your wealth and build a strong future — no matter your age.
Ready to take your investing skills to the next level? Net Income Zone can help you build a strong and balanced portfolio. With simple tools and easy guides, you can invest with confidence and shape a better financial future.
