Latest news with #Gen-Zers
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anheuser-Busch invests $300M in US manufacturing amid beer optimism
This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Anheuser-Busch announced it will spend $300 million on boosting manufacturing jobs at its U.S. facilities in 2025 through technology advancements and worker training programs. The investment builds on $2 billion that Anheuser-Busch spent over the past five years to enhance its U.S. operations. The latest $300 million will go toward technical training programs to upskill the workforce. The announcement comes as the company gained volume share in the struggling beer category in its most recent quarter, including for brands like Michelob Ultra and Busch Light. Anheuser-Busch is also seeing strengthening momentum for RTD canned cocktails including its Nütrl and Cutwater brands, according to the company's earnings report last week. Despite warning signs about the state of U.S. beer consumption, Anheuser-Busch is investing heavily in its manufacturing capabilities to fuel growth in the coming years. On the company's quarterly earnings call last week, CEO Michel Doukeris told investors that consumers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty, but underscored the company's faith in the beer category. 'What we see is that beer is more resilient than some other categories. And of course, it's an everyday affordable category,' Doukeris said. 'Our brands grew and grew the equivalent of 6 million consumers within the last quarter.' Anheuser-Busch's earnings report painted a mixed picture with a 6.4% decline in volumes in the first quarter of this year, which the company attributed to bad weather in the winter months. The brewer's revenues in North America declined 4.7% in the quarter. Industry-wide beer volumes declined 6% in February, Anheuser-Busch said, citing Circana data. Despite the dip, which took place amid a larger decline in consumer alcohol consumption, Anheuser-Busch remains confident that it can grow beer sales, particularly among adults nearing their 30s, including younger millennials and older Gen-Zers. When asked about declining sales of beer among younger consumers, Doukeris noted the 'COVID generation' is evolving at a different pace than previous cohorts did when they reached drinking age. He said people that are now 24 and 25 years old are catching up on the behaviors they missed out on, like going to musical festivals and sporting events. 'Participation is stronger in the older cohorts because people are … going out more often, spending more money,' Doukeris said. While the brewer works to regain market share in the traditional alcohol segment, it's seeing substantial growth among its nonalcoholic offerings. Revenue of nonalcoholic beer grew 34% in the first quarter of 2025, with Doukeris pointing to strong sales of Michelob Ultra Zero in the U.S. since its launch last fall. The CEO said the company is focused on expanding products viewed as healthier — including zero sugar, low-carb and nonalcoholic drinks — in order to make its beverages resonate more widely. Anheuser-Busch is emphasizing its U.S. production as the Trump administration institutes wide-ranging tariffs in an effort to push companies to reshore domestic manufacturing. On the earnings call, Doukeris told investors the company will see minimal exposure to tariffs, due to 99% of its volumes being locally produced. The beer giant has looked to play up its U.S. roots, particularly after a boycott of Bud Light among conservatives caused sales to tank. In 2024, Anheuser-Busch debuted bottles and cans with 'U.S. Farmed' labels for brands like Busch Light. Recommended Reading Anheuser-Busch invests $16M in facility to boost drinks 'beyond beer' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Organizations Need To Take Notice Of Gen-Z's Career Expectations
Jonathan H. Westover, PhD // Founder and CEO, Human Capital Innovations // Chief Academic & Learning Officer, HCI Academy. getty The old-school linear career path just doesn't seem to be cutting it for younger workers anymore. That's why they are pioneering a whole new approach—"micro-retirement." Unlike previous generations who often stayed with one employer for decades, they are taking a more dynamic, customized path. Wanting greater control over their careers and to avoid the burnout that's plagued so many older workers, micro-retirement is allowing them to take intentional breaks to pursue personal interests, travel, learn new skills or simply recharge. As a professor, I have always been deeply passionate about my work, but over the years, I found myself starting to feel a bit burned out. The constant grind of teaching, research and administrative duties can take a toll. While a bit different from the Gen-Z version of micro-retirement, I have personally experienced two separate sabbaticals, where I was able to completely disconnect from university work and focus on my personal projects, interests and well-being. I found both sabbaticals to be