For Gen Z, adulthood isn’t necessarily about following the same checklist as the generations before them. The goals may still be familiar, including financial stability, good health, a fulfilling career, and eventually a home of your own, but the path to achieving them looks different.
For young Filipinos, “having it together” increasingly means finding meaningful work, building financial independence, staying healthy, and working toward home ownership while navigating the financial realities of everyday life.
WHAT DOES GEN ZS REALLY WANT?
Like previous generations, Gen Z still wants to achieve milestones like financial stability and home ownership. Many are becoming more careful about the jobs they take or are considering starting their own businesses, looking for work that provides both personal fulfillment and financial growth.
Health is another long-term priority. While coming of age during the COVID-19 pandemic and seeing its effects on physical and mental health, many Gen Zs have adopted a more wellness-focused mindset, incorporating healthier eating habits and time for exercise into their routines.
Taken together, these priorities suggest that Gen Z does not necessarily reject traditional ideas of success. Instead, young adults are looking for ways to achieve financial independence while pursuing work that also offers growth, fulfillment and purpose.
WHAT STANDS BETWEEN GEN ZS AND HIS GOALS?
Financial security remains one of the biggest obstacles. A Deloitte global study found this 52% of Gen Z respondents live paycheck to paycheck, leaving many young adults with little room beyond that daily expenses.
With more of their income going to immediate needs, building savings can become increasingly difficult. The same Deloitte study found this 41% of Gen Z respondents worldwide fear they will not be able to retire comfortablywhile research by Boston Consulting Group found that only 46% of Filipinos feel prepared for a financial crisis.
These pressures can make traditional milestones feel more difficult to achieve, especially as young adults try to balance current expenses with future goals such as home ownership, entrepreneurship, health and retirement.
WHAT GEN ZS ARE THAT TURN DREAMS INTO REALITY
At the same time, financial literacy among Filipino adults is improving. A Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Consumer Expectations Survey cited in the material found that financial literacy has increased 74% in 2025 from 64% in 2021.
Young Filipinos are also becoming more connected to formal financial instruments. BSP figures cited in the release show that the proportion of young adults aged 15 to 19 with financial accounts, including bank accounts, e-wallets, and other transaction accounts, has increased. 27% in 2021 to 34% in 2025.
These numbers don’t mean Gen Z has it all figured out financially. However, they suggest increasing access to financial knowledge and tools that can help young people make more informed decisions.
Financial planning also goes beyond saving for a specific milestone. Unexpected expenses and life events can disrupt even carefully made plans, making protection and emergency planning another part of staying on track.
BUILD ONLY LONG TERM GOALS
EastWest Ageas developed Dream Builder as a protection solution to help Filipino Gen Zs work towards longer-term goals while protecting their financial plans.
Dream Builder offers guaranteed 5% annual cash payouts which policyholders can use to build financial security and set aside funds for future needs. The product is available in 10-pay, 5-pay, and the newer 2-pay options, giving policyholders multiple ways to structure payments around their priorities and budgets.
The product fits into a broader shift in how young adults approach financial planning. Rather than waiting until every other milestone is in place, Gen Z can build savings and protection into their plans while still addressing current needs.
Adults on their own terms
Gen Z still values milestones like home ownership, long-term health, fulfilling work, and financial independence, but reaching them may no longer follow the same timeline as it did for previous generations.
For a generation balancing today’s spending with tomorrow’s ambitions, adulthood may be less about reaching every milestone by a certain age and more about making thoughtful financial choices that keep those goals within reach.
More information about the product is available via the EastWest Ageas Dream Builder page.