NCFY Recommends: 'The State of Young America: Economic Barriers to the American Dream'

In "The State of Young America: Economic Barriers to the American Dream," the policy organization Demos and the nonprofit Young Invincibles portray the experiences of young Americans struggling to make it.

The report is based on a survey of young adults, ages 18-34. An accompanying data book describes the increasing gap between the wealthy and the poor and compares the economic status of today's young people to that of the previous generation.

The report finds that:

• Many young Americans are falling into personal debt. Forty-two percent of those under age 35 have more than $5,000 in personal debt. 
• Among all young people who have seen their debt increase, school loans (42 percent), credit cards (35 percent) and medical bills (27 percent) are the most common. 
• The percentage of young adults with jobs is at its lowest point in a generation.

Additional Resource

NCFY Recommends: Financial Literacy Tips for Young Adults