incredibly rejuvenating! When I returned to campus, I felt refreshed and inspired. I found that I was approaching my teaching and research with a newfound energy and enthusiasm. The time away had given me the chance to reflect on my priorities and rediscover my passion for the work. Though I am admittedly a bit older than Gen-Zers, this micro-retirement model has been a game changer for me. The Gen-Z Mindset: Prioritizing Flexibility And Work-Life Balance Gen-Z is already feeling burned out, with many young professionals feeling immense pressure to constantly be "on" and productive. Unlike previous generations who may have been more willing to sacrifice personal time for the sake of career advancement, Gen-Z places a high value on work-life balance and personal fulfillment. Research has shown that 76% of Gen-Z workers "prioritized work-life balance over pay." This mindset shift is a key driver behind the rise of micro-retirement, as Gen-Z seeks to proactively manage their energy and avoid the negative impacts of chronic stress and overwork. In addition to work-life balance, Gen-Z also places a high value on flexibility and autonomy in their careers. A recent study found that 75% of Gen-Z workers prefer a flexible work arrangement. The ability to shape their own career paths and take ownership of their professional development is a key priority for this generation. Micro-retirement aligns well with this desire for flexibility, as it enables Gen-Z professionals to temporarily step away from their full-time roles to pursue other interests or experiences without sacrificing their long-term career progression. The Benefits Of Micro-Retirement Beyond the obvious appeal of increased work-life balance and flexibility, micro-retirement can also provide a range of tangible benefits for both individuals and the organizations that employ them. • Improved Mental Health And Reduced Burnout: Research has shown that taking regular breaks from work can significantly reduce the risk of burnout and improve overall mental health and well-being. By stepping away from the demands of their day-to-day roles, micro-retirees have the opportunity to engage in self-care activities, pursue hobbies and recharge their mental and physical batteries. • Enhanced Skill Development And Professional Growth: Micro-retirement periods can also serve as valuable opportunities for professional development and skill-building. Many have pointed out that employees who engage in learning initiatives or volunteer work tend to experience greater levels of job satisfaction and career advancement. By using their micro-retirement time to learn new skills, take online courses or even start a side business, Gen-Z professionals can expand their capabilities and become more valuable assets to their employers. • Increased Loyalty And Retention: Surprisingly, micro-retirement can actually enhance employee loyalty and retention. By demonstrating trust and flexibility in allowing their employees to take these short breaks, organizations can foster a stronger sense of commitment and appreciation among their Gen-Z workforce. Practical Implications For Organizations As the micro-retirement trend continues to grow among Gen-Z, organizations across all industries will need to adapt their policies and practices to remain competitive in attracting and retaining this talented cohort. Here are some key strategies to consider: • Develop flexible time-off policies. Organizations should consider implementing formal micro-retirement policies that allow employees to take short, paid breaks from work (typically 2-4 weeks) on a regular basis (e.g., every 12-18 months). These policies should be designed to provide a clear framework for requesting and approving micro-retirement time, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organization. • Encourage skill-building and personal growth. Rather than viewing micro-retirement as simply time off, organizations should encourage employees to use this period to engage in professional development activities (e.g., online courses, volunteer work, side projects). By supporting and incentivizing skill-building during these breaks, employers can ensure that micro-retirees return to their roles with enhanced capabilities that benefit the organization. • Foster a culture of work-life balance. To fully embrace the micro-retirement trend, organizations must cultivate a culture that values work-life balance and personal fulfillment. This could involve modeling healthy work habits from the top down, celebrating employees who take advantage of micro-retirement opportunities and providing resources and support for mental health and wellness. • Leverage micro-retirement as a retention tool. Organizations can also position micro-retirement as a unique employee benefit to attract and retain top Gen-Z talent. By offering this perk, along with other flexible work arrangements, companies can differentiate themselves in a highly competitive talent market and demonstrate their commitment to supporting the evolving career needs of younger professionals. Conclusion The rise of "micro-retirement" among Gen-Zers signals a clear shift in their career priorities and expectations. They want greater workplace flexibility, improved work-life balance and robust development opportunities—must-haves when evaluating employers. To attract and retain top Gen-Z talent, organizations need to adapt their policies and cultures accordingly. Forward-thinking organizations that cater to our priorities will be positioned for success. Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More young adults are trusting peers over doctors, survey shows
