If you’ve been watching the financial landscape over the last few decades, one thing is clear: the rules have changed.
According to a global wealth report from Allianz, baby boomers (born 1946–1964) have become the wealthiest generation in history. Many followed a straightforward wealth-building roadmap: buy a home, stay the course in your career, rely on a pension and Social Security, and retire comfortably.
But millennials? They’re not necessarily rejecting wealth-building — they’re adapting it.
And here in the South Shore & Greater Boston, MA, we’re seeing that shift play out in real time.
1️⃣ Renting vs. Buying: A More Complicated Decision
For boomers, owning a home was often the default wealth strategy and a cornerstone of the American Dream.
Today, the conversation is more nuanced.
With higher home prices and elevated mortgage rates across Greater Boston and the South Shore, many millennials are weighing flexibility, lifestyle, and financial liquidity differently. Renting can feel like a safer short-term move — especially for those navigating student loans, career changes, or entrepreneurship.
That said, it’s important to zoom out.
While affordability challenges are real, homeownership still remains one of the most powerful long-term wealth-building tools available — particularly in strong markets like ours. Over time, owning real estate can provide:
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Equity growth
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Protection against rising rents
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Tax advantages
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Long-term appreciation
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The ability to leverage assets for future investments
We’re also seeing a strategic shift: many younger buyers are choosing multi-family homes, house hacking, or purchasing properties with rental income potential. They may not be following the exact same path as previous generations — but they are building wealth through real estate in creative ways.
At The Jenkins Group, we believe the question isn’t “Should everyone buy?”
It’s: Does buying align with your financial strategy right now?
And that’s a conversation worth having.
2️⃣ Retirement Planning Without Pensions
Another major shift? Retirement looks very different than it did 30 years ago.
Private-sector pensions that once guaranteed lifetime income have largely disappeared. Instead, millennials are relying heavily on self-funded retirement vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs.
On top of that, projections show the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund could face funding challenges in the coming years under current law. While payroll taxes would still cover a significant portion of benefits, uncertainty has pushed younger generations to take more personal responsibility for long-term retirement planning.
In other words:
They’re not counting on someone else to fund their future.
They’re diversifying.
For many, that includes:
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Retirement accounts
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Investment portfolios
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Real estate holdings
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Side businesses
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Alternative income streams
And increasingly, we’re seeing clients view real estate not just as a place to live — but as a piece of a larger financial puzzle.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a boomer, Gen X, millennial, or somewhere in between, one thing hasn’t changed:
💡 Money is personal.
Your financial decisions should reflect your goals, your lifestyle, your risk tolerance, and your long-term vision.
At The Jenkins Group, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. We believe in helping you understand your options — especially in a competitive and ever-evolving market like South Shore & Greater Boston.
Sometimes buying makes sense.
Sometimes waiting does.
Sometimes investing instead of upgrading is the smarter play.
The key is having the right information — and the right team.
Let’s Connect the Dots
Real estate doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s deeply connected to your overall financial plan.
That’s why we’re always happy to connect our clients with our trusted financial advisor professionals. Whether you’re:
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Considering your first purchase
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Evaluating an investment property
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Planning for retirement
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Downsizing strategically
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Or simply trying to understand how real estate fits into your broader wealth strategy
We can help you build the right team around you.
The bottom line?
Millennials aren’t abandoning wealth-building — they’re updating it.
And no matter your generation, thoughtful strategy wins every time.
If you’d ever like to talk through your options here in the South Shore or Greater Boston area, we’re here for you.
The Jenkins Group — Helping You Make Smart Moves for Every Season of Life.
