A new Harris Poll commissioned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate reveals that 28% of Gen Z adults would choose their dream home over their dream job, demonstrating the generation's willingness to make significant sacrifices for homeownership. According to the survey, 92% of Gen Zers who aren't homeowners want to buy one day, even if it means setting aside other major life goals. This commitment to homeownership is part of a broader trend where more than three-quarters of Gen Zers have moved in or considered living with their parents or in-laws to save up for a home. As Mary Lee Blaylock, president of Coldwell Banker Affiliates, tells Fortune, "Gen Z is telling us loud and clear that owning a home is still the milestone that says you've made it. Many are moving back in with family and making real sacrifices now because they see homeownership as the foundation for the life they want to build."
According to the How India Saves 2026 survey by Stable Money and YouGov, 80% of Indians use digital platforms to save or invest, with 65% beginning their savings journey by age 30. The comprehensive study of 1,212 urban Indian adults across more than 150 cities and towns revealed that 83% currently save or invest, with saving habits starting young as 39% begin between 18-25 years and another 26% between 26-30. As reported by Mint, this early adoption pattern suggests a generation of savers who take their financial responsibilities seriously, with digital access potentially lowering barriers to starting investment habits.
The survey findings show a significant shift in household financial decision-making, with 46% of women surveyed making household financial decisions independently and 29% deciding jointly with their spouse or partner. According to Mint, only 11% leave these decisions to their spouse or partner, while an equal 11% rely on financial advisors. Among all respondents, 56% make household financial decisions themselves and another 23% make these decisions jointly, indicating a growing trend toward financial independence among Indian women.
When asked about preferred investment products, 23% of respondents chose mutual funds as their first choice, followed by 21% preferring bank fixed deposits and recurring deposits. As reported by Mint, gold and silver received 14% preference, while equities and insurance plans each got 12% and savings plans received 10%. In the top three ranking, mutual funds (57%) and bank FDs and RDs (56%) lead, ahead of gold and silver (45%), insurance or savings plans (39%), and equities (36%). Bank FDs remain the clear leader among fixed income products, with 56% placing them in their top three against 20% for PPF, 19% for government bonds, and 7% for corporate bonds.
When asked about unexpected lump sums, 87% of respondents would save, invest, or clear debt, with 32% investing in higher-growth options such as equities or mutual funds and 25% in fixed-income products. As reported by Mint, only 13% would spend the money, with 8% on travel or experiences and 5% on luxury purchases. This behavior reflects a response to current economic times, with savers valuing both predictability and growth opportunities in their investment choices.