(NewsNation) — An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but for an increasing number of young adults, it's apple cider vinegar, sea moss or whatever their peers recommend — all before seeing a professional. Roughly 45% of 18- to 34-year-olds have disregarded their doctor's orders and turned to friends, family and social media for medical answers in the last year, according to a survey by Edelman. That's a 13-point increase since 2024. Similarly, young adults reported a 12% increase in using social media advice over their doctor's. FSA grace period: Understanding your flexible spending account 'They're going to their peers because they're relatable, because they've experienced the same things that they have, because it's a judgment-free zone, they feel like,' social media expert Corey Perlman told NewsNation. Peer-to-peer trust, Perlman said, 'is overtaking the professional world.' The findings show a 'structural reorientation in how health is understood, trusted, and shared,' Edelman told NewsNation in a statement. They also reflect an upward trend of doctor distrust in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. But young people have not completely disregarded professional opinions. According to Edelman's survey, 82% of 18- to 35-year-olds said their doctor influences their medical decisions. Colon cancer rates connected to childhood toxin exposure: Research Nearly three-quarters of those in that age range said they were influenced by friends and family, and 72% said the same about health experts. While many Gen-Zers and millennials turn to social media for just about everything, 33% of young people said their medical decisions are influenced by content creators without medical training. The Edelman survey asked more than 16,000 people in 16 countries about their habits in March 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What Net Worth Puts You In The Top 1%, 5%, And 10% Of Americans?
Wealthy senior couple drinking champagne in a limousine The U.S. economy is a rollercoaster. Stocks and bonds have taken a beating. New tariffs are shaking up markets, and layoffs are making headlines. For both the rich and everyone else, people are interested in where they stand financially in light of all the chaos. Since the stock market has taken a hit, and there have been a large number of federal workers getting laid off, has the net worth needed to rank among the nation's wealthiest changed this year so far? Surprisingly, despite the turmoil, the thresholds to join the top 1%, 5%, and 10% remain sky-high, reflecting the resilience of wealth at the top. Recent data from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, Yahoo Finance, and MoneyWise paint a clear picture of what it takes to break into America's upper echelons. To join the top 1%, your net worth needs to fall between $11.6 million and $13.7 million, a slight dip from 2024 peaks due to market declines but still among the highest in history. For the top 5%, a net worth of $1.17 million to $2.7 million secures your spot, while the top 10% requires between $970,900 and $1.9 million. If you are aspiring to the top 25%, you'll need roughly $340,000 to $500,000, a milestone many Gen-Zers can target early in their careers. At the pinnacle, the top 0.1% command a staggering $62 million, often amassed through entrepreneurship, high-growth investments, or inheritance. These numbers aren't just abstract benchmarks. They reflect how Americans perceive wealth. According to Charles Schwab's 2024 Modern Wealth Survey, the average person believes $2.5 million is needed to feel 'wealthy,' up 14% from $2.2 million in 2023, driven by inflation and rising costs. Yet, financial comfort requires less, about $778,000, down from $1 million the previous year, suggesting a shift toward valuing security over extravagance. For Gen-Z, who prioritize experiences over material wealth, these perceptions highlight the importance of defining personal success, a key step in financial planning. Wealth in America remains highly concentrated, with the top 1% controlling roughly 30% of the nation's total wealth. This concentration acts as a buffer, shielding the ultra-wealthy from market swings. While stocks and bonds fell 10–15% or more in early 2025, the richest Americans rely on diversified portfolios such as real estate, private businesses, crypto currencies, private equity, and alternative investments that may not be correlated