For Gen Z, adulting isn’t necessarily about following the same checklist as the generations before them. The goals may be familiar—financial stability, good health, a fulfilling career, and eventually a home of their own—but the path to getting there looks different.

So, what does “having it together” actually look like for Gen Zs today? From finding meaningful work and building financial independence to staying healthy and working toward homeownership, here’s a look at what young Filipinos are prioritizing, what’s standing in their way, and how they’re working toward their goals.

What Do Gen Zs Really Want? 

Like the generations before, Gen Z still wants to reach milestones like financial stability and homeownership. That’s why they are more intentional about the jobs they take on or plan to open their own businesses. This way, they want to find work that can hit two birds—personal fulfillment and financial growth—with one stone.

Gen Z also values staying healthy in the long run. After all, this is a generation that came of age during the COVID-19 pandemic and saw how it took a toll on people’s physical and mental health. It’s no wonder, then, that they’ve adopted a wellness-first mindset, with their daily routines fitting in healthier eating habits and time at the gym.

Taken together, these priorities suggest that Gen Z isn’t necessarily moving away from traditional ideas of success. Rather, they’re looking for ways to achieve financial independence while also finding work that offers growth, fulfillment, and purpose.

What’s Standing Between Gen Zs and Their Goals? 

There is one major roadblock standing in the way of Gen Zs and their life goals: their financial security. A Deloitte global study found that 52% of Gen Zs are living paycheck to paycheck, meaning more young adults can barely afford daily expenses.

As more Gen Zs focus their salaries on everyday needs, finding the funds to build savings can become a challenge. The same Deloitte study found that 41% of Gen Zs worldwide worry they won’t be able to retire comfortably. Meanwhile, the Boston Consulting Group found that only 46% of all Filipinos feel prepared for a financial crisis.

How Gen Zs Are Turning Their Dreams into Reality  

The good news is that Gen Z is becoming smarter with their money to make their goals happen no matter what. A Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Consumer Expectations Survey found that financial literacy among Filipino adults has increased to 74% in 2025 from 64% in 2021.  Young Filipinos are also becoming more connected to formal financial tools. According to the BSP, the number of young adults aged 15 to 19 with financial accounts, including bank accounts, e-wallets, and other transaction accounts, grew from 27% in 2021 to 34% in 2025.

These figures don’t necessarily mean Gen Z has everything figured out financially. But they do show that young Filipinos are gaining greater access to the knowledge and tools to make more informed financial decisions. And because life doesn’t always go according to plan, financial planning isn’t just about building toward a goal. It’s also about having a way to stay on track when unexpected expenses or life events get in the way.

As the Filipinos’ partner in pursuing their purpose for their people, EastWest Ageas developed Dream Builder, a protection solution designed to help Filipino Gen Zs reach their dreams and safeguard their future. It offers guaranteed 5% annual cash payouts to help policyholders build financial security and set aside funds for long-term plans. Dream Builder is also available in 10-Pay, 5-Pay, and the new 2-Pay payment options, giving policyholders the power to choose which one fits their current priorities and budget.

While Gen Zs still value milestones like homeownership and long-term health, the path to achieving them looks different from the one their parents took. For a generation balancing today’s expenses with tomorrow’s ambitions, adulting may be less about hitting every milestone by a certain age and more about making thoughtful financial choices that keep those goals within reach. And with a plan like Dream Builder, Gen Zs can work towards their dreams one step at a time without putting today’s priorities on hold.

Learn more about Dream Builder at https://ewageas.com.ph/our-solutions/protect/dream-builder