with stocks. Years of bull market gains from 2020 to 2024 also mean that even recent losses haven't erased the wealth accumulated over time. For example, a top 1% investor with $12 million in 2024 might lose 10% in stocks but offset it with gains in property or private equity, keeping their rank intact. Several forces drive these trends. New tariffs, while sparking inflation and slowing growth, haven't dented the wealthiest households as much as middle and lower income ones. The rich often capitalize on market dislocations, snapping up undervalued assets during downturns. Layoffs, meanwhile, hit wage earners harder than those with multiple income streams or significant investments. The wealthiest Americans tend to own a mix of assets including businesses, real estate, Bitcoin, crypto currencies and commodities. The diversification helps weather economic storms better than stocks alone. For the top 0.1%, founding or scaling a business, like a tech startup, remains a primary path, though high-growth investments and inheritance play roles too. For Gen-Z and their families, the path forward involves high earnings, savvy investing, and entrepreneurial grit. Start small, budget wisely, invest early, and pursue impactful careers. The bar may be high, but with discipline, it's not out of reach. As markets ebb and flow, the ultra-wealthy continue to set the pace, but anyone can begin building their financial future today. For Gen-Z and their parents, these thresholds offer both inspiration and a challenge. Reaching the top 10% or even 25% is within reach with the right strategies. High earnings in fields like tech or healthcare can set the foundation. A Gen-Z software coder earning a $150,000 base salary plus a handsome bonus and stock options awarded each year and saved $30,000 annually, can build a nice nest egg ten or twenty years later. Investing early, even $50 a month in low-cost index funds through platforms like Vanguard, leverages time to compound wealth. Entrepreneurship, such as launching a side hustle on Etsy or freelancing on Upwork, can accelerate the journey.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Young Americans Reshape Finances Amid Economic Pressures
Young Consumers Managing Money baranq - From pandemics and environmental crises to rising inflation and tariffs, young Americans are navigating an economic landscape defined by unpredictability. The impact of high interest rates, a skyrocketing housing market and stagnating wages mean that Millennials and Gen-Z in particular are feeling the squeeze. But how these age groups are approaching economic pressures is shifting, and it doesn't follow the well-thumbed financial playbook of prior generations. Young people are adapting their financial habits in real time, re-evaluating their spending habits and redefining their long-term financial strategies. 'It's not just about budgeting anymore,' said Gen-Z finance expert and CEO of finance community Frich, Katrin Kaurov. Gen-Zers 'want to understand how money fits into every aspect of their lives…whether they can afford to go on a second date, if their friends are spending hundreds on therapy, or if it's smart to buy from the TikTok shop. Financial decisions used to mean checking your accounts or investing, but now every single tiny decision a Gen-Zer makes is inherently money-driven.' Rethinking spending in an uncertain economy As Gen-Zers age out of education into their early careers - managing their own money for the first time - and Millennials enter peak earning years, both generations are being forced to reassess their spending priorities. In a stable economy, budgeting can feel like a side task or a nice-to-have. But today, amid high inflation and global uncertainty, it has become a form of self-preservation. The current economy is taking its toll on America's young people; according to a recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, over 58% of Gen-Z and 55% of Millennials report feeling only somewhat in control of their financial lives. Prosper - Live For Today Prosper Insights & Analytics Young people are counteracting this in their own ways, cutting back in certain areas. According to the same Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, 49% of Gen-Z and 45% of Millennials are dining out less, while 34% of Gen-Z and 28% of Millennials are reducing entertainment spending. AI-powered finance app Piere's data backs this up, as 30% of users see food delivery services as unnecessary. These behavioral shifts point to a growing generational priority: survival over lifestyle upgrades. Prosper - Deferred Purchases Over Last 30 Days Prosper Insights & Analytics 'This generation isn't waiting for the economy to stabilize,' said Aleksandra Medina, co-founder and CPO of Frich. 'We're also seeing many opt out of lifestyle inflation: whether that's staying in and cooking, having movie nights with friends, or cancelling their non-essential subscriptions.' 'Financial anxiety shows up in the everyday moments,' added Yuval Shuminer, CEO of Piere. 'Choosing between buying groceries or covering a bill, second-guessing a purchase, or just wondering if you're 'doing it right.' For a lot of our users, it's not just about the big-ticket decisions, it's the mental weight of constant trade-offs.' Debt, credit, and the struggle for stability Millennials in particular are carrying increasing financial burdens. Nearly 40% of Millennial Piere users have leaned more on credit cards in the past year to cover everyday expenses. One in five spent over $500 more than usual. A recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey shows that only 32% of Gen-Zers and 40% of Millennials pay off their balances in full each month, with 16% of each group paying only the minimum. Prosper - Payment of Credit Card Balance Monthly Prosper Insights & Analytics 'Millennials aren't just reacting, they're recalibrating,' Shuminer added. 'They're using credit to stay afloat in the short term, but they're also carving out space for their future. It's not always tidy, but it's smart, adaptive, and resilient - exactly what the moment demands.' In fact, Piere reports a 30% increase in savings deposits during the same period, suggesting that many are working hard to prepare for emergencies, even if it means juggling debt at the same time. For Gen-Z, many of whom are still in the early career stages or completing their education, the tension between short-term and long-term financial goals is just as intense. 'Many Gen-Zers find themselves walking a financial tightrope,' said Medina. 'They're torn between covering immediate costs and preparing for emergencies, while inflation, student debt, and housing instability make saving feel nearly impossible. There's a lot of pressure to do both but not enough income or security to make it happen consistently.' 'It's hard to feel confident about long-term planning when the world itself feels unpredictable,' she added. 'From political instability and environmental crises to pandemics and natural disasters, Gen-Z is growing up with a front-row seat to volatility. The outdated belief that if you work hard, good things will happen just doesn't work anymore.' Delaying major milestones The financial strain is not only affecting day-to-day decisions: it's reshaping entire life plans. According to Piere, nearly 60% of Millennial users report delaying a major milestone like buying a home, getting married, or starting a family due to financial pressure. 'The old playbook says buy a house by 30, start a family by 35. However, that just doesn't line up with what many Millennials are facing today,' said Shuminer. 'We're seeing a clear shift away from traditional status symbols and toward financial flexibility, emotional security, and long-term peace of mind. It's not about falling behind, it's about adapting to a world where stability is earned, not assumed.' Among Gen-Z, this shift is even more foundational. Rather than delaying goals, many are rewriting them entirely, choosing to monetize hobbies, focus on mental wellbeing, or seek non-traditional careers that prioritize freedom and purpose. 'One trend in particular that stands out is how so many Gen-Zers have taken to launching their own side hustles - earning money by making TikTok content or running an Etsy shop—which monetize their hobbies,' said Medina. 'Even if side hustles are short-lived, the impact they have on Gen-Z can be long-term.' The future of financial decision-making Both Frich and Piere are part of a new wave of digital tools that empower young people to take back control of their finances: not by restricting their spending, but by giving them insights into how to control their money. 'Piere is built to find money that's hiding in plain sight,' Shuminer added. 'We're not here to tell people to skip their latte or feel guilty for spending. We focus on surfacing the stuff they can't see.' 'When people see what others like them are spending, it removes the guesswork and guilt,' said Kaurov. 'For Gen-Z, comparison is about community, context, and understanding what's normal or achievable, rather than negative comparison.' 'Gen-Z is often unfairly compared to older generations who bought homes at 25 or graduated without student debt, but the world has changed, so those comparisons aren't useful,' she continued. 'If you think about it, we're benchmarked in every other aspect of life…But when it comes to money, most people have no idea what's typical. That creates stress, uncertainty, and a constant feeling of 'Am I doing this wrong?'' So far, the economic pressures of 2025, which have included rising debt, an unexpected spike in inflation and crashing markets, have forced young Americans to confront their finances head-on. But their reactions to an anticipated recession are unlike those we've seen before, and the long-term economic implications of these behaviors are yet to be seen. For the personal finances of Gen-Z and Millennials, however, the fluctuating economic circumstances are only encouraging a greater focus on what young people do with their money - and why.
